Former Navy SEAL and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt Jocko Willink has shared his powerful insights about one of the most devastating submission techniques in martial arts – the Kimura lock.
Speaking about the technique’s effectiveness, Willink emphasized its unique position among submission holds.
“The Kimura is a beast,”
Willink stated, highlighting how practitioners might be able to resist various other submission attempts, but the Kimura presents a different level of challenge.
The technique, named after Japanese Judoka Masahiko Kimura, involves a double-joint manipulation of the shoulder and elbow. Willink explained that while athletes might choose to resist other submission attempts, doing so against a Kimura can have serious consequences.
“You can not tap to a foot lock… you can even not tap to a heel hook… but you don’t tap to a Kimura, you’re probably gonna have some issues,”
he warned.
Willink’s assessment of the technique’s severity was particularly noteworthy when comparing it to other submission holds. He described the visual impact of the Kimura as especially dramatic, noting how the positioning of the arm creates a distinct and concerning angle.
The technique remains a cornerstone in both Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and mixed martial arts, with many high-level practitioners considering it one of the most reliable submissions in their arsenal. Willink’s perspective, coming from his extensive experience both as a martial artist and instructor, adds significant weight to the ongoing discussion about the technique’s effectiveness in modern grappling.
