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Kimura

Quick Introduction​

The kimura is a figure-4 shoulder lock that doubles as a control system. From side control it's a high-percentage finish; from guard it creates a sweep-or-submit dilemma. The grip itself controls the opponent even without the submission, making it one of BJJ's most versatile techniques.

Position Overview​

From: Side Control, Closed Guard, turtle | Finish: Shoulder rotation via figure-4 lever

From Side Control (Classic)​

  1. Grab their near-side wrist with your same-side hand
  2. Thread your far arm under their elbow
  3. Grab your own wrist to complete the figure-4
  4. Keep their elbow pinned close to your body
  5. Walk toward their head for a better angle
  6. Lift elbow while keeping wrist controlled
  7. Rotate arm toward their back — slow, controlled pressure

Key detail: The kimura is a rotation, not a yank. Pin the elbow to your body and rotate their arm behind their back like painting a wall behind them.

From Guard (Sweep or Submit)​

  1. From closed guard, catch their posted arm at the wrist
  2. Sit up, thread arm under elbow, lock figure-4
  3. Can rotate to submit, or use the grip to sweep them
  4. If they resist rotation — sweep to top and finish from side control

Key detail: Guard kimura is a true dilemma: defend the submission and get swept, or defend the sweep and get submitted.

Core Principles​

  1. Figure-4 is the foundation — locks wrist, elbow, and shoulder into one system
  2. Elbow stays close — arm drifting away = lost leverage
  3. Rotation, not a yank — slow controlled rotation toward their back
  4. Control position, not just finish — the grip controls even without submitting
  5. Works everywhere — side control, guard, turtle, half guard, north-south

Common Mistakes​

MistakeFix
Elbow drifting from bodyPin their elbow to your ribs throughout
Wrong rotation directionRotate toward their back/head, not away
Loose figure-4Tight palm-to-wrist; don't let it slip
Yanking fastSlow rotation — shoulders are vulnerable
Not walking to angleStep toward their head for better leverage

Next Steps​

  1. Americana - Opposite-direction shoulder lock from mount
  2. Armbar - When they straighten their arm to defend
  3. Side Control - Master the position for kimura setups