Introduction to the Imanari Roll
The Imanari roll is one of the most dynamic and effective techniques in Brazilian jiu-jitsu grappling. This instructional guide breaks down the move from fundamental drills through to advanced application, allowing practitioners of all levels to master this signature technique.
Preparatory Drill: Back Roll with Partner
Begin by positioning perpendicular to your partner and extending your arm on the inside of their far-side knee. Execute a controlled back roll while maintaining eye contact with your partner and keeping your arm extended throughout the movement, rolling back to your knees while staying close to their leg. Practice this drill extensively on one side before alternating, focusing on developing precise body positioning.
Hip Lift and Body Control Drill
From a position straddling both of your partner's legs with extended arms, explosively lift your hips while pulling your body inward, ensuring your hip closes the distance to your partner's hip. This fundamental movement generates the power necessary for the technique and can be progressively intensified by sitting upright and locating your partner's leg before executing the lift.
Full Inversion Technique
Face your partner while seated and extend one arm toward their knee. Execute a complete 360-degree inversion, rolling over your shoulder while maintaining visual contact with your partner throughout the movement. The inversion should be fluid and controlled, allowing the practitioner to return to a seated position after completing the rotation.
Combining Movements: Entry Position
Integrate the back roll, hip lift, and inversion into one continuous motion, terminating in the final control position with one knee inside and one knee outside your partner's legs. Maintain arm extension throughout the rotation until achieving the 360-degree point, then lift the hips and pull inward. Premature arm retraction will cause the head to contact the shin, resulting in poor positioning and limiting finishing options.
Controlled Positioning and Disengagement
Once comfortable with the entry position balanced on the shoulder and head, practice deliberate disengagement and re-entry cycles to develop stability and control. This methodical approach builds the foundational strength and spatial awareness needed before adding speed and momentum to the technique.
Preventing Neck Compression
If experiencing pressure on the neck while inverted, shift weight distribution to rest primarily on the shoulder rather than the head and neck. Proper shoulder positioning provides comfort and stability while maintaining the technical integrity of the movement and preventing injury.
Standing Execution and Momentum Management
The standing variation involves stepping in with the leg, rotating backward, and spinning into the roll with added momentum. Partners should squat slightly and fall backward in a controlled manner without locking the knee, allowing the technique to develop safely while accommodating the increased speed inherent to standing entries.
The Takedown: Knee Strike and Finish
During the full roll execution, drive the knee against the back of your partner's knee, creating a canikibasami effect that bends both the hip and knee simultaneously. Focus on this knee contact as the primary mechanism for collapsing your partner's base and generating the takedown force needed to complete the technique.
Secondary Hand Control: Heel Grip
After initiating the takedown, the second hand crosses over to secure the heel, controlling your opponent's leg while preventing their escape rotation. This grip provides the foundation for transitioning into heel hook submissions or reverse figure-four leg lock finishes while maintaining positional control during the descent.
Learn the IMANARI ROLL | Basics to advanced
Key Takeaways
- •Introduction to the Imanari Roll
- •Preparatory Drill: Back Roll with Partner
- •Hip Lift and Body Control Drill
- •Full Inversion Technique
Learn the IMANARI ROLL | Basics to advanced Guys this might be my favorite video ever! Not just because the intro is in Japanese 😅🇯🇵 ever since the first time I saw the Imanari roll I was hooked! I’ve spend countless hours drilling (luckily I had my Capoeira background!) and have since applied it many times all over the world. When Imanari himself send me one of his reshguards I knew we had to film this! It is one of my absolute favorite moves and I hope you enjoy this as much as I did filming it! Chapters 0:00 - Introduction 0:31 - Drill 1 1:41 - Drill 2 2:27 - Drill 3 2:56 - Combination drill 4:34 - Standing entry 5:10 - Full roll 5:42 - Grips 8:04 - Setups For Imanari instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imanarijiujitsu?igsh=YXprNnV6OHlmM2Ry To see me roll with Imanari: Rolling with Imanari https://youtu.be/LqkRLwlnoP0 ! Remember to put on notifications to receive an update anytime we drop a new video ! Check out our website: www.energia-martialarts.com For more content, videos, solo drills and behind the scenes click on this link: https://www.patreon.com/Energia_martialarts?fan_landing=true Visit BJJ Fanatics for our top instructionals: https://bjjfanatics.com/search?q=tum To check out our gear go to: https://energia-martialarts.com/energia-fight-wear/ Instagram: @Tumenergia Instruction: Tum Energia Assisting: Sandro Buise Music: Mr. Ortiz #kguard #falsereap #judo #submissions #counters #rearnakedchoke #bjj #submission #energiamartialarts #strangle #submissiongrappling #mma #brazilianjiujitsu #UFC #anklelock #leglock #rearnakedchoke #choke #mma #guard #backtake #chokes #berimbolo #mount #estima #imanari
Frequently Asked Questions
What does this video teach about standard imanari roll?
This video covers introduction to the imanari roll, preparatory drill: back roll with partner, hip lift and body control drill. It provides detailed instruction from Energia Martial Arts.
How long does it take to learn standard imanari roll?
The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 10-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.
What are the key details for finishing standard imanari roll?
During the full roll execution, drive the knee against the back of your partner's knee, creating a canikibasami effect that bends both the hip and knee simultaneously. Focus on this knee contact as the primary mechanism for collapsing your partner's base and generating the takedown force needed to complete the technique.
