Kimura from closed guard
A shoulder lock using a figure-four grip on the wrist and arm.
How to read it
What this entry helps you see
The kimura isolates the shoulder with a figure-four grip and a change of angle. From closed guard you off-balance the top player forward, capture a wrist, and rotate the arm behind the back. It is a controlled joint lock, applied slowly with attention to the tap.
Key steps
- From closed guard, sit up and off-balance the top player so a hand posts on the mat.
- Grip that wrist with your same-side hand and pin it to the floor.
- Reach your other hand over the arm and grip your own wrist to form a figure four.
- Return to your back and bring the trapped elbow tight to your body.
- Rotate the wrist toward the partner head to turn the shoulder, applying pressure slowly.
- Stop and release on any tap.
Study cues
- Off-balance the partner forward to expose a hand on the mat
- Build the figure-four grip on the wrist first
- Rotate the arm with your torso, not just your arms
Common errors
- Reaching for the lock before the partner posts a hand
- Letting the elbow escape back to the body
- Cranking the wrist instead of rotating the shoulder