The kimura armbar is one of the most feared martial arts techniques.It's a great way to catch an opponent by surprise since it can be applied from many different positions.Learning to score with a kimura is as simple as learning to identify openings and bring the match to a quick and decisive end once you master the basics of the technique.
Step 1: Start from a closed guard.
Your opponent will be in a guard, meaning you'll be on your back with your legs wrapped around their waist.Keep your torso straight while pushing your hips forward.You'll have access to both arms from the guard, which will make them vulnerable to an unexpected submission.The kimura is an excellent defensive submission that can be easily secured from the bottom.While searching for an opening, be on the lookout for submission attempts by yourself.
Step 2: A sweep is initiated.
Sit up and move your hips back and forth.This will make your opponent think that you're going to throw them off balance.They will plant their arms to brace themselves.If your sweep attempt works, you'll be able to escape from the guard and begin to scramble for a stronger position.
Step 3: Take hold of your opponent's arm.
As you sit up, reach over your opponent's shoulder with your dominant hand.Put your hand on their wrist.Take the wrist of your bottom hand and wind your top hand around the back of their arm.When targeting your opponent's right arm, you'll grab their wrist with your left hand.To apply the submission to their left arm, grab their wrist with your right hand.If you reach for an arm too early, you will give away your intentions.You'll have a harder time setting up the submission once your opponent knows what to look for.
Step 4: Your hips are free.
When you have control of your opponent's arm, uncross your legs and slide your hips to the side.To get into a better position to Torque the arm, you'll need to create some space.Keeping the arm tight to your chest, scissor your legs around your opponent's waist and hold them in place.The opponent's arm is on one side.Pulling off a kimura from the guard requires proper hip distance and placement.
Step 5: The opponent's wrist should be twisted toward their head.
The opponent's arm will be rotating if you push your bottom hand forward.The shoulder joint will be put under pressure if this is done.The opponent will have no choice but to tap out if you're in a solid enough position.Don't pull at the arm.The shoulder rotation should be done in one smooth motion.
Step 6: Side control is what you should start in.
In side control, you'll be lying across your opponent, keeping your body weight on them.Your knees should be against your opponent's side.To clasp your hands together, reach around their other shoulder.They won't be able to wriggle out.If you control your opponent's arm to maintain side control, you'll be in a good position to get a kimura.You should be prepared to adjust your technique depending on which side you're controlling.
Step 7: You can grab your opponent's arm.
In side control with your opponent on their back, grabbing an arm is as simple as reaching down and grabbing it with the bottom hand.If they're trying to escape, you have to flatten them out.You can drive your weight forward until both of their shoulders are on the mat by angling your legs towards their head.Take hold of your opponent's wrist before flattening them out if they are bracing against your chest.It will be easier to complete the submission once they are on their back.Don't let your opponent slip out or turn over onto their knees while you're setting up the leg drive.
Step 8: The kimura has a lock on it.
Now that you're controlling your opponent's wrist, you can use your own wrist.If you want to put yourself in a stronger controlling position, step over the opponent's head with your nearest leg and turn so that you're facing their feet.You can take away your opponent's leverage by twisting the wrist.Pull your knees in a tight knot.Your opponent may turn inward if you do not.
Step 9: The opponent's elbow should be pulled toward the ceiling.
Hugging the arm tight to your chest, use the forearm of your top hand to lift the elbow.Pull with the full strength of both arms, not just your top hand.Imagine pinching your shoulder blades together.If there is a bend in the arm, the submission will work best.If it's straight, you'll have to apply more force to get the opponent out.
Step 10: The full mount is assumed.
You need to straddle your opponent with both legs to get into a mount position.The weight on your hips should be centered to keep them from being able to sweep you.Your mount will be more stable if you put your knees into their armpits.The mount is a less common position to apply kimura from than the guard or side control, but it can be a useful variation to learn.A full mount will allow you to perform a number of submissions, including the americana, guillotine choke or arm triangle.
Step 11: Lift your opponent's arms.
The higher up on your opponent's body you are, the more they'll have to defend.If you can catch hold of one of their arms, you will be able to score a kimura.Pull your knees up toward your shoulders to keep your center of gravity low.If the opponent has their arms around your midsection, defend against strikes or submissions.You can break their grip by taking a step forward on one knee and pushing down on their head.
Step 12: Don't let your opponent's arm go up in the air.
If you want to pin your opponent's arm to your side, use your elbow.Take hold of their wrist with your side hand, then turn your upper body slightly.You can use the kimura technique if you loop your hand around the back of their arm.If you turn to grab their wrist, be careful not to lose control.
Step 13: Apply pressure to the shoulder with a twist.
Keeping the arm tight to your chest, crank the opponent's wrist in the direction of their head.It won't take much force to make them submit because of your superior positioning.The kimura from the mount is more about rotating your shoulders than using your arms.If you step over and hook your opponent's head with your opposite leg, you'll get even more leverage.