Kimura (from Guard / Side Control / Mount)

The Kimura is a shoulder lock that applies rotational pressure to the shoulder joint by controlling the wrist and elbow. From guard, it allows the bottom player to threaten an opponent while maintaining defensive control, whereas from side control or mount, it gives the top player dominant leverage to secure a tap.

From guard, the Kimura can be used to sweep the opponent or transition into other attacks such as arm bars or shoulder locks. In side control, the attacker isolates the shoulder and prevents escape by controlling the far arm and upper body, making it highly effective in both gi and no-gi contexts. Mounted Kimuras increase control by combining the attacker’s body weight with the arm lock, forcing submission from a top-dominant position.

Its versatility and adaptability make the Kimura a cornerstone of BJJ strategy. Beyond submission, it is often used to manipulate the opponent’s posture, set up positional dominance, or chain into leg attacks and other joint locks, making it both a tactical and technical tool for competitors at all levels.