Also known as: Double Wristlock · Gyaku Ude Garami · Reverse Keylock · Chicken Wing (wrestling)
The figure-four shoulder lock named for the judoka who broke Helio Gracie’s arm with it in 1951. From closed guard it is equal parts submission, sweep engine, and grip-fighting weapon.
Submission · Shoulder Lock · Gi & No-gi · Difficulty 2/5 · Usually learned at White belt
Starts from Closed Guard as the guard player → ends the match (submission).
The details that make it work
Sit up as they post a hand on the mat; wrist grip first, then thread your other arm over and behind for the figure-four.
Keep their elbow bent at 90° and pinned to your chest — distance from their back pocket is your leverage.
Rotate the wrist toward their back-of-head; hip out to clear space if their elbow hides at your hip.
Where it goes wrong
Letting them straighten the arm or grab their own belt without addressing the grip break (kick the hips, re-angle).
Cranking while square — the angle does the damage, not the squeeze.
How opponents counter it
Grab your own belt/thigh and drive into the guard
Roll through in the direction of the crank to relieve it
Is the Kimura legal in competition?
Legal in all major rulesets at all levels (IBJJF, ADCC, sub-only). Rules change — always confirm against the current official rulebook for your event.
History & naming
Named for Masahiko Kimura after his 1951 victory over Helio Gracie in Rio; the lock existed in judo and catch wrestling long before.