Most of us think of the Kimura as purely a submission attack on the opponent’s shoulder – and the Kimura IS indeed a high percentage submission for sure.

However, the Kimura may be thought of as more of a position than merely a single submission. The Kimura may be employed as a takedown, a positional escape, a guard pass, a sweep, a control position or a means to transition to better positions like back mount.

Let’s take a look at some of the ways the Kimura is used both as a submission and in some other strategic ways by some of the best Gracie Barra black belt instructors.

 

1) Kimura as a Control Position

Have you ever thought about the Kimura as a pinning or control position as opposed to simply a submission attack? This Side Mount Kimura system with Prof. Flavio Almeida shows how we can use the Kimura grip to immobilize our opponent from top.

 

2) Attack from Side Control with Kimura

The Kimura as submission is how most jiu-jistu students think of the Kimura. Prof. Marcos Perez from GB Brisas, Panama shows some details on how to set up the kimura from side control.

 

3) Rolling Kimura from Open Guard

Kimura used as a guard pass. Prof. Victor Estima shows how he uses the Kimura to pass the seated guard of his opponent.

 

4) Back Take From kimura Grip

In this technique from Gracie Barra Long Island, we use the Kimura as a means to transition to the most dominant position in the jiu-jitsu – the back mount.

 

5) Setup from knee on belly / Kimura a partir a Joelho na barriga

This is a great way to use action / reaction to setup the Kimura attack. When Prof. Carlos Liberi applies the pressure of his knee on his opponent’s abdomen, the reaction of pushing the knee creates and opening for the Kimura grip.

 

What is your favorite way to use the Kimura?

 

See also on Gracie Barra : GB Techniques: No-Gi

GB Techniques: No-Gi

 

 

 

 

Credits: Mark Mullen 

Gracie Barra Black belt based in Asia

FB: facebook.com/markmullenbjj