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Wristlock from Kimura Grip

SubmissionHand/wrist joint lockBelt: blue+Risk: moderateIBJJFADCCNo-GiSub-OnlyMMA

The wristlock from Kimura grip is a submission that exploits the opponent’s defensive hand positioning when defending the Kimura. By isolating and hyperflexing the wrist using the Kimura grip, you can secure a quick tap, often catching experienced opponents off guard.

Start
Kimura control or top side
End
Submission
Prerequisites: Kimura grip mechanics · Breaking opponent’s grip on own shorts · Wrist control isolation · Pinning the far shoulder · Shoulder pressure from side control

Steps

  1. 1
    Establish Kimura Grip
    From top side control, secure a Kimura grip: your near arm threads under opponent’s far arm, grabbing their wrist with a C-grip; your far arm grabs your own wrist, forming a figure-four.
  2. 2
    Pin Opponent’s Arm to the Mat
    Drive their wrist to the mat at a 90° angle from their torso, keeping your chest heavy over their shoulder and elbow to limit their ability to turn in.
  3. 3
    Adjust Your Elbow Position
    Slide your top arm’s elbow forward so it pins the back of their triceps to the mat, preventing them from straightening or rotating their arm.
  4. 4
    Isolate the Wrist
    Use your Kimura grip to push their wrist toward their own hip, then rotate your bottom hand so your thumb is pressing into the back of their hand, fingers wrapping over their palm.
  5. 5
    Bend the Wrist
    With your bottom hand controlling their hand, sharply flex their wrist toward their forearm by levering their knuckles down while keeping their forearm flat with your top hand.
  6. 6
    Maintain Shoulder and Elbow Pin
    Keep your chest pressure on their shoulder and your top arm’s elbow heavy on their triceps, preventing them from rolling or posturing up.
  7. 7
    Finish the Submission
    Apply slow, controlled pressure with your bottom hand, flexing their wrist until you feel resistance or a tap, ensuring their elbow and shoulder remain immobilized throughout.

Key details most people miss

  • The wristlock works best when the opponent’s hand is close to their hip or belt line, as this limits their ability to rotate the wrist out.
  • Your top arm’s elbow must pin the triceps to prevent the opponent from straightening their arm and escaping.
  • The bottom hand must transition from a Kimura grip to a palm-over-hand grip for optimal wrist leverage.
  • Chest pressure on the shoulder is critical to prevent bridging or rolling escapes during the wristlock application.

Common mistakes

  • Failing to pin the opponent’s triceps allows them to straighten their arm and nullify the wristlock threat.
  • Applying the wristlock with the opponent’s hand too far from their hip gives them space to rotate their wrist and escape.
  • Not switching the bottom hand grip leads to insufficient leverage and a weak submission attempt.
  • Lifting your chest off the opponent’s shoulder lets them turn in or bridge, breaking your control.

Counters & responses

They try: Opponent straightens their arm to escape the wristlock.
You do: Transition back to the standard Kimura finish by lifting their elbow and rotating their shoulder.
They try: Opponent rotates their wrist outward to slip the lock.
You do: Use your top arm to re-pin their wrist to the mat and reset the wristlock angle or return to attacking the Kimura.
They try: Opponent bridges and turns toward you to relieve pressure.
You do: Drop your weight chest-heavy onto their shoulder and slide your knee under their head to block the turn.
They try: Opponent grabs their own belt or shorts to anchor their wrist.
You do: Peel their grip using your Kimura mechanics, then immediately isolate the wrist for the lock as their grip breaks.

Drill prescription

Perform 4 sets of 3-minute rounds with a partner, alternating roles each round. Start from established Kimura grip in side control; partner gives 60% resistance, focusing on realistic defensive hand positions. Goal: achieve 5 clean wristlock finishes per round, with partner tapping or clear mechanical break in posture.

How the masters teach it

Videos are still being curated for this technique. AI suggests these instructors:
Bernardo Faria — Frequently integrates wristlocks from Kimura grip in his side control system, emphasizing pressure and timing against stubborn grips.John Danaher — Teaches the wristlock as a high-percentage follow-up in the Kimura series, stressing precise grip transitions and isolation.Dean Lister — Known for opportunistic wristlocks, he uses the Kimura grip to create constant submission threats, especially in no-gi.Rafael Lovato Jr — Incorporates wristlocks from Kimura grip in his pressure passing and side control attacks, focusing on control before submission.
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