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Kimura from Side Control

SubmissionJoint lockBelt: white+Risk: moderateIBJJFADCCNo-GiSub-OnlyMMA

The Kimura from side control is a powerful shoulder lock submission applied from dominant top position. It leverages a figure-four grip to isolate and attack the opponent’s far-side arm, exploiting both rotational and leverage-based pressure. Mastery of this attack creates submission threats and opens transitions to back takes or other finishes.

Start
Top side control
End
Submission
Prerequisites: Cross-face control · Establishing an underhook · Kimura grip mechanics · Hip switch from side control

Steps

  1. 1
    Pin the Far Arm
    From side control, use your cross-face to keep their head turned away and your near-side arm to control their far-side wrist, pinning it to the mat with a C-grip.
  2. 2
    Thread for the Kimura Grip
    Release your cross-face and thread your arm under their far-side triceps, reaching for your own wrist to establish the figure-four Kimura grip; keep your elbow tight to their ribs.
  3. 3
    Block Their Hips
    Slide your knee nearest their hips tight to their body, flaring your foot out to prevent them from bridging or turning into you.
  4. 4
    Switch Your Base
    Rotate your hips so you’re facing their legs (north-south orientation), keeping chest pressure heavy on their upper body and your head low for balance.
  5. 5
    Lift the Elbow Off the Mat
    Use your Kimura grip to lift their elbow off the mat while keeping their wrist pinned, creating maximal shoulder isolation.
  6. 6
    Step Over the Head (Optional for Control)
    If they resist, step your leg nearest their head over and windshield-wiper your shin across their face, increasing control and preventing them from sitting up.
  7. 7
    Finish the Lock
    Pull their wrist toward their lower back while rotating their elbow up and away from their body, keeping your figure-four grip tight and your chest heavy to prevent escapes.

Key details most people miss

  • Pin their wrist firmly to the mat before threading for the Kimura grip to prevent them from slipping their arm free.
  • Keep your elbow glued to their ribs during the grip transition to block their ability to straighten or re-guard.
  • Switching your hips (north-south base) increases your leverage and prevents them from bridging into you.
  • Stepping over the head neutralizes their ability to sit up or roll toward you, especially against explosive opponents.

Common mistakes

  • Failing to control their wrist before reaching for the grip allows them to hide their arm or re-guard.
  • Leaving space between your chest and their shoulder gives them room to turn in and escape the lock.
  • Not switching your hips leaves you vulnerable to being rolled or having your base disrupted.
  • Attempting to finish with just arm strength rather than using your whole body reduces breaking power and risks grip fatigue.

Counters & responses

They try: Opponent straightens their arm to slip out
You do: Pin their wrist to the mat with your C-grip before threading for the figure-four, and keep your elbow tight to their ribs.
They try: Opponent bridges and turns into you
You do: Switch your hips to a north-south base and drive your knee into their hip to block their movement.
They try: Opponent rolls away from you (hitchhiker escape)
You do: Step over their head with your far leg and use your shin to block their face, trapping their upper body.
They try: Opponent grabs their own belt or thigh for defense
You do: Use your free leg to pry their grip or transition to a straight armlock or back take if they overcommit.

Drill prescription

5 rounds × 3 minutes; 50% resistance; alternate top and bottom each round; goal: secure 5 clean Kimura finishes per round, with opponent actively defending the arm.

How the masters teach it

Videos are still being curated for this technique. AI suggests these instructors:
Saulo Ribeiro — Emphasizes tight hip switching and chest pressure to prevent escapes during the Kimura setup.John Danaher — Focuses on grip sequencing and using the Kimura as a hub for submission chains and positional transitions.Bernardo Faria — Advocates for heavy base and step-over control to maximize finishing percentage against strong opponents.Roger Gracie — Known for simple, fundamental setups with precise wrist pinning and minimal space for escapes.
#side-control#submission#kimura-grip#gi#no-gi#shoulder-lock#top-position#joint-lock#medium-risk#all-body-types