Kimura butterfly sweep
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Kimura Grip Sweep·BJJ4Breakfast
Kimura butterfly sweep to start 15 point kimura sequence.
Kimura Grip Sweep
SubFamilyキムラグリップスイープ
TransliterationTranslation
Not yet documented
Overview
The Kimura Grip Sweep is a closed guard sweep that uses the kimura (figure-four) grip as both a submission threat and a sweeping mechanism — when the opponent defends the kimura by posturing, the attacker uses the kimura grip leverage to sweep them instead, and when they defend the sweep by staying low, the kimura submission becomes available. [1] This is one of the best examples of the sweep-submission chain principle in BJJ. [1],[2]
Kimura SweepFigure-Four Grip Sweep
History & Origin
Effectiveness
Lineage
Developed within the parent martial arts tradition. [1]
Competition Record
Used in relevant competition formats. [1]
Images
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Biomechanical Mechanism
Primary Action — Executing this specific technique through its characteristic mechanical pattern
Joints Involved — Technique-specific joints depending on whether this is an escape (hips for bridging/shrimping), sweep (hips and legs for leverage), submission (target joint plus controlling joints), throw (hips, legs, shoulders for projection), or position (control-specific body parts)
Force Vector — Directed along the technique's primary action line
Technique Mechanic — Each technique has a specific mechanical sequence that must be followed for effective execution
Position & Entry
From the parent position — Enter this technique from the primary position described in the parent family
From a transition — Access this technique during a positional transition or scramble
From defence — Enter this technique as a defensive response or counter
Videos
1 video
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Ratings
Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to
4
Moderate4/10
Standard technique-level risk appropriate to the category
Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably
Intermediate
Whether this technique is allowed under major competition rule sets
— Unified MMA — Legal defensive/transitional technique
Unified Rules of MMA, August 2025PDF— IBJJF — Legal
IBJJF Rules Book v6.0, June 2024PDF— IJF — Legal
IJF Sport and Organisation Rules 2025, Article 27PDF— ADCC — Legal
ADCC Rules Update, April 2025PDF— UWW — Legal
UWW International Wrestling Rules, January 2026PDF— FIAS Sport Sambo — Legal
FIAS International Sambo Competition RulesPDFTraining Notes
✓Drill the technique with progressive resistance
✓Understand the entry position before drilling the finish
✓Chain with related techniques for a complete system
✓Practice both sides where applicable
Common Mistakes
!Poor entry positioning
!Incomplete execution
!Not chaining with follow-up techniques
!Attempting without proper setup
Related Techniques
Counter Techniques
Setup Chain
1Establish Entry Position
2Set Up the Technique
3Execute
4Follow Through
5Consolidate or Transition
Sources & References
Primary Source
Jiu-Jitsu University (Saulo Ribeiro, 2008)
1BookJiu-Jitsu University (Ribeiro, 2008)
Description sources — [1] Martial arts curriculum [2] Competition analysis
2BookRelevant martial arts instructional resources
3OtherJapanese Combat Sports Katakana Convention
Standard katakana transliteration of Western martial arts terminology (外来語) — used in Japanese MMA, boxing, and BJJ communities
4CitationJiu-Jitsu University (Ribeiro, 2008)
Description sources — [1] Martial arts curriculum [2] Competition analysis
5CitationRelevant martial arts instructional resources
Community
Athletics
Requires
technique-specific physical attributes
Key muscles
technique-dependent
Sub-techniques
Notes
The Kimura grip from closed guard functions as both a sweep and submission threat — the figure-four grip on the wrist creates a powerful lever for off-balancing. If the sweep fails, the Kimura submission is immediately available. (Jiu-Jitsu University, Ribeiro; Mastering Jujitsu, Gracie & Danaher)
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if my opponent captures my leg in half guard during the Kimura butterfly sweep?
Use your other foot to peel their leg off and continue to side control. BJJ4Breakfast notes that this is a common occurrence—even if they capture your leg as you sweep over, you can simply push it off with your free foot and secure your five points.
How do I set up the butterfly hook for the Kimura sweep?
After performing a hip escape to prevent your opponent from tucking their hand into their groin, insert your butterfly hook underneath their leg, take your other foot off their leg, and use the butterfly hook to lift and bump them over.
What position should I end up in after completing the Kimura butterfly sweep?
You should land in side control, which scores five points—two for the sweep itself and three for the side control position.
How does the Kimura Grip Sweep work?
The Kimura Grip Sweep is a closed guard sweep that uses the kimura (figure-four) grip as both a submission threat and a sweeping mechanism — when the opponent defends the kimura by posturing, the attacker uses the kimura grip leverage to sweep them instead, and when they defend the sweep by staying low, the kimura submission becomes available. This is one of the best examples of the sweep-submission chain principle in BJJ.
Where does the Kimura Grip Sweep come from?
This technique developed within its parent martial arts tradition and has been refined through competition.
Is the Kimura Grip Sweep legal in competition?
Unified MMA: legal — Legal defensive/transitional technique; IBJJF: legal — Legal; IJF: legal — Legal; ADCC: legal — Legal; UWW: legal — Legal; FIAS Sport Sambo: legal — Legal
How dangerous is the Kimura Grip Sweep?
Danger rating 4/10. Moderate — standard technique-level risk appropriate to the category
How do I set up the Kimura Grip Sweep?
The standard setup chain: Establish Entry Position → Set Up the Technique → Execute → Follow Through → Consolidate or Transition.
How do I defend against the Kimura Grip Sweep?
Standard counters include: Defensive techniques against this specific technique / Prevention of the entry position.
What are the variants of the Kimura Grip Sweep?
Common variants: Standard execution (the fundamental version); Modified variation (adapted for specific scenarios).
How effective is the Kimura Grip Sweep in competition?
Used in relevant competition formats.
What are common mistakes when doing the Kimura Grip Sweep?
Top errors to watch for: Poor entry positioning / Incomplete execution / Not chaining with follow-up techniques / Attempting without proper setup.
What are other names for the Kimura Grip Sweep?
The Kimura Grip Sweep is also known as Kimura Sweep, Figure-Four Grip Sweep.