The Kimura, more than just a shoulder lock…
Posted by Emil Fischer on
There are very few moves in jiu jitsu that provide competent practitioners a true edge or advantage in competition. The kimura, sometimes referred to as a double wrist lock, is one such move. The kimura can be a method of doing jiu jitsu, but what makes it so special? Why is this move such an effective way to nullify and defeat opponents?
For starters, the kimura effectively immobilizes and threatens the arm on which it is applied. If the arm is trapped properly, and the elbow on the arm being attacked is not allowed to touch the ground, the victim of the move is very unlikely to be able to defend it. More importantly it makes many transitions available to the person doing the move.
When one has this grip locked on, the imagination is the only limit. The grip can be used to set up chokes, arm bars, various cranks and leglock entries as well as of course the kimura itself as a shoulder lock finish. It can also be used as an anchor to secure a good position or a point of control to escape a bad one.
Here’s a video of Robson De Lima, also known as Mau Mau, demonstrating some movement related to the Kimura. Mau Mau has been extremely effective in competition jiu jitsu with this technique.
If you are interested in learning more about Mau Mau’s techniques, check out this DVD series! In the series Mau Mau covers this devastating technique from many different possible scenarios. You’ll be amazed at how much you can accomplish with a well placed grip.
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