Why is the Kimura grip maintained throughout the entire transition to back control?

The Kimura grip serves multiple essential functions during the transition: it provides a secure connection point to the opponent that prevents separation during movement, it creates the initial submission threat that forces their defensive roll, it acts as a steering mechanism to control their rotation direction, and it prevents them from turning back into you once you begin taking the back. Releasing the grip prematurely eliminates all these control elements and typically results in losing position entirely.

What is the primary defensive reaction you are seeking to elicit from the opponent when applying Kimura pressure?

You want the opponent to roll toward their trapped arm to relieve the shoulder pressure of the Kimura lock. This defensive rolling motion naturally exposes their back and creates the pathway for establishing back control. The submission threat creates a predictable defensive response that becomes the entry point for positional advancement. Understanding this action-reaction relationship is fundamental to using submissions as position-advancing tools rather than merely finish attempts.

In what sequence should hooks be established during the Kimura to back take transition, and why does this order matter?

The bottom hook must always be established first, followed by the top hook. The bottom hook provides foundational control that prevents the opponent from escaping toward that side and creates a secure base from which to work. It also prevents them from turning back into you. Only after the bottom hook is deep and secure should you insert the top hook. Attempting to establish the top hook first leaves a major escape route open and makes it much easier for the opponent to defend or escape the position.

How do you prevent losing control during the grip transition from Kimura configuration to seat belt harness?

The key is never releasing the Kimura grip until the replacement control is already partially established. Both hooks must be fully secured first, providing lower body control. Then, slide your top arm across for the seat belt while your bottom Kimura arm remains locked. Only when the seat belt arm is in position and applying pressure do you release the Kimura configuration completely. Think of it as overlapping control systems where you always have at least one form of strong control active.

What adjustment should you make if your opponent posts aggressively and prevents the rolling motion necessary for the back take?

When opponent establishes strong base and posts to prevent rolling, you have several systematic options: First, threaten the Kimura finish more aggressively to break their structural base with submission pressure. Second, transition to alternative attacks such as arm triangle or north-south Kimura for different angles. Third, if they remain turtled, attack turtle directly with traditional back takes. The principle is that their commitment to one defense creates vulnerability to other attacks.

Why is following the opponent's defensive motion superior to forcing them to roll?

Following their natural defensive movement is more effective because it conserves your energy, works with momentum rather than against it, maintains better control throughout the transition, and creates less opportunity for scrambles or reversals. When you force movement, the opponent feels the direction you are pushing and can brace or counter. When you apply pressure and follow their chosen defensive path, they are moving themselves into the position you want while believing they are defending.

Kimura to Back Take Attacker | BJJ Technique Guide

The Kimura to Back Take from the attacker’s perspective is about converting an established grip control system into the most dominant position in grappling. The attacker uses progressive Kimura pressure to force a predictable defensive rolling motion, then follows that motion while maintaining the figure-four grip as both anchor and steering mechanism. The transition requires patience to create genuine submission threat, sensitivity to read when the opponent commits to their defensive roll, and disciplined sequencing to establish hooks before releasing the Kimura grip for seat belt control. Mastery of this transition transforms the Kimura from a single submission attempt into a complete positional control system where the opponent’s logical defensive choices consistently lead to worse positions.

From Position: Kimura Trap (Bottom)

Key Attacking Principles

What are the key principles for executing Kimura to Back Take?

Maintain Kimura grip control throughout the entire transition as your primary connection to the opponent
Use progressive submission pressure to force opponent’s defensive movement rather than attempting to finish immediately
Follow opponent’s roll or turn rather than forcing their direction of movement
Keep chest-to-back connection during the position change to prevent space creation
Establish seat belt grip before releasing Kimura control to maintain overlapping control systems
Control opponent’s hips with legs to prevent escape once hooks are inserted

Prerequisites

What do you need before attempting Kimura to Back Take?

Secure Kimura grip with figure-four arm configuration locked near opponent’s elbow
Opponent’s trapped arm bent at approximately 90 degrees behind their back
Strong shoulder pressure preventing opponent’s escape to guard
Hip positioning that allows quick lateral movement to follow opponent’s rotation
Opponent begins defensive rolling motion or turtling in response to submission pressure
Weight distribution allowing rapid transition without losing grip or chest connection

Execution Steps

How do you execute Kimura to Back Take step by step?

Secure Kimura grip: Establish figure-four Kimura grip on opponent’s arm with their elbow bent and hand behind their back. Your grip hand should feed through under their arm near the elbow, meeting your other hand in a strong wrist-on-wrist configuration. Apply initial shoulder lock pressure to create discomfort and force a defensive reaction.
Pressure the submission: Increase Kimura pressure by lifting opponent’s hand toward their shoulder blade while driving their elbow toward their far hip. This creates the dilemma that forces their defensive response. Apply enough pressure that staying stationary becomes untenable, but maintain control rather than attempting to finish immediately.
Read defensive movement: Recognize opponent’s defensive pattern - typically rolling toward the trapped arm to relieve shoulder pressure or turtling to protect the submission. Their body rotation toward the Kimura is the primary back exposure opportunity. Stay alert to their hip direction and shoulder rotation as commitment indicators.
Follow the roll: As opponent begins rolling, maintain your Kimura grip absolutely while using your body weight to follow their rotation. Keep your chest connected to their upper back throughout the roll. Allow them to roll underneath you while you maintain top position, riding their movement like a wave rather than fighting it.
Climb to back position and insert hooks: As opponent completes their roll, use your Kimura grip as an anchor point while bringing your inside leg over their hip. Insert your bottom hook first by threading your foot inside their thigh, then follow with top hook. Your chest should remain heavy on their upper back, preventing them from turning back into you.
Transition to seat belt control: Once both hooks are secured and opponent cannot immediately escape, begin transitioning from Kimura grip to seat belt harness. Slide your top arm across opponent’s neck or chest while bottom arm controls their opposite shoulder. Only release Kimura grip completely once seat belt configuration is established and hooks are deep. This final control transition must be smooth to prevent escape during grip change.

Possible Outcomes

Result	Position	Probability
Success	Back Control	58%
Failure	Kimura Trap	30%
Counter	Half Guard	12%

Opponent Counters

How might your opponent counter Kimura to Back Take?

Opponent grabs their own belt or pants to prevent arm isolation (Effectiveness: High) - Your Response: Use the static position to improve your angle and body positioning, then attack with small circular adjustments to break the grip rather than pure force. Consider transitioning to different attacks like arm triangle if they commit fully to the grip. → Leads to Kimura Trap
Opponent posts and bases hard to prevent rolling (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Response: Transition to other Kimura-based attacks such as the finish itself, or switch to taking the back from turtle by climbing over. Their rigid base creates different vulnerabilities you can exploit through angle changes and increased submission pressure. → Leads to Kimura Trap
Opponent rolls quickly in opposite direction (away from Kimura) (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Response: This counter-roll can actually work in your favor if anticipated. Follow their momentum and look for armbar opportunities or mount position as they roll away from the lock. Their arm often extends during the counter-roll, creating direct Kimura finish opportunities. → Leads to Half Guard
Opponent tucks trapped elbow tight and refuses to move (Effectiveness: Low) - Your Response: Use the static control to systematically break down their defense by adjusting angles, applying progressive pressure, or threatening the submission finish. Their defensive rigidity prevents their own offense and you can patiently work to improve position or walk toward their head for finishing angle. → Leads to Kimura Trap

Common Attacking Mistakes

What mistakes should you avoid when executing Kimura to Back Take?

1. Releasing Kimura grip too early during transition

Consequence: Opponent escapes the sequence entirely and can recover guard or achieve reversal
Correction: Maintain the Kimura lock throughout the entire back take until seat belt control is fully established with both hooks secured

2. Forcing opponent to roll rather than following their natural defensive movement

Consequence: Creates scramble situation where control is lost and opponent can counter or escape
Correction: Apply pressure and create the dilemma, then follow their response. Let them give you the back rather than taking it forcefully

3. Allowing space to develop between your chest and opponent’s back during roll

Consequence: Opponent can turn back into you or escape to guard before hooks are established
Correction: Maintain heavy chest pressure and shoulder connection throughout transition. Your weight should follow them continuously with hips driving into their lower back

4. Attempting to insert top hook before bottom hook is secured

Consequence: Opponent escapes through the open side or performs a leg-based escape technique
Correction: Always establish bottom hook first as foundation, then add top hook. Bottom hook prevents escape while top hook adds control

5. Focusing only on the submission and missing the back take opportunity

Consequence: Losing position entirely when opponent successfully defends the Kimura finish
Correction: View Kimura as control system with multiple pathways. When opponent defends submission, immediately shift focus to positional advancement

6. Insufficient initial Kimura pressure causing opponent to remain static

Consequence: No defensive movement occurs, eliminating the opportunity for back take transition
Correction: Apply progressive submission pressure to create genuine threat. Opponent must feel compelled to move defensively to expose their back

Training Progressions

How do you train Kimura to Back Take (Attacker)?

Week 1-2: Grip Retention - Maintaining Kimura grip during partner movement Partner establishes Kimura from side control. Bottom person performs slow defensive rolls while top person focuses solely on maintaining grip integrity and following movement. No attempt to establish hooks yet. Build grip strength and movement coordination.

Week 3-4: Hook Insertion Timing - Recognizing back exposure and securing hooks Add hook insertion to the drill. As bottom person rolls, top person identifies the moment of back exposure and establishes bottom hook, then top hook. Practice proper sequencing and timing. Bottom person uses 25% resistance, holding position once hooks touch but not fighting vigorously.

Week 5-6: Complete Sequence with Control - Full transition including seat belt establishment Execute complete sequence from Kimura grip through back control with seat belt. Partner provides moderate resistance, attempting to prevent transition but not explosive escapes. Focus on smooth grip transition from Kimura to harness. Work on maintaining control throughout.

Week 7-8: Countering Defenses - Reading and adapting to opponent’s defensive choices Partner actively defends using various counters: posting to prevent roll, counter-rolling away, grip fighting, etc. Practitioner must read defense and adjust technique accordingly. Build problem-solving skills under realistic resistance.

Week 9-10: Multiple Entry Points - Hitting transition from various Kimura setups Practice Kimura to back take from multiple starting positions: side control, turtle, north-south, half guard. Develop universal principles that apply regardless of specific context. Partner provides varied resistance levels randomly.

Week 11+: Live Integration - Applying technique during positional and full sparring Use technique actively during live training sessions. Start from side control and turtle positions and work for Kimura opportunities with explicit goal of taking the back. Track success rates and identify personal sticking points for additional drilling.

Safety Considerations

What are the safety concerns for Kimura to Back Take?

The Kimura to Back Take transition is relatively safe compared to submission finishes, but practitioners must exercise appropriate control during execution. When applying initial Kimura pressure to create the defensive reaction, avoid explosive or excessive force that could injure the shoulder joint - the goal is to create movement, not injury. During the rolling phase, be aware of your weight distribution to avoid driving your shoulder or elbow into opponent’s head or neck. When establishing hooks, control your leg movements to avoid accidental strikes to the opponent’s lower back or kidneys. During training, communicate clearly with partners about resistance levels and pause immediately if either person loses control of the movement. The transition can be practiced safely at all skill levels with appropriate progressive resistance.

Kimura to Back Take Attacker

Outcomes