Rolling Kimura Escape

The Rolling Kimura Escape is an advanced defensive technique used to escape when an opponent has secured a tight Kimura grip on your arm. This dynamic escape utilizes forward rolling mechanics to relieve shoulder pressure and create space for guard recovery. The technique is particularly effective when traditional defensive frames have failed and the shoulder lock is being applied with significant pressure. The rolling motion works by using momentum and body rotation to change the angle of attack, transforming what would be a devastating submission into an opportunity to return to a neutral or even advantageous position. This escape requires excellent timing, spatial awareness, and complete commitment to the rolling motion. The key principle is that by rolling in the direction of the lock rather than resisting against it, you can momentarily relieve pressure while repositioning your body to defend. Success depends heavily on recognizing the exact moment when your opponent is committed to the finish and cannot easily adjust their base to follow your roll.

Starting Position: Kimura Control Ending Position: Open Guard Success Rates: Beginner 30%, Intermediate 50%, Advanced 70%

Key Principles

• Commit fully to the forward roll - hesitation leads to injury
• Roll in the direction of the lock to relieve shoulder pressure
• Use momentum to create distance and disrupt opponent’s control
• Protect your neck throughout the rolling motion with chin tucked
• Establish frames immediately upon completing the roll
• Time the escape when opponent is committed to the finish
• Maintain awareness of mat space before initiating the roll

Prerequisites

• Opponent has secured Kimura grip with figure-four lock
• Adequate mat space available for full forward roll
• Shoulder pressure is increasing toward submission finish
• Traditional defensive frames have failed or are unavailable
• You have maintained composure and avoided panic tapping
• Opponent’s weight is committed forward for the finish

Execution Steps

1. Recognize the need to escape: As opponent secures the Kimura grip and begins applying pressure toward your back, assess that traditional defensive measures (hand fighting, posture recovery) are no longer viable. Feel the increasing shoulder torque and recognize the submission is progressing. This awareness must happen quickly, before the lock reaches the point of no return. (Timing: As soon as shoulder pressure becomes intense)
2. Tuck chin and prepare body position: Immediately tuck your chin tightly to your chest to protect your neck during the upcoming roll. Draw your free arm across your body to assist with the rolling motion. Position your body weight slightly forward to prepare for the forward roll. Your trapped arm should remain as relaxed as possible to prevent additional torque. (Timing: 0.5-1 second before initiating roll)
3. Initiate forward roll: Explosively drive forward over your trapped shoulder, committing fully to a forward roll in the direction of the Kimura lock. Plant your free hand on the mat and use it to guide your body into a tight somersault. Keep your chin tucked and your core tight throughout the rotation. The momentum must be sufficient to complete a full 360-degree rotation. (Timing: Explosive commitment - no hesitation)
4. Complete the roll and relieve pressure: As you roll through, your body rotation temporarily changes the angle of the lock, relieving direct pressure on your shoulder joint. The opponent’s grip may loosen slightly as they attempt to maintain control through your unexpected movement. Continue the rolling motion smoothly without pausing, allowing your hips to follow through completely. (Timing: Continuous smooth motion through full rotation)
5. Land in defensive position: Complete the roll by landing on your back or side, facing your opponent. Your previously trapped arm should now have more mobility and reduced pressure. Immediately establish defensive frames with your free arm, creating distance between you and your opponent. Your legs should be ready to establish guard hooks or create additional barriers. (Timing: Immediately upon completing rotation)
6. Recover guard or create distance: Use the momentum and space created by the roll to either re-establish guard position by getting your legs between you and your opponent, or create sufficient distance to stand up and reset. Keep your previously compromised shoulder protected by maintaining strong frames. If opponent still maintains grip, use hip movement to further alleviate pressure while working your legs into play. (Timing: Within 1-2 seconds of landing)
7. Secure safe position and assess: Once you have established guard or created separation, take a moment to assess your shoulder’s condition. Ensure you have proper defensive structure before re-engaging. If you successfully broke the Kimura grip, immediately establish better hand positioning to prevent opponent from re-attacking the same submission. Maintain active guard retention if in bottom position. (Timing: Ongoing defensive awareness)

Opponent Counters

• Opponent follows the roll and maintains Kimura grip (Effectiveness: High) - Your Response: If opponent successfully follows your roll while maintaining the grip, immediately transition to alternative escape methods such as stepping over to create a different angle, or use your legs to push opponent’s hips away. Do not attempt a second roll as this increases injury risk.
• Opponent adjusts base and prevents full rotation (Effectiveness: High) - Your Response: If you cannot complete the full roll due to opponent’s base adjustment, abort the escape midway and transition to explosive hip escape (shrimp) to create lateral distance. Use your free arm to establish a strong crossface or frame against opponent’s head.
• Opponent releases grip and transitions to alternative control (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Response: While this means you escaped the Kimura, remain vigilant as opponent may attempt to take your back or establish mount during your roll. Prioritize guard recovery and use your legs actively to prevent opponent from advancing position.
• Opponent increases pressure before you complete the roll (Effectiveness: High) - Your Response: If you feel the submission tightening during your roll attempt, you must tap immediately. Never sacrifice shoulder integrity trying to complete an escape. This counter emphasizes the importance of perfect timing for this technique.

Common Mistakes

• Mistake: Hesitating or performing a partial roll
  • Consequence: Incomplete rolling motion leaves you in an even worse position, with your shoulder more vulnerable and your base completely compromised, often resulting in immediate submission or injury
  • Correction: Commit fully and explosively to the forward roll. Once you decide to execute this escape, there is no turning back. Practice the rolling motion extensively in safe contexts before attempting under pressure.
• Mistake: Failing to tuck chin during the roll
  • Consequence: Neck injury from improper rolling mechanics, potentially hitting your head on the mat or hyperextending your neck during the rotation
  • Correction: Always tuck your chin tightly to your chest before and throughout the entire rolling motion. This is a fundamental safety requirement. Practice forward rolls extensively to develop this habit.
• Mistake: Attempting the escape too late in the submission sequence
  • Consequence: The shoulder joint is already compromised when you begin the roll, leading to torn ligaments, rotator cuff damage, or labrum tears during the escape attempt
  • Correction: Recognize early that traditional defenses are failing and initiate the rolling escape before maximum pressure is applied. This technique requires preemptive action, not last-second desperation.
• Mistake: Rolling without checking available mat space
  • Consequence: Rolling into a wall, equipment, or off the training area, causing impact injuries or failed escape that leaves you in an even worse position
  • Correction: Develop constant mat awareness during training. Before initiating the roll, quickly glance to verify you have adequate space. In competition, position yourself away from boundary lines when defending Kimuras.
• Mistake: Keeping the trapped arm tense and rigid
  • Consequence: Increased torque on the shoulder joint during the roll, as the rigid arm creates a longer lever and more stress on the joint structures
  • Correction: Allow the trapped arm to remain as relaxed as possible during the escape. The goal is to change the angle of attack, not to muscle out of the lock. Tension only increases injury risk.
• Mistake: Failing to establish immediate defensive frames after the roll
  • Consequence: Opponent quickly reestablishes dominant control, potentially securing mount, back control, or immediately re-attacking the same Kimura
  • Correction: The moment you complete the roll and land, your hands should immediately go to work establishing frames and distance. Practice the transition from roll completion to defensive position as a single fluid movement.

Training Progressions

Phase 1: Rolling Mechanics (Week 1-2) - Master basic forward rolling technique without any submission context Practice forward rolls extensively to develop smooth, safe rolling mechanics. Focus on proper chin tuck, shoulder positioning, and landing safely. Perform 20-30 quality forward rolls per training session from standing, kneeling, and lying positions. Develop the ability to roll in both directions with equal proficiency. (Resistance: None)

Phase 2: Simulated Kimura Position (Week 3-4) - Introduce Kimura grip position but with zero pressure Have training partner establish Kimura grip with absolutely no pressure applied to the shoulder. Practice initiating the forward roll from this position while partner maintains light contact only. Focus on smooth initiation and completing the full rotation. Partner should release grip if any discomfort is felt. Repeat 10-15 times per session. (Resistance: None)

Phase 3: Progressive Pressure (Week 5-8) - Gradually increase submission pressure in controlled environment Partner applies increasing levels of Kimura pressure (starting at 20%, progressing to 50% maximum) while you practice timing the escape. Partner must be prepared to immediately release if the escape fails. Focus on recognizing the optimal timing window. Perform 5-10 repetitions at each pressure level before advancing. (Resistance: Light)

Phase 4: Dynamic Situation Training (Week 9-12) - Practice escape during live positional sparring from side control Engage in controlled positional sparring where partner is allowed to attack Kimura but agrees to release pressure if you tap or if the escape is properly executed. Practice reading the situation and deciding when the rolling escape is appropriate versus other defensive options. Include other escape options to develop decision-making. (Resistance: Medium)

Phase 5: Competition Simulation (Week 13+) - Test escape under realistic competition pressure with trusted partners Only with experienced training partners who have excellent control, practice the escape during more competitive rolling scenarios. Partner applies realistic Kimura pressure but with agreement to release if escape is properly initiated. This phase requires significant mutual trust and should only be attempted after complete mastery of previous phases. (Resistance: Medium)

Phase 6: Ongoing Maintenance and Refinement - Periodic drilling to maintain proficiency and timing Continue practicing the rolling escape periodically (once per week) to maintain muscle memory and timing recognition. Focus on the decision-making aspect: when to use this escape versus other defensive options. Share your experience with training partners to ensure mutual safety when drilling this advanced technique. (Resistance: Light)

Variations

Rolling to Turtle Transition: Instead of rolling all the way through to guard position, complete approximately 270 degrees of rotation and land in turtle position. This variation can be useful when you have strong turtle defense or want to create a scramble situation. From turtle, you can immediately work wrestling-based escapes or transition to guard. (When to use: When you have superior turtle defense skills or when opponent has weaker turtle attack game compared to their guard passing abilities)

Rolling to Technical Stand-up: Upon completing the forward roll and breaking the Kimura grip, immediately execute a technical stand-up rather than attempting to recover guard. This creates maximum distance and returns the match to standing, which can be advantageous if you prefer stand-up grappling or if the opponent has superior ground control. (When to use: When you have a strong takedown game, when you are losing on points and need to reset, or when you want to maximize distance from a dangerous opponent)

Combination with Leg Entanglement Defense: If opponent is attacking Kimura while simultaneously threatening your legs (common in modern no-gi), adjust your rolling direction to not only escape the shoulder lock but also clear your legs from entanglement. This requires rolling at a slight angle rather than straight forward. The complexity is higher but addresses multiple threats simultaneously. (When to use: In no-gi situations where opponent is coordinating upper and lower body attacks, particularly against leg lock specialists)

Test Your Knowledge

Q1: What is the primary mechanical principle that makes the rolling Kimura escape effective? A: The rolling motion temporarily changes the angle of the shoulder lock by rotating your entire body in the direction of the force being applied. This rotation relieves direct pressure on the shoulder joint by transforming the locked position into a different geometric relationship. Rather than resisting against the lock’s force vector, you move with it in a way that creates momentary relief and allows repositioning. The effectiveness comes from using momentum and rotation to achieve what static strength cannot accomplish.

Q2: Why is it critical to tuck your chin during the rolling Kimura escape? A: Tucking your chin is essential for protecting your cervical spine and preventing neck injury during the forward roll. When performing any type of forward roll, especially under pressure with one arm compromised, the neck is vulnerable to hyperextension or compression injuries if the head position is incorrect. A tucked chin ensures that you roll smoothly over your shoulder and upper back rather than directly over your head or neck. This is a fundamental safety requirement that must be practiced until it becomes automatic.

Q3: At what point in the Kimura attack sequence should you initiate the rolling escape? A: The optimal timing is after recognizing that traditional defensive measures have failed but before the opponent reaches maximum submission pressure on your shoulder. This typically occurs when the opponent has secured a tight figure-four grip and is beginning to apply finishing pressure, but has not yet reached the point where your shoulder joint is fully compromised. Waiting too long dramatically increases injury risk, while attempting too early when other defensive options are still viable wastes this high-risk escape technique. You must develop the sensitivity to recognize this precise window through extensive training.

Q4: What should you do immediately after completing the forward roll in this escape? A: Immediately upon completing the roll and landing, you must establish defensive frames with your free arm to create distance between you and your opponent, while simultaneously using your legs to either re-establish guard position or create additional barriers to prevent opponent advancement. The transition from roll completion to defensive position should be instantaneous and well-practiced. Do not pause to assess your shoulder or take a breath - continue moving defensively until you have secured a safe position. Only then can you evaluate whether the escape was successful and check your physical condition.

Q5: Why is this escape considered high-risk and when should it NOT be attempted? A: This escape is high-risk because it requires explosive movement while your shoulder is under significant stress from a lock, creating potential for serious injury if executed incorrectly or at the wrong time. It should NOT be attempted: if you lack adequate mat space for a full roll; if you have any pre-existing shoulder injuries; if you have not extensively practiced the mechanics in safe training environments; if the opponent is already at maximum pressure (tap instead); if you are not fully committed mentally to completing the entire motion; or if you are training with an inexperienced partner who may not respond appropriately to the escape attempt. This is an advanced technique that requires significant preparation and should be viewed as a last resort when all other defensive options have failed.

Q6: What are the key differences between executing this escape in gi versus no-gi contexts? A: In gi contexts, the opponent’s Kimura grip is typically more secure due to the ability to grab their own gi for the figure-four configuration, making the roll more difficult but also potentially more necessary since the grip is harder to break through other means. In no-gi, the grip may be less stable, which means the roll might be more effective at breaking the hold entirely, but the opponent may also be able to follow your roll more easily without gi grips slowing them down. No-gi also tends to be sweatier and faster-paced, which can affect rolling mechanics. Regardless of context, the fundamental safety principles and commitment requirements remain the same. Some practitioners find the escape more viable in no-gi due to the grip instability, while others prefer to rely on alternative escapes in both contexts.

Safety Considerations

The Rolling Kimura Escape is one of the highest-risk defensive techniques in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu due to the combination of shoulder joint stress and dynamic rolling mechanics. This escape should ONLY be practiced with experienced training partners who understand the technique and can release pressure appropriately when needed. Always ensure adequate mat space is available before attempting the roll - colliding with walls, equipment, or other practitioners during the escape can cause serious injury. The technique requires complete commitment; hesitation mid-execution dramatically increases injury risk to both shoulder and neck. Practitioners with any shoulder injuries, instability, or previous dislocations should avoid this technique entirely and focus on alternative Kimura defenses. Never practice this escape at full speed or pressure until you have mastered the rolling mechanics through hundreds of repetitions in safe, controlled environments. Both partners must have clear communication and established tap protocols. If at any point during the escape the pressure increases rather than decreases, tap immediately - preserving joint integrity is always more important than completing an escape. This technique is generally recommended only for advanced practitioners (purple belt and above) who have excellent body awareness and significant mat experience.

Position Integration

The Rolling Kimura Escape occupies a unique position in the BJJ defensive hierarchy as a last-resort technique when facing one of the most common and dangerous shoulder locks. It is typically employed from bottom positions such as side control, half guard, or during scrambles where the opponent has successfully secured the Kimura grip and is applying finishing pressure. This escape connects to the broader defensive system by representing the final option when standard defensive measures (hand fighting, posture maintenance, hip escape) have all failed. Successfully executing this escape typically transitions you to guard recovery or turtle position, from which you must immediately engage guard retention concepts or turtle defense systems. The technique also fits into the larger framework of submission defense principles, demonstrating the concept that sometimes moving with a submission’s force rather than against it can create escape opportunities. Understanding when to employ this escape versus when to tap is a critical decision-making skill that reflects overall mat awareness and ego management. Advanced practitioners often drill this escape not because they plan to use it frequently, but because understanding its mechanics improves their overall Kimura defense by teaching them to recognize the submission’s progression stages and maintain better preventative positioning earlier in the sequence.

Related Techniques

• Kimura Defense - Primary preventative technique - preferred over rolling escape
• Kimura Control - Starting position for the attack this escape counters
• Frame and Shrimp - Alternative escape method to attempt before rolling
• Hip Escape - Foundational escape movement that should be attempted first
• Open Guard - Common ending position after successful escape
• Technical Stand-up - Alternative ending position to create maximum distance
• Rolling Kimura - Offensive counter-technique using similar mechanics
• Kimura to Back Take - Common follow-up if opponent successfully follows your roll
• Side Control Escape - Related escape family for similar bottom positions
• Kimura from Side Control - Understanding the attack improves defensive awareness
• Escape Fundamentals - Conceptual foundation for all escape techniques
• Bridge and Roll - Related rolling escape mechanics from different position

Expert Insights

• Danaher System: The rolling Kimura escape represents a fascinating intersection of biomechanics and risk management in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. From a mechanical perspective, the effectiveness stems from the temporary change in the force vector acting on the shoulder joint during rotation. When you roll forward in the direction of the lock, you momentarily transform a static submission hold into a dynamic situation where the opponent must choose between maintaining their grip and maintaining their base. Most importantly, this escape highlights a critical principle in submission defense: the hierarchy of defensive responses. This technique should only be employed after all superior defensive options have been exhausted, as it carries inherent injury risk. The intelligent practitioner develops a layered defensive system where early preventative measures are prioritized, and high-risk escapes like this serve as final safety valves rather than primary responses.
• Gordon Ryan: In high-level competition, I view the rolling Kimura escape as a technique you need to know exists but hope you never have to use. The reality is that if your opponent has locked in a tight Kimura and you’re forced to consider this escape, you’ve already made several defensive mistakes earlier in the sequence. That said, understanding this escape has value beyond its practical application - it teaches you to recognize the Kimura’s danger zones and motivates better preventative positioning. When I train this technique, I focus heavily on the timing recognition aspect because that’s what separates a successful escape from a torn shoulder. In competition, I’ve seen this escape work at the highest levels, but always with practitioners who had exceptional body control and had drilled the mechanics thousands of times. If you’re going to add this to your defensive arsenal, commit to mastering it completely or don’t use it at all - there’s no middle ground with techniques this risky.
• Eddie Bravo: The rolling escape from the Kimura is one of those techniques that looks absolutely crazy the first time you see it, but it’s actually based on sound mechanical principles once you understand the physics involved. In the 10th Planet system, we spend a lot of time working on dynamic movement and unconventional escapes, and this technique fits perfectly into that philosophy. What I love about this escape is that it completely violates your opponent’s expectations - they’re expecting you to defend statically or try to hand fight, and suddenly you’re rolling through and changing the entire dynamic of the position. However, I always tell my students that this is a technique that requires absolute commitment and extensive practice before you even think about using it live. We drill the rolling mechanics constantly in warm-ups specifically to prepare people for escapes like this. The key innovation we’ve added is combining this with the rubber guard recovery system, where after the roll, you immediately look to establish mission control or other high guard positions rather than just settling for closed guard. This creates an opportunity to turn a desperate defensive situation into an attacking position if you can execute with precision.