Kimura Grip Escape Jiu Jitsu: Step by Step

The kimura grip is one of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu's most effective and versatile submission techniques. Whether applied from side control, mount position, or standing, the kimura grip can catch even experienced grapplers off guard. However, understanding how to escape a kimura grip is just as crucial as knowing how to apply it. In this comprehensive guide, we'll break down the kimura grip escape jiu jitsu step by step so you can confidently defend against this submission and keep yourself safe on the mat.

Understanding the Kimura Grip and Why Defense Matters

Before diving into escapes, let's clarify what makes the kimura grip so dangerous. The kimura is a shoulder lock that hyperextends the shoulder joint by controlling the opponent's arm in a figure-four grip. Your opponent traps your arm by controlling your wrist and elbow, then uses their body weight and leverage to create immense pressure on your shoulder.

The kimura grip submission is popular across all skill levels because it's effective, difficult to defend, and can be applied from multiple positions. Learning proper escape techniques isn't just about competition—it's essential for injury prevention during training. Sharp shoulder pain, rotator cuff injuries, and torn ligaments are real risks if you're caught in a tight kimura without knowing how to escape safely.

At Legacy Pasadena BJJ, we emphasize defensive techniques alongside offensive skills because smart self-protection on the mat builds confidence and longevity in your jiu-jitsu journey.

Step 1: Recognize the Grip and Assess Your Position

The first step in any escape is early recognition. Your opponent has successfully established a kimura grip when they've:

• Controlled your wrist with one hand
• Clasped their hands together or secured your elbow with their other arm
• Positioned their body to create rotational pressure on your shoulder

Quickly assess where you are. Are you in side control? Mount position? On your back? Your escape strategy will vary based on your position, but the fundamental principle remains: create space and break the grip before pressure becomes dangerous.

Step 2: Understand the Grip's Vulnerability Points

Every submission has weak points. The kimura grip depends on three critical elements:

1. Wrist control – Your opponent must keep a firm grip on your wrist

2. Elbow/arm control – They need to prevent your arm from escaping the figure-four

3. Body positioning – Their hip placement and weight distribution drive the submission pressure

Successful kimura grip escape jiu jitsu techniques target one or more of these elements. By breaking any single component, you can relieve pressure and create escape opportunities.

Step 3: Establish a Stable Base

Before attempting an active escape, stabilize your position. If you're in side control:

• Plant your feet firmly on the ground
• Create a strong base with your hips
• Use your free arm for balance and posting
• Avoid panicking movements that waste energy

A solid base gives you leverage to create separation and prevents your opponent from completing the submission while you work your escape.

Step 4: Create Frames and Escape Angles

Now for the active defense. Frame your free arm against your opponent's body, chest, or face (depending on position). This creates space between you and your opponent—space is your ally in any escape.

If caught in a kimura from side control:

1. Frame hard on their shoulder or chest with your free hand

2. Bridge your hips up explosively

3. Rotate your hips away from the pressure

4. As you create space, trap their leg or arm to prevent them from maintaining position

The simultaneous frame and hip bridge combination is one of the most reliable kimura grip escape jiu jitsu movements because it disrupts your opponent's leverage.

Step 5: Break the Hand Grip

Once you've created some space, actively work to break their wrist and elbow grip. Methods include:

• Peeling the grip – Use your free hand to peel away their fingers
• Rotating your wrist – Twist your wrist against the grip to create angles where their fingers lose purchase
• Creating pressure – Drive their gripped hand into the ground or their own body to force them to release

Don't rely solely on strength here. Use angles, leverage, and timing. Your elbow and wrist are small joints—leverage always beats muscular effort.

Step 6: Control the Arm Post-Escape

As the grip loosens, immediately control their attacking arm. Grab their elbow or trap their arm against your body. This prevents them from re-establishing the kimura or transitioning to another submission like a straight armlock or omoplata.

Step 7: Improve Positioning

With the immediate submission threat neutralized, focus on improving your position. This might mean:

• Regaining a dominant position (mount, side control)
• Creating distance to stand up
• Reversing from a bottom position
• Transitioning to your own offensive opportunity

Common Mistakes in Kimura Grip Escape

Panicking – The biggest mistake is thrashing wildly. Controlled, technical movements preserve energy and prevent injury.

Only defending the arm – Forget position; focus only on the arm grip. Smart escapes address both the grip and your body positioning.

Waiting too long – Early recognition and immediate defense are easier than escaping from deep submission pressure.

Ignoring shoulder safety – Never ignore sharp pain. Tap early and learn from the position.

Practicing Kimura Grip Escape Techniques

The best way to develop proficiency is through consistent, deliberate practice. Work kimura grip escape jiu jitsu drills during your warm-ups. Have a training partner apply light pressure while you drill the movements. Gradually increase pressure as your technique improves.

At [Legacy Pasadena BJJ](/), our experienced instructors can personally analyze your escape technique and identify what adjustments will make your defense more effective. Whether you're working on [Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu fundamentals](/blog/jiu-jitsu-fundamentals-white-belt-ranking-system) or refining advanced techniques, proper defensive mechanics protect your body and build genuine jiu-jitsu skill.

Complement Your Defense Training

While mastering the kimura grip escape is invaluable, comprehensive jiu-jitsu training includes multiple defensive layers. Learning how to escape other submissions—like [heel hook escapes](/blog/heel-hook-escapes-step-by-step-guide) and [mount position escapes](/blog/mount-escape-defense-bjj-tutorial)—creates a well-rounded defensive toolkit.

Additionally, building [shoulder mobility and flexibility](/blog/brazilian-jiu-jitsu-shoulder-mobility-flexibility) through targeted exercises makes your shoulders more resilient and less prone to injury during both attacks and escapes.

Start Training Today

Developing confident, technical kimura grip escape jiu jitsu skills takes time, but every class builds your foundation. If you're interested in training with instructors who prioritize both offense and defense, [join our adult jiu-jitsu program](/adult-jiu-jitsu) in Pasadena. We offer [a free trial week](/free-trial) so you can experience our instruction style and supportive community. Ready to take your jiu-jitsu defense to the next level? [Contact us](/contact) or [check our class schedule](/schedule) to get started.

Key Takeaways

The kimura grip escape jiu jitsu step by step approach emphasizes early recognition, base stability, space creation, and controlled pressure management. Master these fundamentals, drill them consistently, and you'll confidently defend against this dangerous submission. Remember: the best submission is one you never get caught in, but the best escape is one you've trained a hundred times before you need it.

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