Kimura

What is the Kimura? (Definition & Historical Context)

The Kimura is a figure-four shoulder lock submission designed to hyper-rotate the opponent's shoulder joint beyond its natural range of motion. Known officially as ude-garami in Judo, this technique is also commonly called the double wristlock, chicken wing, or gyaku ude-garami. The submission gained international prominence after judoka Masahiko Kimura famously defeated Helio Gracie using this lock in their historic 1951 match in Brazil. Since then, the Kimura has become a cornerstone submission across Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), Judo, Sambo, submission grappling, and mixed martial arts (MMA).

Biomechanics of the Kimura Lock

The Kimura lock leverages precise biomechanics to isolate and attack the shoulder joint effectively. The attacker secures a figure-four grip by controlling the opponent's wrist with one hand and gripping their own wrist with the other. This grip configuration locks the opponent's arm at approximately a 90-degree angle, creating a powerful lever. By rotating the opponent's forearm inward, the attacker generates torque, forcing the humerus into extreme internal rotation and placing immense pressure on the shoulder ligaments and rotator cuff.

Optimal execution involves maintaining the opponent's elbow bent at roughly 90 degrees and tightly secured against the attacker's torso. Rather than relying solely on arm strength, practitioners should engage their core and hips, rotating their torso to amplify torque. Utilizing a "monkey grip" (without thumbs) and a "motorcycle grip" wrist rotation further tightens the submission, preventing grip breaks and maximizing shoulder torque.

Common Setups and Entries to the Kimura

The Kimura's versatility allows practitioners to initiate it from numerous positions:

Closed Guard

When the opponent places a hand on the mat, the attacker quickly sits up, secures the figure-four grip, and angles their body perpendicular to the opponent to finish.

Side Control

The attacker isolates the opponent's far arm, pins the wrist to the mat, and steps over the opponent's head to prevent escapes and maximize control.

North-South Position

Often transitioned from side control, the attacker rotates to north-south to increase leverage and finalize the submission.

Mount

If the opponent reaches upward or turns to one side, the attacker can secure the Kimura grip and transition to side mount for a stronger finish.

Half Guard

The Kimura grip can be employed from top half guard to facilitate guard passing or from bottom half guard to sweep or reverse positions.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying the Kimura

Practitioners should be mindful of several common pitfalls:

• Poor Body Angle from Guard: Failing to create a perpendicular angle limits shoulder rotation and reduces effectiveness. Practitioners must angle their body and turn onto their side.
• Relying Solely on Arm Strength: Attempting to finish with extended arms dissipates pressure. Instead, keep elbows tight and utilize core and hip rotation.
• Incorrect Wrist Grip: Using a thumb grip weakens control. A monkey grip (no thumbs) ensures a stronger hold and prevents grip breaks.
• Not Isolating Opponent's Upper Body: Neglecting to control the opponent's head or torso allows escapes. Proper positioning, such as stepping over the head, is crucial.
• Loose Figure-Four Connection: Allowing slack in the grip gives the opponent space to defend. Maintain a tight figure-four grip with elbows close to the body.

Effective Defenses and Escapes from the Kimura

Defending against the Kimura involves preventive measures, grip fighting, and strategic movement:

Preventive Posture

Maintain elbows tight and avoid posting hands on the mat to reduce vulnerability to Kimura attacks.

Grip Defense

If caught, defenders can peel the attacker's grip or secure strong defensive grips (belt or lapel in gi; gable grip or thigh in no-gi) to stall or dismantle the submission.

Movement-Based Escapes

Early arm straightening or rolling toward the threatened arm can relieve pressure. Turning into the lock aligns the body with the trapped arm, minimizing shoulder torque and facilitating escapes.

Strategic Applications and the Kimura Trap System

Beyond its direct submission threat, the Kimura grip serves as a powerful control mechanism for positional advancement and transitions, known as the "Kimura trap" system. High-level practitioners utilize this grip to anticipate opponent reactions, facilitating back takes, guard passes, sweeps, and transitions between dominant positions. The Kimura trap system has proven highly effective in elite no-gi competitions, notably demonstrated by David Avellan at events such as ADCC 2009.

Tips for Mastering the Kimura (Key Details for Success)

To master the Kimura effectively, practitioners should focus on several critical details:

• Maintain a tight figure-four grip with elbows close to the body to eliminate slack.
• Prioritize body rotation and core engagement over arm strength for maximum torque.
• Ensure a perpendicular body angle when attacking from guard positions.
• Consistently use the monkey grip and motorcycle wrist rotation to enhance control.
• Regularly practice drills and positional sparring to refine timing, control, and transitions, solidifying the Kimura as a reliable submission in their grappling arsenal.