Americana or kimura, choosing between them
A practical guide to which shoulder lock the position and the partner arm offer you.
How to read it
What this entry helps you see
The americana and the kimura are the same figure-four grip applied in opposite directions on the shoulder. The americana bends the arm up toward the head, and the kimura rotates it down behind the back. Rather than forcing one, read where the partner elbow and hand already point and choose the lock the position offers. Both are controlled joint locks that reward slow, attentive application.
Study cues
- Read which way the partner elbow already bends
- Take the americana when the hand points toward the head
- Take the kimura when the hand points toward the hips
Common errors
- Forcing one lock when the position offers the other
- Losing the wrist pin while switching directions
- Cranking the wrist instead of rotating the shoulder