Reverse Kimura

Submission

The Reverse Kimura (also called the Americana from front or top wrist lock) involves rotating the opponent's shoulder by pushing their wrist toward their head/back while controlling the elbow, applying the kimura-style lock in the opposite rotational direction. It is available from positions where you control the opponent's arm from the front or top side, such as standing clinch work, front headlock, overhook control, and crucifix.

Quick Reference

Key principles

  • · Control the elbow as the fixed fulcrum point while driving the wrist to create rotational torque on the shoulder.
  • · Use a figure-four grip with your wrist behind their wrist and your other hand gripping your own wrist for maximum leverage.
  • · Keep the opponent's arm bent at approximately 90 degrees to maximize shoulder rotation efficiency.
  • · Pin their elbow tight to your body or the mat to prevent them from straightening the arm and escaping.
  • · When they attempt to grab their own belt or gi to defend, walk your grip higher toward their fingers to break the grip before reapplying torque.

Execution

  1. 1 From your controlling position, isolate the opponent's arm and secure a figure-four grip with your wrist behind their wrist and your free hand clasping your own wrist.
  2. 2 Pin their elbow tightly against your torso or trap it between your body and the ground, ensuring it cannot move freely.
  3. 3 Maintain their arm bent at 90 degrees and drive their wrist away from their body in an arc toward their head or spine, rotating the shoulder joint externally.
  4. 4 Apply slow, steady pressure by squeezing your elbows together and lifting/pushing the wrist while keeping the elbow pinned until you get the tap.

Common mistakes

  • × Failing to pin the elbow tight, allowing the opponent to straighten their arm and relieve all shoulder pressure, negating the submission entirely.
  • × Applying force by muscling the wrist without proper figure-four leverage, leading to grip fatigue and giving the opponent time to escape.
  • × Cranking too fast without controlling posture, which lets the opponent roll toward the pressure and relieve the lock or reverse position.

Do it from

Positions and situations where the Reverse Kimura shows up.

Crucifix Overhook Control
2 less common
Front Headlock Standing Position