Overview
The Kimura is one of the most versatile and powerful submissions in grappling. Applied by isolating the opponent’s arm in a figure-four grip and rotating the shoulder joint, it can produce severe torque on the shoulder and elbow. Beyond its finishing potential, the Kimura has evolved into a complete positional system used to control the upper body, force predictable defenses, and transition to dominant positions.
In modern no-gi, the Kimura system is built around using the figure-four grip as both a submission and a powerful lever to manipulate the opponent’s movement. High-level athletes blend Kimura threats with back takes, sweeps, guard passes, and transitions into armbar and triangle attacks. Its ability to control scrambles, create forced reactions, and open new pathways makes it one of the most strategically valuable submissions in contemporary grappling.
Common Applications
- From side control: Isolate the far-side arm, lock the figure-four, and finish the submission or transition to mount, back takes, or other upper-body attacks.
- From closed or half guard: Use the Kimura grip to break posture, sweep, expose the back, or create openings for armbar and triangle transitions.
- From standing scrambles: Use the Kimura as a lever to force the opponent to the ground, control their movement, and secure dominant top positions.
- For guard passing: Roll through with the figure-four grip to enter T-Kimura positions that open routes for guard passing.