Kimura vs Americana: Which Is Easier to Hit?
Both Kimura and Americana are effective options, but they reward different styles. This comparison highlights how each fits into a complete BJJ game plan.
Kimura
Kimura emphasizes strong fundamentals and builds reliable control when executed with good timing.
- ✓High percentage
- ✓Builds positional control
- ✓Scales with experience
- ✕Requires clean setup
- ✕Can be countered without angle
- ✕Needs consistent drilling
- →Foundational skill building
- →Competition reliability
- →Technical efficiency
Americana
Americana rewards speed, timing, and the ability to capitalize on opponent reactions.
- ✓Creates quick openings
- ✓Pairs well with other attacks
- ✓Great for chaining
- ✕Risk of overcommitting
- ✕Needs strong entries
- ✕May require flexibility
- →Dynamic players
- →Scramble-heavy games
- →Surprise attacks
Key Differences
- →Kimura is more control-based, while Americana thrives on timing and angle changes.
- →Kimura often works from tight positions; Americana is strongest during transitions.
- →Americana can create quick finishes, while Kimura builds longer-term control.
When to Choose Kimura
Choose Kimura if you want a stable, repeatable option that builds positional dominance.
When to Choose Americana
Choose Americana if you like chaining attacks and capitalizing on movement.
Verdict
Most athletes benefit from learning both, using Kimura as a foundation and layering Americana as a dynamic follow-up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more effective, Kimura or Americana? +
At higher levels, the Kimura is significantly more effective because it can be hit from more positions, used as a control to sweep or transition, and is harder to escape once the grip is locked. The Americana is most effective from mount or side control on less mobile opponents.
What is the difference between a Kimura and an Americana? +
Direction of arm rotation: Kimura twists the arm behind the opponent's back (reverse shoulder lock); Americana twists it the opposite way with the hand by the head (figure-four). Both attack the shoulder joint but from opposing angles.
Why is it called a Kimura? +
It's named after Japanese Judoka Masahiko Kimura, who used the technique to defeat Hélio Gracie in a famous 1951 match in Brazil. BJJ adopted his name for the lock; in Judo it's called ude-garami.
Is the Americana legal in BJJ tournaments? +
Yes — both the Kimura and Americana are legal in IBJJF, ADCC, and virtually every major BJJ ruleset, at every belt level.
Which is easier for beginners? +
The Americana is easier to set up from side control and mount, making it a common white-belt submission. The Kimura's mechanics are more complex but it pays larger dividends as you progress.
Related Comparisons
Track What Works for You
Log your training focus with MatTime, the BJJ training tracker — and see which options actually produce your best rolls.