How to Develop a Strong Kimura in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), submissions are the heart of the game, and among the most powerful and versatile submissions is the Kimura. Whether you're just starting your BJJ journey or are a seasoned practitioner, perfecting the Kimura can significantly elevate your skill set. This article will guide you on how to develop a strong Kimura, the benefits of this submission, and practical tips on how to implement it in your training.

At Soma Jiu-Jitsu, we specialize in teaching Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to individuals of all skill levels, focusing on techniques that offer both self-defense and fitness benefits. If you're ready to unlock the full potential of your Kimura, read on!

The Power of the Kimura in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

What is a Kimura?

The Kimura is a shoulder lock submission that can be performed from various positions in BJJ, including the guard, side control, and even standing. It is a highly effective submission that targets the shoulder joint by applying pressure, forcing the opponent to tap out or risk injury.

Why is the Kimura Effective?

Versatile: The Kimura can be used in many positions and situations, making it a go-to submission for BJJ practitioners.
Control and Defense: Aside from being a submission, the Kimura is also an excellent control technique. It can neutralize your opponent’s movement and make them vulnerable to other attacks.
High Percentage: The Kimura has a high success rate when executed with proper technique, making it one of the most reliable submissions in BJJ.

Why Adults and Parents Should Focus on the Kimura

Fitness Benefits for Adults

Whether you're seeking fitness, self-defense skills, or mental discipline, BJJ provides a comprehensive workout. The Kimura requires you to engage your entire body, especially your arms, shoulders, and core, giving you a full-body workout that builds strength and flexibility.

Strengthens Shoulders: The Kimura targets the shoulder muscles, helping build upper body strength.
Improves Grip: This submission enhances grip strength, which is essential for all BJJ practitioners.
Increases Flexibility: Regular practice of the Kimura increases shoulder and wrist flexibility, which helps with other submissions and escapes.

Self-Defense for Parents

Parents looking for self-defense techniques for themselves or their children will appreciate the Kimura's effectiveness in neutralizing opponents. The Kimura is not just a submission; it’s a control position that allows you to subdue an attacker without inflicting permanent harm. It's a technique that emphasizes control, making it an essential skill for self-defense.

Simple to Learn: The Kimura is easy to understand and execute, even for beginners.
Self-Defense Applications: It can be used to subdue a larger or stronger opponent in self-defense situations.

Steps to Develop a Strong Kimura

1. Perfect Your Grip

The foundation of a strong Kimura starts with the grip. To set up the submission, it’s essential to grab your opponent's wrist and secure their upper arm with your other hand.

Strong Grip: Use a figure-four grip to secure the arm, ensuring that your wrist is tight and you have full control.
Break Their Posture: Before you attempt the Kimura, make sure to break your opponent’s posture. This will prevent them from escaping and give you a better angle for the submission.

2. Position Your Hips Correctly

Proper body positioning plays a significant role in the success of the Kimura. Ensure your hips are in the right place for maximum leverage.

Hips Close to Their Shoulder: Position your hips near your opponent's shoulder to control their movement and increase the power of your submission.
Drive with Your Hips: As you begin to extend the arm, use your hips to drive forward, adding power to the lock.

3. Apply the Submission Slowly

The Kimura requires precision, so it's important to apply the submission slowly to ensure it’s properly executed and to avoid injury.

Gradual Pressure: Slowly rotate the arm behind the opponent’s back while maintaining your grip and hip control. Don’t force the submission; allow the pressure to build as they tap out.
Control the Arm: Keep their arm close to their body while applying the shoulder pressure.

4. Perfect Your Transitions

A strong Kimura doesn't just come from the submission itself—it also comes from being able to transition smoothly into the position. Practice your entries and sweeps to transition into the Kimura from various positions.

From Guard: The Kimura is commonly set up from the guard position. Practice isolating their arm while pulling them down into a position where you can secure the submission.
From Side Control: The Kimura is also effective from side control. Keep their arm isolated while maintaining control over their torso.

5. Train with Resistance

While drilling the Kimura in a controlled environment is important, it's essential to practice with resistance to simulate real sparring situations.

Spar with Partners: Start slow, then gradually increase speed and resistance as you get more comfortable with the technique.
Live Sparring: Live rolling will help you see how the Kimura works against a resisting opponent, allowing you to refine your technique and timing.

Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them

1. Not Breaking the Posture

Fix: Always break your opponent's posture before attempting the Kimura. A strong posture can make it much harder to lock in the submission.

2. Insufficient Grip Strength

Fix: Focus on developing a strong grip through exercises like dead hangs, pull-ups, and grip-specific drills.

3. Not Using Your Hips Enough

Fix: Remember that the power of the Kimura comes from your entire body, especially your hips. Engage your hips fully for more control and power in your submission.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How long does it take to master the Kimura in BJJ?

The time it takes to master the Kimura depends on your prior experience and practice. For beginners, it might take a few months of regular training to feel comfortable with the technique.

Can I use the Kimura in self-defense situations?

Yes, the Kimura can be an effective tool for self-defense. It allows you to control an opponent and neutralize them without causing lasting harm.

Should I focus on the Kimura as a beginner?

Yes, the Kimura is an excellent technique for beginners. It teaches you the importance of control and provides a fundamental submission option that can be used in multiple situations.

Simply Put

The Kimura is a versatile and powerful submission that all Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioners should have in their arsenal. With practice and proper technique, it can become one of your most reliable tools in both sport and self-defense situations. Whether you're an adult looking to improve your fitness or a parent seeking practical self-defense techniques, mastering the Kimura will take your BJJ skills to the next level.

Ready to start mastering the Kimura? Book your free trial class at Soma Jiu-Jitsu in Rexburg, ID today!

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How to Improve Your Armbar in BJJ

April 8, 2025

The armbar is one of the most effective and iconic submissions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced practitioner, refining your armbar technique can make a huge difference in your game. In this article, we'll break down key details to help you execute a stronger, more efficient armbar and increase your submission success rate. Understanding the Armbar The armbar is a submission that hyperextends the opponent’s elbow, forcing them to tap out. It can be executed from various positions, including the guard, mount, and even standing transitions. Mastering this submission requires precise technique, timing, and control. Benefits of a Strong Armbar High-percentage submission : The armbar is widely used in both sport Jiu-Jitsu and self-defense scenarios. Versatile application : Can be set up from multiple positions. Builds control and patience : Teaches practitioners to control their opponent before attacking. Key Techniques to Improve Your Armbar 1. Perfect Your Positioning Before executing the armbar, ensure that your positioning is correct. A misplaced hip or an unstable base can make the difference between success and failure. Keep your hips close to your opponent’s shoulder. Control the opponent’s arm with a strong grip. Secure their posture to prevent escapes. 2. Maintain Strong Leg Control Your legs play a crucial role in finishing the armbar. From the guard : Pinch your knees together to prevent your opponent from slipping out. From the mount : Keep your knees tight against their body to control movement. Hook your feet under their far shoulder to limit their ability to stack and escape. 3. Control the Wrist and Thumb Understanding how to manipulate the opponent’s arm is key. Grip just above their wrist for better leverage. Ensure their thumb is pointing upward before extending the arm. Use your whole body to extend, not just your arms. 4. Improve Your Transitions A well-executed armbar isn’t just about locking in the submission—it’s also about fluidity in getting there. Drill armbar entries from different positions (guard, mount, back control). Use setups like the kimura trap or triangle transition. Learn how to counter escape attempts, such as stacking defense or rolling escapes. 5. Build Your Core and Hip Strength Having strong core and hip muscles will improve your armbar execution. Incorporate hip bridges and leg raises into your training. Practice solo armbar drills to develop muscle memory. Use resistance bands to improve grip and leg control strength. Common Armbar Mistakes and How to Fix Them 1. Not Controlling the Opponent’s Posture Fix: Keep their head down and break their posture before attacking. 2. Leaving Space Fix: Stay tight and keep your legs engaged. 3. Rushing the Submission Fix: Secure control first before applying the finishing pressure. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) How do I stop my opponent from escaping my armbar? Ensure that your knees are tight, control the wrist, and keep their thumb pointed up. Also, anticipate their escape attempts and adjust your positioning accordingly. What’s the best way to practice armbars? Drill armbars from different positions and incorporate live sparring to test your technique under resistance. Can I use the armbar in self-defense? Yes! The armbar is effective in controlling and neutralizing an opponent in a real-life confrontation. Simply Put Improving your armbar takes time, practice, and attention to detail. By focusing on proper positioning, leg control, and transitions, you’ll be able to execute this submission with greater efficiency. Ready to take your BJJ skills to the next level? Sign up for a free trial class at Soma Jiu-Jitsu in Rexburg, ID today!

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