Kimura - UFC/MMA
The Kimura is executed by grabbing the opponent's wrist and using the other arm to create a figure-four leverage on the forearm, then rotating the arm towards the back. It is incredibly versatile in MMA: it can be used as a submission, as a sweep from guard, or as a control tool for positional transitions. In the UFC, fighters like Frank Mir and Paul Craig have achieved memorable victories with this technique, which remains one of the most feared joint locks in the octagon.
Kimura
Frank Mir submitted Big Nog with a Kimura at UFC 140, breaking his arm in one of the most brutal submissions in UFC history, showcasing the devastating power of this joint lock.
Kimura & Americana
The Americana is the reverse version of the Kimura: while the Kimura twists the arm towards the back, the Americana twists it outward. Both use the same figure-four grip but apply force in opposite directions. Americana.
FAQ - Kimura
What is the difference between Kimura and Americana?
The main difference is the direction of the rotation: the Kimura rotates the arm towards the back (internal rotation), while the Americana rotates it outward (external rotation). The figure-four grip is identical in both.
Can the Kimura also be used as a sweep?
Yes, the Kimura grip is one of the most versatile tools in grappling. From guard, the Kimura grip can be used to flip the opponent and gain a dominant position, even without completing the submission.
