BJJ kimura armlock thumb used?

Question

Are you supposed to grab the wrist of your opponent with the thumb used or without the thumb used. And are you supposed to grab your own wrist with thumb use or without thumb use. If you dont know what im talking about i mean like are you supposed to grab with all 5 fingers or only the 4 excluding the thumb.

Answer 1

The natural way it comes is with a 4 finger on top and thumb on bottom on the opponents hand(soda grip) and have all 5 fingers above on the hand that grips your own arm (leverage) hope you get it....But if you are putting it on from being in the guard (on bottom) Both soda can grips are used because you are immediatly at the wrist not starting at the fore arm.

Answer 2

Never use your thumb... There is the possibility of it being broken as your opponent tries to free himself.

After reading everyones reply here again I would stress that after training in different grappling arts (BJJ, Judo, submission wrestling) for approximately 10 years it has always been stressed to me by my instructors not to use the "soda can grip" as there is the possibility of your opponent breaking your thumb as they fight to escape. It is a more natural grip yes (I still catch myself using it on accasion) but if you're applying the submission properly you don't gain any extra control from it.

Answer 3

Do your Kimura the same way as a key lock, but in reverse obviously. You can grab your own wrist with the thumb, but ideally not theirs.

Answer 4

I grab the wrist with a soda can grip (like how you would hold a soda)........4 fingers on one side, thumb on the other. I find it gives me a better grip that way

Answer 5

well i always use my thumb it makes it harder for him to escape even when your fighting for a long time and sweat makes things slippy