Kimura
Also known as double wrist lock, gyaku ude garami, reverse keylock
A bent-arm shoulder lock and control grip used to submit, sweep, pass, take the back, or restrain the upper body.
At a glance
- Family
- Submission
- Format
- Gi & no-gi
- Level
- Fundamental
- Connections
- 4 techniques
Concept
What it is
The kimura controls the opponent's wrist with one hand while the other arm loops behind their elbow to connect a figure-four grip. Although known as a shoulder lock, the grip is equally important as a positional control system.
Kimura traps link guard sweeps, half-guard passes, back takes, armbars, and side-control attacks. The finish depends on keeping the elbow bent and controlling shoulder rotation rather than wrenching the hand in isolation.
Core mechanics
Key principles
- Keep the opponent's elbow bent and separated from their torso.
- Connect the figure-four grip close to the shoulder line.
- Control body rotation before moving the hand behind the back.
- Use gradual pressure because shoulder range differs widely.
System map
How it connects
Jiu-jitsu techniques work in sequences. These are common conceptual routes in, productive next steps, and the defensive priorities that shape the exchange.
Common entries
Closed guard
Sit up around a posted hand and connect behind the elbow.
Side control
Isolate the near arm as the defender frames or turns.
Half guard
Capture the far arm to sweep, take the back, or assist a pass.
Next actions
Back control
Follow the trapped arm around the torso as the opponent turns.
Armbar
Move over the shoulder line while maintaining wrist control.
Sweep
Use the isolated shoulder to remove the opponent's post.
Defensive priorities
Elbow connection
Keep the elbow close to the ribs before the figure-four grip closes.
Grip fight
Separate the attacker's hands and recover wrist position.
Turn with the shoulder
Follow the pressure to protect the joint while recovering posture.
Context
History and naming
The Brazilian name commemorates judoka Masahiko Kimura and his 1951 match with Hélio Gracie; judo commonly describes the lock as gyaku ude-garami.
Competition connections
Athletes associated with Kimura
Keep exploring
Related techniques
Position
Side Control
A top pin across the opponent's torso that controls the shoulders and hips while opening routes to mount, back control, and submissions.
Submission
Armbar
A straight armlock that controls the shoulder and wrist while using the hips as the fulcrum against the elbow.
Position
Back Control
A dominant rear position that controls the opponent's hips and upper body while exposing high-percentage choking attacks.
Guard
Closed Guard
A foundational guard in which the bottom player closes their legs around the opponent to control posture and build sweeps or submissions.
Rules and reference sources
Rules evolve. The official organizer documents below are the source of truth for competition legality; the guide above explains the technique conceptually.