The Half Guard Kimura
The kimura is my favorite joint lock submission mostly because of its versatility. This extremely powerful shoulder lock can be attacked from closed guard, half guard, side control, and so many other positions. Not only is it versatile in the sense that it can be attacked from so many positions, but it can be used in many ways as well.
Develop A Killer Guard Passing Game and Destroy the Competition! Click Learn More!
The kimura is traditionally looked at as an offensive option, however, when used correctly, it can also be defensive. For example, if someone is getting past your guard and you lock up a kimura grip, you can either keep them at bay or sweep them over with it. Even the threat of the kimura can keep many opponent’s wary and make them slower to attack.
The half guard is an excellent position to attack the kimura from because it allows you to control your opponent’s lower body with your legs while control the upper body with the arm. I generally find gripping the kimura here easy to capture but the submission remains tough to finish. This is because the defender can maintain space and posture better than they can in other positions.
Setting up the kimura from half guard can be both proactive and reactive. To attack it reactively, you have to wait till the top player exposes their arm by attacking you in some way. In the following video, Danaher Death Squat member and Jiu Jitsu celebrity Garry Tonon illustrates different ways of setting up this submission.
The guillotine from the top position can also be reactive or proactive. Its reactive if you start getting close to your partner and proactive if they reach for it. Fortunately, the guillotine from top half guard is a difficult submission to finish, and if the bottom person has good guillotine awareness, they can take advantage of that.
After establishing the kimura from the baited guillotine, you can attempt to finish the submission or try a sweep. From my experience, the sweep is more effective if you are going against a skill opponent that understands the concepts of posture.
One trick I do often, though, if the top player postures back far enough forcing their weight behind them is use the kimura to push them while simultaneously bridging into them. This will force your opponent on your back and you will land on top with the kimura grip.
First Time Ever Revealed: The Three Part Passing System That No One Can Stop. Whether You Are Big Or Small, Old Or Young - Gordon Ryan's Passing System Is A Cheat Code To Passing Any Style Of Guard
ARE YOU A BJJ FANATICS INSIDER? IF NOT, YOU’RE MISSING OUT!
Our Insiders Club is by far the fastest way to level up your game. Take a deep dive on one specific skill per month with the top instructors in the BJJ Fanatics family.
AND NOW YOU CAN TRY IT FREE FOR 7 DAYS!
How much is it worth to get private lessons from Benardo Faria, the Ruotolo brothers, Giancarlo Bodoni, Jeff Glover, Neil Melanson, Marcos Tinoco… and the list goes on and on?! Forget it, don’t answer that - because you get all of these guys and more… for just $9.99 a month! But the even better news is – we’re currently giving you the chance to try out the Insiders Club for 7 days – FREE!
With your subscription you’ll get a Private Lesson (Masterclass), At Home Drills to work on, rolling breakdowns and more. You’ll also get a sneak peek at our upcoming Product Launch and Daily Deal schedules plus access to Daily Deals on BJJ gear and merchandise (up to 80% off). And much much more!
