BJJ Mental Models Ep. 361: Submission Series: The Kimura, feat. Stephan Kesting
Oct 27, 2025
Stephan Kesting, an experienced jiu-jitsu coach and creator of the acclaimed "The Kimura Roadmap," dives deep into the nuances of the Kimura. He discusses its historical significance and modern applications, emphasizing it as a positional system rather than just a submission. Topics include leveraging biomechanics, strategic use in competition, and the differences in entry methods. Kesting shares insights on the mechanics of finishing and even offers unique variations like the 'fat old lazy man' Kimura, making this a must-listen for grapplers looking to elevate their game.
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Kimura Is A Timeless Positional System
- The Kimura is an ancient, universal limb-control system rather than a modern gimmick.
- Stephan Kesting frames it as both a submission and a deep positional system used across cultures.
Think Of Kimura As A System Not A Move
- Treat the Kimura as a positional system with recurring, trainable positions and transitions.
- Kesting compares this shift to how leg-locks became position-driven rather than isolated moves.
Master ~12 Core Kimura Positions
- Learn and drill roughly a dozen key Kimura positions (side, near-side, T, back, half, turtle, standing, etc.).
- Use transitions and specific sparring to convert captures into control or finishes.
