Whizzer BASICS for EVERYONE!
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Standard Whizzer Kimura·TeachMeGrappling Coach Brian·Added by Admin
This video I breakdown the basics of the whizzer and uchi mata from the dogfight position. Check out the details and yo…
Standard Whizzer Kimura
Genusスタンダードウィザー木村(Sutandādo Wizā Kimura)
HybridTranslation: standard whizzer kimura
Overview
The Standard Whizzer Kimura transitions from the overhook position by reaching the free hand across to grab the opponent's wrist on the overhook side, then locking the figure-four grip by connecting the overhook hand to the wrist-controlling hand. [1] Once the kimura grip is secured, the defender can apply the submission by rotating the opponent's arm behind their back, using the figure-four leverage to attack the shoulder joint. [1],[2] The transition must be quick to prevent the opponent from sensing the grip change and pulling the arm free. [2],[3]
History & Origin
Effectiveness
The whizzer-to-kimura transition is effective because it converts a defensive overhook position into an offensive submission threat, surprising opponents who expect only a defensive application of the whizzer. [1] The figure-four kimura grip is mechanically strong and can be applied quickly from the overhook position. [2]
Lineage
The whizzer-to-kimura transition represents the intersection of wrestling and BJJ technique, combining the wrestling overhook with the judo/BJJ double wristlock (ude-garami). [1] The kimura (ude-garami) itself is named after Masahiko Kimura, who used the technique to defeat Helio Gracie in 1951. [2]
Competition Record
The whizzer to kimura is used in MMA competition. [1]
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Biomechanical Mechanism
Primary Action — Preventing or reducing the effect of an incoming attack through physical interception, evasion, or structural positioning
Joints Involved — Varies by defence type — blocks use arms/shins, evasions use head/body movement, sprawls use hips
Force Vector — Opposing or tangential to the attack — either absorbing, redirecting, or evading the incoming force
Defensive Principle — Economy of motion — the best defence uses minimal movement to neutralise the maximum threat
Position & Entry
From clinch or ground — When the opponent secures a controlling grip, use two-on-one, stripping, or peeling motions to break their hold
As preemptive defence — Break the opponent's grip before they can execute their intended technique
Variants
Standard defence — primary defensive technique from the most common position
Reactive defence — triggered by the opponent's attack, minimal movement for maximum protection
Proactive defence — anticipating the attack and positioning to neutralise it early
Counter defence — using the defensive movement to create an immediate counter-attack opportunity
Videos
1 video
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Ratings
Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to
3
Moderate3/10
Sprawls and stuffs involve sudden body weight displacement; knee/hip strain risk
Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably
Intermediate
Whether this technique is allowed under major competition rule sets
— Unified MMA — Legal defensive technique
Unified Rules of MMA, August 2025PDF— IBJJF — Legal — defensive techniques are fundamental to g...
IBJJF Rules Book v6.0, June 2024PDF— IJF — Legal defensive action
IJF Sport and Organisation Rules 2025, Article 27PDF— ADCC — Legal
ADCC Rules Update, April 2025PDF— UWW — Legal defensive technique
UWW International Wrestling Rules, January 2026PDF— FIAS Sport Sambo — Legal
FIAS International Sambo Competition RulesPDFTraining Notes
✓Standard whizzer kimura: from the whizzer, release the overhook slightly, grab the opponent's wrist with the whizzer hand, clasp your free hand over your own wrist to form the kimura grip, and transition to finish (Sakuraba, Quintet Techniques, 2019)
✓Step 1: establish a deep whizzer with hip pressure to control the opponent's underhook
✓Step 2: slide the whizzer hand down to the opponent's wrist — you're converting the overhook to a wrist grab
✓Step 3: bring the free hand through to clasp your own wrist — this completes the figure-four kimura grip
✓Step 4: choose your finish: hip throw and finish on the ground, drag to the mat, or pull guard with the grip
✓The grip transition must be fast — the window between releasing the whizzer and securing the kimura is where the opponent can escape
✓Keep your hips close to the opponent throughout — hip distance makes both the whizzer and kimura less effective
✓The standard whizzer kimura is a competition-proven technique at the highest levels of MMA and grappling
Common Mistakes
!Releasing the whizzer before securing the wrist — the transition must be smooth; don't lose control during the switch
!Clasping hands in an S-grip instead of the figure-four — the figure-four provides much more rotational force for the kimura
!Trying to finish standing without taking the fight down — the standing kimura is unreliable; transition to the ground
!Not keeping hips close during the grip change — hip distance allows the opponent to pull the arm free
!Rushing the grip transition and missing the wrist — a missed grip lets the opponent escape and re-pummel
!Applying the kimura without controlling the opponent's posture — if they can posture up, the leverage is lost
!Not training the full chain (whizzer → grip change → takedown → finish) as one fluid sequence
Related Techniques
Counter Techniques
Setup Chain
1Anticipate the Attack — read the opponent's intention through body cues
2Execute Defence — apply the specific defensive technique with proper timing
3Recover Stance — return to a balanced fighting position immediately
4Counter or Disengage — capitalize on the opening or create safe distance
Sources & References
Primary Source
Kodokan Judo (Jigoro Kano, 1986)
1BookFreestyle Wrestling (Petrov, 1977)
Alias sources — [1] Jiu-Jitsu University (Ribeiro, 2008) [2] Fundamentals of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (Danaher, 2012) [3] Wrestling Coaching Manual (USA Wrestling, 2015)
2BookWrestling Physical Conditioning Encyclopedia (Cejudo & Holliday, 2015)
Effectiveness sources — [1] Jiu-Jitsu University (Ribeiro, 2008) [2] Fundamentals of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (Danaher, 2012)
3OtherJapanese Martial Arts Hybrid Terminology
Mixed Japanese-Western terminology — combines traditional Japanese terms with katakana loanwords
4CitationFreestyle Wrestling (Petrov, 1977)
Alias sources — [1] Jiu-Jitsu University (Ribeiro, 2008) [2] Fundamentals of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (Danaher, 2012) [3] Wrestling Coaching Manual (USA Wrestling, 2015)
5CitationWrestling Physical Conditioning Encyclopedia (Cejudo & Holliday, 2015)
Effectiveness sources — [1] Jiu-Jitsu University (Ribeiro, 2008) [2] Fundamentals of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (Danaher, 2012)
Community
Athletics
Requires
grip fighting technique, forearm endurance, timing
Favours
strong hands and forearms, quick stripping motions
Key muscles
forearm flexors/extensors, wrist rotators, biceps
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is a whizzer and how do you set it up?
According to Coach Brian at TeachMeGrappling, the whizzer is an overhook applied with pressure around an opponent's wrestling seatbelt or underhook at the waist. You get a tight whizzer by wrapping over, pulling up, and applying pressure downward by turning your hips.
What should I do if my opponent traps my arm in the whizzer?
Coach Brian recommends dropping your head and staying tight. If your opponent pushes, take your other hand out and use a shrug and duck motion to escape, which may even create an armbar opportunity if they leave their arm extended.
How do I counter a whizzer when my opponent won't release it?
If your opponent maintains the whizzer, Coach Brian suggests you can circle up and step over their head, which converts their whizzer into an armbar position.
What's the proper hip positioning when attacking with a whizzer?
Coach Brian emphasizes that you must rotate your hips first before attempting any takedown or sweep with the whizzer, as proper hip rotation is necessary to get the correct angle and pressure.
How does the Standard Whizzer Kimura work?
The Standard Whizzer Kimura transitions from the overhook position by reaching the free hand across to grab the opponent's wrist on the overhook side, then locking the figure-four grip by connecting the overhook hand to the wrist-controlling hand. Once the kimura grip is secured, the defender can apply the submission by rotating the opponent's arm behind their back, using the figure-four leverage to attack the shoulder joint.
Where does the Standard Whizzer Kimura come from?
The standard whizzer-to-kimura transition became a common technique in MMA and BJJ, demonstrated by numerous fighters who used the defensive clinch position as a launching point for the kimura submission. It is now taught as a standard offensive option from the whizzer position.
Is the Standard Whizzer Kimura legal in competition?
Unified MMA: legal — Legal defensive technique; IBJJF: legal — Legal — defensive techniques are fundamental to grappling; IJF: legal — Legal defensive action; ADCC: legal — Legal; UWW: legal — Legal defensive technique; FIAS Sport Sambo: legal — Legal
How dangerous is the Standard Whizzer Kimura?
Danger rating 3/10. Moderate — sprawls and stuffs involve sudden body weight displacement; knee/hip strain risk
How do I set up the Standard Whizzer Kimura?
The standard setup chain: Anticipate the Attack → Execute Defence → Recover Stance → Counter or Disengage.
How do I defend against the Standard Whizzer Kimura?
Standard counters include: Timing — attack when the defence is recovering or between movements / Feint — use deception to create openings in the defensive structure / Angle Change — attack from an unexpected angle that the defence does not cover.
What are the variants of the Standard Whizzer Kimura?
Common variants: Standard defence (primary defensive technique from the most common position); Reactive defence (triggered by the opponent's attack, minimal movement for …); Proactive defence (anticipating the attack and positioning to neutralise it …); Counter defence (using the defensive movement to create an immediate count…).
How effective is the Standard Whizzer Kimura in competition?
The whizzer to kimura is used in MMA competition.
What are common mistakes when doing the Standard Whizzer Kimura?
Top errors to watch for: Releasing the whizzer before securing the wrist — the transition must be smooth; don't lose control during the switch / Clasping hands in an S-grip instead of the figure-four — the figure-four provides much more rotational force for the … / Trying to finish standing without taking the fight down — the standing kimura is unreliable; transition to the ground / Not keeping hips close during the grip change — hip distance allows the opponent to pull the arm free.
What are other names for the Standard Whizzer Kimura?
The Standard Whizzer Kimura is also known as Sutandādo Wizā Kimura, Basic Whizzer Kimura, Standard Overhook Kimura, Whizzer Double Wristlock.