Kimura

Shoulder lock from knee-on-belly (top control)

Key Steps

Setup

• Maintain knee-on-belly with the knee across the torso to pin the upper body and limit escapes. Keep your chest low to apply consistent pressure and reduce space for the opponent to rotate.

Grip and Isolation

• With the near hand, pin the opponent's near wrist to your chest. Reach with the far hand under their arm and clasp your own wrist, creating a secure figure-four around the arm. This isolates the shoulder from the rest of the body.

Positioning and Finish

• Shift your hips slightly away from the trapped arm and rotate the arm behind the back, angling the elbow toward the mat behind their head. Maintain control by keeping the grip tight and the forearm close to the opponent's forearm; apply shoulder pressure through the connection of your arms and hips to finish.

Application

• Use this as a step-by-step progression from the knee-on-belly control in both Gi and No-Gi settings. In Gi, you can secure the sleeve for added control; in No-Gi, emphasis is on the wrist and behind-the-back grip. This is a sturdy addition to your repertoire of jiu jitsu moves and bjj techniques, often taught as a mid-level submission.

Mistakes

• Telegraphed entries or losing wrist control, allowing the arm to escape. Elbow flare, poor hip rotation, or not driving with the hips can give space for defense or reversal. Failing to keep the grip tight can compromise the lock.

Tips

• Breathe steadily, keep the elbow tight to the body, and drive the hips to augment the finish. Practice with a cooperative partner before applying live resistance, and tap early to promote safe progression in your training.