Kimura from Closed Guard: Safe Shoulder Lock Steps

The kimura from closed guard is a shoulder lock: you trap one wrist, build a figure-four grip, sit up, and turn the arm behind your partner's back. Use control, not speed, because the shoulder is delicate, and release immediately when your partner taps.

A purple belt sits up in closed guard and locks a figure-four grip for a kimura on a blue belt.

The kimura from closed guard is a shoulder lock that also opens the door to sweeps and back takes. You catch a wrist that is posted on your body, sit up to the side, and connect your hands in a figure four. Then you guide the arm behind their back, slowly and with respect for the joint.

When the kimura appears

The opening shows up when your partner posts a hand on your chest, hip or the mat beside you. In our classes we often see beginners grab the sleeve and yank. Instead, trap the wrist against your body first, because a trapped wrist cannot pull back. Then bring your other hand over the arm to find the figure four.

Key details

  • Pin the wrist to your own ribs so it stays under your control.
  • Sit up toward the trapped arm and wrap your other arm over their upper arm.
  • Grab your own wrist to form the figure four, keeping your elbows close to your body.
  • Angle your hips away and bring your partner's elbow to a right angle before turning the arm.

How to drill it

Drill the wrist trap and sit-up as one movement. Repeat ten times without finishing the lock. Next, add the figure-four grip and practice moving the hips from side to side. Lastly, take the arm only to the point where your partner feels the stretch and taps. If your partner resists, switch to another attack and come back later.

Common mistakes and safety

The biggest mistake is cranking too fast. The shoulder has a small margin, so move slowly and stop at the first sign of resistance or a tap. Another error is leaving your own head low, where your partner can wrap you. Keep the posture tall and your hips active. Always train this with a qualified instructor and an experienced partner.

When you are ready to learn it with coaching, book a free trial class at Renzo Gracie West Boca Raton. Study the armbar from closed guard next, since both attacks start from the same posted arm.

Step by step

  1. Catch the wrist

    When their hand posts on your body, trap the wrist against your ribs with your near hand.

  2. Sit up to the side

    Open your guard if needed and sit up toward the trapped arm.

  3. Wrap the upper arm

    Reach your other arm over their upper arm and find your own wrist.

  4. Lock the figure four

    Grab your wrist so both arms form a figure four around their arm.

  5. Angle your hips

    Slide your hips out and bring their elbow to a right angle.

  6. Turn the arm slowly

    Guide the wrist toward their back with your whole body, not just your hands.

  7. Release on the tap

    Stop right away when they tap and let the arm go.