How to Perform a Kimura

By eHow Sports & Fitness Editor

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A kimura is an arm lock that is often use in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fights. This jujitsu technique is difficult to escape and applies an extreme amount of pressure to your opponent's shoulder. Learning to perform a kimura takes time and practice.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

Training Partner
Mixed Martial Arts Gear

Step1

Control one of your opponent's arms. The kimura is often done from a knee on belly position. You will want to control the arm that is on the same side as your body.

Step2

Grab the wrist firmly on the controlled arm with the hand that is closest to their head. If you are on the right side of their body this would be your left hand on their right wrist.

Step3

Pull the fighter's arm up where their elbow is pointing towards your face. Make sure to maintain control of their body with the knee you have on their stomach.

Step4

Slide your other arm under your opponent's elbow and grab your own wrist on the opposite arm. This is through their trapped arm and attaching to your own.

Step5

Rotate quickly around the fighter's head. This is taking the knee off their belly and stepping over their head with your other leg. This must be done smoothly and quickly.

Step6

Make sure the trapped arm and elbow is tight against your chest. Jujitsu is about control and maintaining that control throughout an entire move. If at any time you lose control, you leave yourself open to a reversal.

Step7

Twist your torso away from their body. Do not twist any part of your body under your waist and do not twist your arms. Just twisting your torso will cause a lot of pressure in your opponent's shoulder.

Tips & Warnings

Practice this jujitsu technique over and over again. It can take some practice to get the movements to flow smoothly.
Remember that you must move quickly when transitioning around the other fighter's head. If you do not move quickly at this time, you may leave an opportunity for them to escape.
Be careful when practicing this technique with a training partner. A kimura can cause serious injury if too much pressure is applied.