Kimura Vs. Americana Lock: Distinct and Effective BJJ Locks

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) practitioners can employ several lock submissions to control and submit their opponents. The Kimura lock and the Americana lock are two standard locks you may have heard about.

This article will examine the distinctions between these two locks and why one may be preferable.

What Exactly Is the Kimura Lock?

The Kimura lock is a submission hold that targets the shoulder and elbow joints. It is primarily known as the double wristlock or the figure-four armlock in the world of grappling and catch wrestling.

It is often employed in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, submission grappling, and mixed martial arts.

This due to it is a popular and efficient move that all belt levels and weight categories can execute effortlessly.

Here is how you can execute a kimura lock:

1. First, you need to get the kimura grips. One of your arms controls the opponent’s wrist, and the other goes above the opponent’s elbow deeply inside, connecting your other hand.
2. Second, you can put your shoulder on top of your opponent’s shoulder to make it a strict control. 
3. Third, finish the kimura lock by moving your connected hands toward the opponent’s back. 

This will put a lot of torque on your opponent’s shoulder and elbow joint, which is highly uncomfortable and will force him to tap out.

What Exactly Is the Americana Lock?

The Americana lock, also known as the keylock or the figure-four armlock, is a shoulder and elbow joint submission hold.

Here is how you can execute an Americana lock in Brazilian jiu-jitsu:

1. First, you must reach a suitable Americana lock position, such as the mount or the side control.
2. When there, you need to get the proper grips. Isolate one opponent’s arm and control its wrist. Then your free hand goes under the opponent’s elbow deeply inside, connecting your other hand.
3. Finish the Americana Lock by bringing your hand toward you and turning the opponent’s elbow outward.

This will put a lot of torque on your opponent’s shoulder and elbow joint, which is highly uncomfortable, leading him to tap out.

Kimura Vs. Americana: What Is the Difference Between These Two Popular BJJ Locks?

The Kimura and Americana locks have a few significant differences despite their similarities.

The most noticeable change is how you grab your opponent’s arm. A Kimura lock requires you to grab your opponent’s wrist with your arm’s palm and fingers toward the sky.

However, an Americana lock requires you to grip your opponent’s wrist, your arm’s palm, and your fingers toward the mat.

When to Employ the Kimura Lock?

The Kimura lock is a flexible lock that can be used from many positions, including the guard, side control, and mount to submit or sweep him.

This is a highly effective move to end a fight by controlling the opponent’s arm and putting pressure on their shoulder and elbow joints.

When to Use the Americana Lock?

The Americana lock is versatile and may be used from many jiu-jitsu positions, such as the side control and mount.

This is a viable alternative if you want to control your opponent’s arm and put pressure on their shoulder and elbow joints.

Conclusion

The Kimura and Americana locks are prominent and influential BJJ and MMA submission techniques. You can use them to control and submit your opponents. While there are some parallels, there are a few important distinctions to be aware of.

But the beautiful thing is that you can perfect and use both locks to finish multiple bouts in your next BJJ competition with practice and determination.

But, always exercise safely and with consideration for your training partners. Have a good time rolling!