Kimura
A fundamental shoulder lock submission that targets the shoulder joint through rotational pressure and leverage. Applied by controlling the opponent's wrist with one hand while threading the other ar…
- Judo: Ude garami, Gyaku ude garami, Reverse Arm Entanglement
- Japanese: 腕絡み
- BJJ: Kimura, Reverse Keylock
- Wrestling: Keylock, Americana, Figure-four armlock
Description
A fundamental shoulder lock submission that targets the shoulder joint through rotational pressure and leverage. Applied by controlling the opponent's wrist with one hand while threading the other arm under theirs to create a figure-four grip, then rotating their arm behind their back. Named after legendary judoka Masahiko Kimura, who used this technique to defeat Hélio Gracie in 1951, breaking his arm and forcing submission.
The technique can be used both as a submission and as a powerful control position to transition to dominant positions, sweeps, or other submissions.
Common Applications
Primary submission from side control and guard positions. Excellent control position for transitions - can be used to secure guard passes, execute sweeps, or transition to other submissions like armbars and triangles. Frequently used in combination attacks where the Kimura grip is maintained to threaten multiple techniques. Also serves as an effective counter to opponent's posting arm during escapes. The "Kimura Trap" system uses this grip as a central control mechanism for multiple technique chains.
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