Rolling Kimura

Submission

The Rolling Kimura is a dynamic submission where the attacker uses a secured kimura grip to roll the opponent over, finishing the shoulder lock while transitioning to mount. It is used when the opponent resists the standard kimura by posturing up or pulling away, and the attacker capitalizes on that momentum to invert the position.

Quick Reference

Key principles

  • · Maintain a tight figure-four grip on the wrist throughout the entire rolling motion, never loosening control.
  • · Use your legs and hips to generate the rolling momentum rather than relying on upper body strength alone.
  • · Pin the opponent's trapped arm tight to your chest to prevent them from straightening or retracting it during the roll.
  • · Anticipate the opponent pulling away or posturing up and use that backward energy to initiate the roll in that direction.
  • · Land in mount with the kimura grip still secured so you can immediately finish or maintain dominant position.

Execution

  1. 1 From kimura control, secure a deep figure-four grip with the opponent's wrist pinned tightly against your torso.
  2. 2 When the opponent postures up or pulls away, hip-escape slightly to create angle and hook your top leg over their back or hip.
  3. 3 Drive off your legs and roll over your shoulder in the direction of the trapped arm, pulling the opponent over with you using the kimura grip as a steering wheel.
  4. 4 Complete the roll and establish mount, keeping the arm isolated and grip intact.
  5. 5 Finish the kimura by controlling their wrist to the mat near their hip and rotating it behind their back while applying chest pressure from mount.

Common mistakes

  • × Releasing grip tension during the roll, which allows the opponent to extract their arm and escape before mount is established.
  • × Trying to muscle the roll without proper hip movement or leg engagement, resulting in a stalled transition where the opponent flattens you back down.
  • × Rolling without first creating an angle with a hip escape, causing the roll to stall or land in a scramble rather than clean mount.

Do it from

Positions and situations where the Rolling Kimura shows up.

Kimura Control Kimura Trap