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Closed GuardBottom
BeginnerKimura Defense
Kimura Uke
Taught by:Adam FarnslerAndre GalvaoBernardo FariaCraig JonesGordon RyanJohn DanaherKeenan CorneliusLachlan GilesMarcelo GarciaMikey MusumeciNathan MerkleRob BiernackiRob ShifflerRoger Gracie
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About This Technique
Kimura Defense Technique
Overview
The Kimura Defense is a technique in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu that involves countering an opponent's Kimura attempt. It can be executed from various positions, including the Closed Guard and Side Control.
Japanese Name
Kimura Uke (Kimura Defense)
Positions
- Closed Guard
- Side Control
Step-by-Step Instructions: Closed Guard
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Recognize the Threat
- As soon as the opponent reaches over your shoulder attempting to isolate your wrist with a grip, you recognize the set-up for the Kimura.
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Grip Fight
- Immediately, try to break their initial grip around your wrist using your free hand or by clasping your own hands.
- If possible, grab your own belt or pants to prevent them from moving your arm into the lock position.
-
Create Base
- Push off the ground with your opposite foot to create a solid base.
- Shift your hips slightly towards the side of the threatened arm to limit your opponent's leverage.
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Posture Up
- Straighten your back, keeping your elbow close to your body, making it hard for them to isolate and torque your arm.
- Posture makes it difficult for them to complete the rotation needed in the Kimura.
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Break the Guard
- With your free hand, work on opening your opponent's guard by pressing on their thighs or hips.
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Control the Position
- Transition your stance to a combat base by getting one knee up while maintaining control over their gripping hand.
- Prepare to pass the guard or initiate your attack strategy.
Step-by-Step Instructions: Side Control
-
Recognize the Threat
- As soon as the opponent reaches over and begins locking your wrist in the Kimura setup from bottom side control, be ready to defend.
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Frame and Base
- Use the arm that's not being threatened to push against the opponent's hip or far arm, preventing them from closing the distance.
- Establish a solid base by widening your stance for balance.
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Kill the Kimura Grip
- Pin your threatened arm to the ground by your own side, flattening it to remove their leverage.
- Begin straightening your threatened arm, sliding it under their elbow, using your torso for control.
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Rotate to Safety
- As you start freeing your arm, rotate your torso in the direction of the opponent's legs (clockwise or counterclockwise depending on the side), which diminishes the mechanic of the lock.
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Command the Position
- Once free, reassume dominant grips or pass control, utilizing either knee-on-belly or side control for subsequent attacks.
Conclusion
The effective Kimura Defense is understanding the mechanics and anticipating the threat early. Practicing these defenses in different scenarios will sharpen your reflexes and ensure your arm's safety against this popular submission attempt.
How to Execute
# Kimura Defense from Closed Guard
## Setup
- **Initial Position**: You are in the bottom position of the closed guard, with your opponent attempting to apply a Kimura lock on your right arm.
- **Grips and Controls Needed**: Your opponent is trying to isolate your right arm by gripping your wrist with their left hand and reaching over your arm with their right hand to secure your wrist with a figure-four grip.
## Steps
1. **Control the Posture**: As soon as you feel your opponent reaching for the Kimura, use your legs to pull your opponent towards you. This breaks their posture and makes it harder for them to complete the lock.
2. **Protect Your Arm**: Immediately grab your own wrist with your left hand to prevent your opponent from fully isolating your arm. This will create a temporary frame and buy you time to execute your defense.
3. **Hip Escape**: Perform a slight hip escape towards your left side (the side your opponent is attempting the Kimura on). This creates space and reduces the tension on your shoulder joint.
4. **Insert Your Knee**: As you hip escape, use your left knee to insert it between your opponent's torso and your right arm. This acts as a shield and further disrupts their grip.
5. **Regain Guard Control**: Once your knee is in position, use it to push your opponent away while simultaneously retracting your right arm back into a safe position. Use your legs to pull them back into the closed guard if necessary.
6. **Secure Your Position**: Re-establish your grips and posture in closed guard to prevent further submission attempts. Keep your elbows tight and maintain control of your opponent's wrists or sleeves.
## Key Points
- **Important Details to Remember**:
- Act quickly! The sooner you start defending, the less chance your opponent has to secure the lock.
- Use your legs effectively to disrupt your opponent's posture and balance.
- **Common Mistakes to Avoid**:
- Do not let your arm get fully isolated; always aim to keep your wrist close to your body.
- Avoid over-relying on strength; focus on proper technique and leverage.
- Do not forget to hip escape; staying flat will make it easier for your opponent to complete the submission.
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