Student Objectives:
The student will apply the Kimura Armbar from the Broken Turtle position while using the Kimura as a control.
The student will explore how to connect the Kimura to the Armbar while maintaining a positive position with a compliant partner.
Teaching Cues:
Broken Turtle
Seatbelt
Kimura
In and Up
Swing the Leg
Pinch the Knees
Leg Over
Let Go and Lay Down
Lesson: Kimura Armbar from Broken Turtle
The assisting student will lay in the Broken Turtle position with their back facing the practicing student. The practicing student will then face the assisting student with their legs in the Triangle Sit. The practicing student should then take a Seatbelt grip with the hand closest to the head going under the neck. The assisting student should elevate their arm to allow easy access to the top armpit so that the second hand can clasp the hand under the assisting student’s head/neck.
Once the Seatbelt is secured, the assisting student should place their hands in a Home Alone position. This will make the Kimura grip accessible by allowing the practicing student to clasp the wrist of the top arm with their free hand. If this is difficult to obtain, simply have the assisting student help by bringing the hand closer to the free hand. While it seems like this is a difficult grip to get, in reality it is very easy as the Clock Choke is a common attack and defending opponent’s will try to protect their collar with their hands. This brings the hands into a position making grabbing the wrist easy.
Once the Kimura Grip is locked on, without opening the hands, the practicing student will unloop the arm from around the assisting student’s head and place the forearm straight across the top of the neck. To limit the movement in this position, the practicing student will pull the assisting studnet’s hand close to their own shoulder while simultaneously pulling up with the forearm that is in the elbow pit. This “in and up” pressure should prevent the assisting student from turning to Turtle and/or putting their back flat on the floor.
Next the practicing student will swing the leg closest to the assisting student’s head over the neck with the hamstring making contact with the neck first. It is extremely important that when this leg clears the head that it is as straight as possible. This will mask the intent of the movement AND create a quick angle change to isolate the arm/shoulder of the assistings student.
As the practicing student swings the leg over the assisting student’s head they will start to fall in the direction due to compromising their own base. This angle change will allow the practicing student to pinch inward with the knee that is still on the floor. The goal should be to tightly secure the shoulder between the knees of the assisting student, very similar to the previous armbar lessons. Remember, throughout this transition the “in and up” pressure should be maintained on the Kimura grip.
After pinching the knees, with a slight angle of the body towards the assisting student’s head, it should be easy to bring the foot and lower leg over the assisting student's body. While this is not essential in finishing the armbar, many students feel more comfortable, and have more experience, from the armbar position with one leg over the head and one leg over the body.
Once the practicing student has their legs in position, they may let go of the hand controlling the assisting student’s wrist and apply backwards pressure to extend the arm. Remind the student to keep the grip on their own wrist and maintain good squeezing pressure with their knees throughout the finish of the movement.
As with all the armbars, the finish should be applied slowly with plenty of time for the assisting student to tap without injuring the arm.
Possible Extensions:
The Kimura Armbar can be executed from the Headsit position. To complete this transition the practicing student should enter the Headsit Position and apply a Kimura grip. Next the practicing student will make an exaggerated elevation with their body by lifting their hips and buttocks off of their heels. During this elevation there is an angle change where the practicing student rotates their buttocks towards the floor on the same side as the assisting student’s back.
Simultaneously, the practicing student will straighten their leg on the side of the assisting student’s chest with the intention of getting the hamstring to make contact with the assisting student’s neck, very similar to how it is performed from Broken Turtle.
It is ok for the practicing student to fall towards their shoulder (on the same side as the straightened leg) to allow the knee that is still on the floor the correct angle to pinch in around the assisting student’s shoulder. Remember to apply exaggerated pressure via the Kimura Grip by pulling it tightly against the chest during this transition, otherwise a savvy opponent will turn their chest towards the floor and further steps will be required to finish the armbar.
Possible Refinements:
Student’s that are having trouble swinging the leg over the head to complete the armbar may find it easier if they lift their buttocks off of their heels while performing the “in and up” cue. This will take the weight off of their feet and transfer it onto the knees. This also has the added effect of increasing the domination over the assisting student’s shoulder making it even harder for them to turn their chest.
Make sure when the leg swings over the head that the practicing student’s leg is as straight as possible. Often students new to this move will try to place their foot on the floor on the far side and this stunts the speed and power of the transition drastically. The biggest complaint from student’s learning this move is they feel like they are off balance when they do this part of the movement. It is important to point out to the students that the goal is to fall to the side and it is ok to compromise their base if their goal is to fall anyway.
Proper wrist posture is always important while applying a Kimura. This includes the submission and its use as a positional control. Have students experiment with the usage of the thumb in this position. If the thumb is removed from the control on the assisting partner’s wrist it will be possible to pull their hand closer to their own shoulder. This control is explored throughout the use of the Kimura, but should be revisited often until the practicing student understands the dynamics of the “up and in” control.
Reference materials:
Teaching Reflections:
How did I do teaching?
What could I do better next time?
Did the student gain proficiency in lesson material?