Intro to the Kimura — The Shoulder Lock That Works from Anywhere
An all-purpose lock from guard, side control, half guard and even standing. How the figure-four grip works, where the name comes from, common grip and angle mistakes, and the etiquette of applying shoulder locks slowly.
The kimura is a shoulder lock that shows up from almost anywhere: guard, side control, half guard, even standing. It's named after Masahiko Kimura, the Japanese judoka who beat Helio Gracie in 1951. Learn the grip once and you'll use it for life.
Principle
Grab your opponent's wrist, then thread your other arm under their arm and grab your own wrist (figure-four grip). From there, rotate their arm behind their back and the shoulder locks up, bringing the tap. It works through leverage (grip + rotation), not strength.
Where does it show up?
- From closed or open guard, when your opponent posts a hand
- From side control
- From half guard, and even standing
Common mistakes
- Weak grip: lock the figure-four tight. Lose the wrist and it's over.
- Their arm stays glued to their body: if they hold their hand to their belt or thigh, you can't extract it. Break the arm free first.
- Not using your whole body: don't rely on arm strength; rotate with your torso to finish it.
Applying the kimura slowly really matters. Crank it and your partner's shoulder can dislocate. Slowly, with control: give them time to tap.
Source: Sherdog, The Birth of the Kimura (the 1951 Kimura vs. Helio Gracie match)