What is the Kimura? 

-Japanese name: Ude Garami (Entangled Arm Lock)

-Figure-4 shoulder control and submission

-Shoulder is compromised through an internal rotation of the shoulder

-Allows you to control a stronger opponent with 2-on-1 control

-Requires “Ratchet control” (90 degree bend in the arm)

-Opposing pushing and pulling forces

-Can be used to pass the guard, take the back, sweep, take down or submit your opponent

-Applicable in both Gi and No Gi situations

Who invented the Kimura?
Masahiko Kimura

Combining Kimura with Submission Systems

-Kimura armbar control

-Kimura to triangle

-Kimura, Triangle, Armbar, Wristlock

Combining Kimura with Positional Advances

-Kimura single leg defense/sweep: sumi gaeshi

-Rolling Kimura guard pass

-Kimura to the back

Key Concepts:

The Rule of Hand Position

-Position vs. submission dilemma

-Hand in front of body: advance position

-Hand behind the body: advance submission

Elbow Lever

-Straighten arms instead of contracting

-The most efficient Kimura Control

-Works against much larger opponents

Thumbs or No Thumbs?

-Thumb grips prevent wrist-rolling; this movement creates more internal rotation in the targeted shoulder

-Pinning the wrist-à Use a C grip (thumbs)

-Once the figure-4 is locked-à Use a monkey grip (no thumbs)

The Power Line

-The most efficient angle to finish the Kimura submission

-From the top-à Diagonally from shoulder to hip

-From the bottom-à Your head lines up with your partner’s elbow and shoulder line (bottom triangle)

Pull vs. Push Kimura Finishes

-Pull dominant Kimura finishing mechanics are more efficient (side Kimura)

-Push dominant Kimura finishing mechanics are less efficient (dorsal Kimura)

Common Mistakes:

-Partner Straightens arm

-Partner can elbow slip

-Space between wrists

-Pulling at the armpit instead of the elbow

-Partner’s head can rise; roll-through problem

Key Positions:

Dorsal Kimura

-Push dominant finish

-Enter side Kimura, yoko sankaku, tarikoplata

T-Kimura

-2 methods: Trapping far arm/Inserting bottom knee

-Enter crucifix, take the back, ushiro sankaku

Side Kimura

-Enter the power angle

-Strongest finishing position

-Pull dominant Kimura

Head & Arm Kimura

-AKA “Giftwrap”

-Excellent control to take the back from mount

-Can be used to transition to different armbars and triangles due to weightless legs

Legs Kimura (Tarikoplata)

-Good option from dorsal Kimura

-Made famous by Norwegian BJJ athlete Tarik Hopstock

-Useful even if hand is in front of opponent’s body

Monoplata

-Incredibly powerful as body weight is used to “Follow-through” for the finish

-Set up from top side omoplata position

Barataplata

-Invented by GB Black belt Rafael “Barata” Freitas

-Set up from failed triangle

-Very deceptive and surprising

-The Greatest Judoka in History-Masahiko Kimura: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XA8-L4cWmoQ

-Masahiko Kimura: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zGnvGuhMZxE

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