The Kimura: Stop Takedowns and Break Shoulders
What is a kimura in Jiu Jitsu? A kimura (or double wrist lock) is a highly destructive joint-lock submission that uses a figure-four grip to isolate an opponent's arm. By locking their arm in a bent position and forcing it behind their back, the submission applies immense torque that will dislocate the shoulder and tear the elbow joint if the opponent does not tap.
It has a twin brother called the Americana. Both use the same figure-four grip to isolate a joint, but they torque the shoulder in completely different angles. What makes the Kimura so dangerous is that you are locking the opponent's chest into position and using both of your arms—plus the leverage of your entire body—against just one of their arms.
If you are developing your BJJ techniques, the Kimura grip is one of the most powerful control ties in the sport.
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The Paintbrush Mechanic (How to Actually Finish)
A lot of beginners think finishing the Kimura simply means grabbing the arm and yanking it straight up to the ceiling. That is the easiest way to lose the submission.
Instead, think of the opponent's hand like a paintbrush. Once you have the figure-four grip locked, your goal is to "paintbrush" the back of their hand across their own lower back, sliding it up toward the back of their head.
The number one mistake white belts make is rushing this motion, which allows the opponent's arm to straighten out. If the arm straightens, the shoulder lock disappears. You must keep their arm rigidly bent while you apply that paintbrush motion. The breaking mechanics are much deadlier when you keep it tight.
The Best Setups: Punishing Lazy Guard Passes
You can hit the Kimura from almost anywhere, but one of the highest-percentage setups happens from bottom closed guard or half guard.
When opponents get lazy or sloppy while trying to pass your guard, they will often leave an arm dangling or post their hand heavily on the mat. That is your opening. Grab the wrist, sit up to lock your figure-four, and rip their posture down.
If they stubbornly defend the submission, you can immediately transition into the "Kimura Trap." This allows you to use their isolated arm as a steering wheel to sweep them or expose their back for a Rear Naked Choke.
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Shutting Down Wrestlers
Just like the Guillotine Choke, the Kimura is a phenomenal weapon against aggressive wrestlers.
When a wrestler shoots in for a takedown, locking up a Kimura grip immediately threatens the submission and ruins their posture. It isolates their arm, puts them in a terrible position, and forces them to think twice before shooting on you again.
Stopping the Roll Defense
When you lock up the Kimura, an experienced opponent's immediate reaction will be to forward roll to relieve the shoulder pressure.
To prevent this, you have to lock their body into position. If you are finishing from top side control, step your leg directly over their head. This pins their upper body to the mat and makes it physically impossible for them to roll out, guaranteeing the finish.
Start looking for the Kimura grip everywhere. Even if you do not get the submission, it opens up transitions to the Triangle Choke or Armbar from Mount.
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