Introduction:

The Kimura is a versatile and effective submission that works both in Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) and mixed martial arts (MMA). It targets the opponent’s shoulder joint, causing immense pain and forcing them to tap out. While its origins can be traced back to judo, it was Master Euclydes Hatem popularly known as ‘Kimura’ who brought it into the BJJ world. Here are three ways to perform the Kimura submission in Brazilian jiu-jitsu.

1. Closed Guard Kimura

The closed guard position provides an excellent opportunity for setting up a Kimura submission. Here’s how:

– Start in closed guard with your legs wrapped around your opponent’s waist.

– Choose which arm you want to attack, and then secure your grip over your opponent’s wrist of that arm.

– Open your guard and place your foot on the same side of the wrist control on the mat, next to their knee.

– Shift your hips out, positioning yourself onto one side.

– Bring your other free hand underneath their forearm, grabbing your own wrist in a figure-four grip.

– Tuck your head close to their shoulder to make it difficult for them to posture up and escape the submission.

– To finish the submission, keep maintaining control of their arm and start rotating the wrist towards their neck. This will generate force on the shoulder joint, causing them to tap out.

2. Side Control Kimura

Securing a Kimura from side control can be highly effective when executed properly.

– Begin in side control with proper pressure on your opponent’s body.

– Control their nearside arm by gripping their wrist and pinning it down close to their body.

– Slide your other hand under their nearside forearm, grabbing your own wrist to achieve a figure-four grip.

– Lift their arm, shifting their elbow off the mat, to expose their shoulder adequately.

– Apply pressure by pulling your opponent’s hand towards their head and rotating their hand up behind their back. This will cause pain in the shoulder joint, forcing a tap.

3. North-South Kimura

The north-south position offers another efficient setup for the Kimura submission.

– Start in the north-south position, laying perpendicular to your opponent.

– Identify which arm you want to attack and secure a grip on their wrist.

– Slide your far side arm under their elbow, reaching for your own wrist to lock in a figure-four grip.

– Focus on keeping your head low and hugging their arm tightly to your chest. This helps prevent them from escaping or rolling out of the submission attempt.

– To finish, twist their wrist up towards their neck while simultaneously applying torque by moving your arms in a clockwise motion. This puts intense pressure on their shoulder joint, ultimately leading to a tap out.

Conclusion:

Mastering these three Kimura submission options will not only expand your jiu-jitsu arsenal but also help you become more adaptable on the mats. Incorporate these techniques into your training routine and keep perfecting them, so you can claim more victories and dominate your grappling game.