Jiu Jitsu Kimura: Everything You Need to Know

Jiu Jitsu is an incredible martial art that is designed to allow smaller individuals to effectively defend themselves against larger opponents. One of the most popular techniques in Jiu Jitsu is the kimura. The kimura is a powerful submission that can be applied from a variety of positions, and it is a staple in many Jiu Jitsu players' arsenals. In this article, we will take an in-depth look at the kimura, including its history, how to perform it, and how to defend against it.

The History of the Kimura

The kimura is named after Masahiko Kimura, a Japanese Judo master who was known for his incredible skill and strength. Kimura was born in 1917, and he began training in Judo when he was just a child. He quickly developed a reputation as one of the best Judo players in the world, and he went on to win numerous championships and tournaments throughout his career.

Kimura is perhaps best known for his match against Helio Gracie, the founder of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. In 1951, Kimura traveled to Brazil to compete in a Judo exhibition, and he was challenged to a match by Gracie. Despite being much smaller than Kimura, Gracie was known for his incredible skill in Jiu Jitsu, and he was confident that he could defeat the Judo master.

The match between Kimura and Gracie was a legendary battle that lasted for over 15 minutes. In the end, Kimura was able to defeat Gracie with a powerful shoulder lock that would later become known as the kimura. The move was so devastating that Gracie's arm was broken, and he was forced to forfeit the match.

How to Perform the Kimura

The kimura is a submission that is applied to the shoulder joint, and it can be performed from a variety of positions. The most common way to set up the kimura is from the top position in side control. Here's how to perform the kimura:

1. Start in side control, with your opponent on their back.
2. Secure the far arm by grabbing the wrist or forearm.
3. Step over your opponent's head with your near leg.
4. Sit back and rotate your opponent's arm towards their head, applying pressure to the shoulder joint.
5. Finish the kimura by pulling your opponent's arm towards their back and applying additional pressure to the shoulder joint.

The kimura can also be performed from the guard position, as well as from other positions such as the mount, back mount, and north-south position. However, the setup and execution of the kimura will vary depending on the position.

Variations of the Kimura

There are several variations of the kimura that can be used to catch your opponent off guard. Here are a few of the most common variations:

• Reverse Kimura: In this variation, you secure your opponent's arm behind their back instead of in front of their body.
• Kimura from the back: This variation is performed from the back mount position, where you secure your opponent's arm and rotate it towards their head.
• Kimura from the mount: In this variation, you secure your opponent's arm whilemounted on top of them, and then rotate their arm towards their head to apply the submission.

Defending Against the Kimura

The kimura is a powerful submission that can be difficult to escape once it is locked in. However, there are several defenses that you can use to prevent your opponent from securing the submission. Here are a few of the most effective kimura defenses:

• Hand placement: One of the most important aspects of defending against the kimura is hand placement. If your opponent is unable to secure your wrist or forearm, they will not be able to apply the submission. Keep your hands close to your body and be aware of your opponent's grips at all times.
• Rolling: If your opponent has secured the kimura and is applying pressure, you can sometimes escape by rolling to your side and freeing your arm. However, this can be a risky move, as it can leave you vulnerable to other submissions.
• Counterattack: If your opponent is attempting to set up the kimura, you can sometimes catch them off guard by attacking with your own submissions. For example, you could attempt to secure a triangle choke or armbar as your opponent goes for the kimura.

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Conclusion

The kimura is a powerful submission that is essential for any Jiu Jitsu player to learn. Whether you're using it to submit your opponent or defending against it, the kimura is a versatile technique that can be used in a variety of situations. By understanding the history of the kimura, how to perform it, and how to defend against it, you can take your Jiu Jitsu game to the next level.

And when you're ready to hit the mats, be sure to check out GRW's Jiu Jitsu apparel. Our high-quality gear is designed to help you train harder and perform better, so you can become the best Jiu Jitsu player you can be.

• Hand placement: One of the most important aspects of defending against the kimura is hand placement. If your opponent is unable to secure your wrist or forearm, they will not be able to apply the submission. Keep your hands close to your body and be aware of your opponent's grips at all times.
• Rolling: If your opponent has secured the kimura and is applying pressure, you can sometimes escape by rolling to your side and freeing your arm. However, this can be a risky move, as it can leave you vulnerable to other submissions.
• Counterattack: If your opponent is attempting to set up the kimura, you can sometimes catch them off guard by attacking with your own submissions. For example, you could attempt to secure a triangle choke or armbar as your opponent goes for the kimura.

Sources

• BJJ Heroes. (2020). Masahiko Kimura (1917-1993). Retrieved from https://www.bjjheroes.com/bjj-fighters/masahiko-kimura-facts-and-bio
• Gracie University. (n.d.). The Kimura Lock. Retrieved from https://www.gracieuniversity.com/lessons.aspx?section=2&lesson=11&highlight=Kimura
• Braulio Estima. (2015). Escaping the Kimura Lock. Retrieved from https://www.bjjee.com/articles/escaping-the-kimura-lock-by-braulio-estima/

About GRW

GRW is a leading provider of high-quality Jiu Jitsu apparel and gear. Our mission is to help Jiu Jitsu practitioners of all levels improve their skills and achieve their goals. We believe that Jiu Jitsu is more than just a sport - it's a way of life. That's why we're committed to providing the best possible gear and apparel to help you reach your full potential.

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Final Thoughts

The kimura is an essential technique for any Jiu Jitsu player to learn. Whether you're using it to submit your opponent or defending against it, the kimura is a versatile submission that can be used in a variety of situations. By understanding the history of the kimura, how to perform it, and how to defend against it, you can take your Jiu Jitsu game to the next level.

And when you're ready to hit the mats, be sure to check out GRW's Jiu Jitsu apparel. Our high-quality gear is designed to help you train harder and perform better, so you can become the best Jiu Jitsu player you can be. With GRW, you'll have the confidence and comfort you need to succeed on the mats.