GB Fundamentals: The Kimura

This week on GB Technique we are going to look at one of the most important submission basics – the Kimura shoulder lock.
The “Kimura” lock is named after legendary Japanese judoka Masahiko Kimura who made the shoulder lock famous in his historic match with Grandmaster Helio Gracie.
The Kimura lock is just as effective today and is one of those Fundamental techniques that we might learn in our first week of training jiu-jitsu and also see at the highest levels of professional grappling competition.
One more note on the Kimura before we get into the videos: this lock is extremely versatile and can be used in many ground positions (and standing!) both top and bottom.
Check out GB Online to see more Fundamentals at GB 1
Let’s take a look at some specific Kimura techniques and tips by some of Gracie Barra’s top black belt instructors.
* The first 3 videos work together in one of the classic combination attacks in Bjj.
1) Kimura Attack from Closed Guard
Prof. Fabio and Prof. Diego show the way to attack the Kimura lock in the way that most of us probably are introduced to the Kimura. This “basic” move works even at the professional level and it combines will with other closed guard techniques (which we will see in the next video).

2) Kimura Sweep aka Hip Bump Sweep
Gracie Barra Carrollton shows the Hip Bump sweep that we often see combined with the Kimura attack (like in video #1). This sweep works on black belts too!

3) Guillotine and Kimura From Guard
This is technique #3 that we can combine with the Kimura and Hip-Bump sweep.
When your opponent posts their hands on the floor to defend the sweep, their neck is exposed to the Guillotine choke.
This is one of the classic attack combination sequences in jiu-jitsu!

4) Side Mount Kimura
Attacking the Kimura from the side mount might be many black belt’s favorite side mount attacks. Gi or no-gi it is almost always there. There are many fine details that are important to finish the shoulder lock.

5) Half-Guard Pass using Kimura grip
Gracie Barra Jupiter brings us a way to threaten the Kimura attack, leading to the half guard pass. Of course, you can also look to finish the Kimura as well. It is a double threat.

If you have any questions about technique, please send us a message at GB Online!
See also on GB: GB Fundamentals: Closed Guard Sweep Fundamentals
Credits: Mark Mullen
Gracie Barra Black belt based in Asia