Kimura: Double-Grip Shoulder Lock Submission
The kimura is a shoulder lock submission where the attacker controls the opponent's wrist with one hand and grips their own wrist with the other, creating a figure-four grip that isolates and rotates the shoulder joint. Pressure is applied by rotating the opponent's arm behind their back, threatening to hyperextend or dislocate the shoulder. The kimura is effective from multiple positions and is one of the most reliable joint locks in grappling.
Origins and Usage
The technique is named after Masahiko Kimura, the legendary judoka who used it to defeat Helio Gracie in 1951 in one of the most significant grappling matches in martial arts history. In judo, the technique is known as ude-garami or reverse ude-garami. The name "kimura" was adopted by Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioners in honor of Kimura's victory.
The kimura can be applied from guard, side control, mount, and even while standing, making it one of the most positionally versatile submissions. Beyond its use as a finishing technique, the kimura grip serves as a powerful control position that can be used to sweep, transition, and set up other attacks.
In Underground Fighting
In underground fighting, the kimura is a feared submission because of the speed at which it can cause injury. The shoulder joint is vulnerable to damage even with relatively little force, and in the heat of an underground bout, fighters may not tap in time to prevent a dislocation.
The kimura grip is also used by underground fighters as a control tool during ground fighting. By securing the kimura grip, a fighter can pin the opponent's arm, limit their movement, and transition to dominant positions without needing to fully apply the submission.
Related Terms
- Armbar -- Joint lock that often chains with the kimura
- Guillotine -- Another primary submission used in combination with the kimura
- Tap Out -- The act of submitting to escape a kimura
See Also
- Guard -- A position from which kimuras are commonly attacked
- Half Guard -- Another position offering kimura opportunities