kimura

Technique: Kimura Lock

The Kimura, also known as a reverse keylock, is a versatile Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu submission that targets the opponent's shoulder joint and is often used as a means to establish dominance or submission. It is named after legendary judoka Masahiko Kimura.

1. Closed Guard Kimura

Position: Closed Guard

1. Secure the Guard:

   • Begin with your opponent inside your closed guard.
   • Use your legs to control their posture; keep your knees tight around their torso.

2. Break Their Grips:

   • Grip their sleeve or wrist on one arm and control that arm with both hands.
   • Pop their hand off your gi or break the grip they're using to hold it.

3. Open Guard and Sit Up:

   • Open your guard and sit up towards the side of the controlled arm.
   • Place your foot on their hip or ribs to assist in creating an angle.

4. Establish Wrist Control:

   • Use both hands to secure the opponent's wrist on the same side arm and pull it across your body.

5. Reach Over:

   • Use your far side arm to reach over the opponent's shoulder, aiming for their tricep area.

6. Figure Four Grip:

   • Slide your near-side hand under their arm and grip your own wrist, forming a figure four.

7. Position Adjustment:

   • With your trapped leg, place your foot on their hip or ribs for leverage.
   • Roll your opponent's shoulder down toward the mat for better positioning.

8. Apply the Lock:

   • To finish the submission, pull their elbow down while lifting their hand towards their head.
   • Apply gradual pressure to ensure control and respect for your training partner's safety.

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2. Side Control Kimura

Position: Side Control

1. Establish Side Control:

   • Maintain a strong side control position, keeping your weight low.

2. Control the Arm:

   • Secure the opponent's far wrist with both hands, pulling it away from their body.

3. Create an Angle:

   • Switch your base by transitioning to a khabib/scarf hold to adjust your angle, pinning their arms.

4. Set Up the Grip:

   • Bring your arm closest to their head over their arm (triceps) and reach underneath for your own wrist.

5. Finish the Lock:

   • Collapse their shoulder towards the floor.
   • Gradually lift their elbow, keeping their hand close to your chest to increase the pressure.

Final Tips

• Maintain control at all times to prevent them from escaping or countering.
• Be mindful of how much pressure you're applying, especially in training.
• Transition smoothly between the steps to avoid losing the grip on the opponent's arm.

This technique can also be performed from various positions like mount, top half guard, and even standing; each will require a specific adjustment to control and attack the shoulder joint effectively.