What’s the Difference Between a Kimura and Americana?

Welcome to our comprehensive blog post that aims to answer all your questions about the difference between a Kimura and Americana submission holds in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) and Judo. Both of these techniques are common in grappling martial arts, but often the terminology and details can be confusing. Don’t worry, by the end of this post, you’ll have a clear understanding of these moves and their variations.

If you’ve ever wondered what an Americana is called in Judo, why it’s named Americana, or what a Kimura is in Jiu-Jitsu, you’ve come to the right place. We’ll cover the origins, variations, and techniques behind both moves. Additionally, we’ll explore keylock wrestling, the target areas of the Americana, and whether a Kimura lock can break an arm. So let’s dive into the world of Kimuras and Americanas and unravel the differences between these effective submission holds!

What's the difference between a Kimura and Americana?

What’s the Difference Between a Kimura and Americana?

If you’ve ever found yourself tangled in the intricate world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), you might have heard of the Kimura and Americana submissions. These two techniques often get mixed up, causing confusion even among seasoned practitioners. So, let’s put on our BJJ detective hats and unravel the mystery behind the Kimura and Americana.

Kimura: Like a Locksmith for Arms

The Kimura submission is named after Masahiko Kimura, a legendary Japanese judoka who famously defeated Helio Gracie, the founder of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. It’s a technique designed to twist your opponent’s arm behind their back, giving them the sensation of having their shoulder socket relocated to the next zip code.

To perform the Kimura, imagine yourself as a sneaky locksmith trying to pick the lock of your opponent’s arm. You clasp onto their wrist, lock your own hands together, and start turning their arm in a direction no arm was meant to go. It’s like playing “Simon Says,” except the only thing Simon wants is to make your opponent scream “uncle.”

Americana: The Patriot of Arm Attacks

Now, picture yourself in a particularly patriotic mood. You’re feeling like Uncle Sam himself, ready to assert your dominance with the Americana submission. Just like all-American apple pie, the Americana is straightforward and effective.

To execute the Americana, get a firm grip on your opponent’s wrist and place your other hand on their elbow. With the power of Lady Liberty flowing through you, apply pressure down on their wrist and up on their elbow. This causes a Herculean strain on their shoulder joint, making them contemplate the meaning of life while their shoulder screams for mercy.

Spotting the Difference

While both the Kimura and Americana may sound similar in their quest to inflict pain and submission, there are a few key differences. Pay attention, grasshopper, because this is where things get interesting.

  1. Grip Placement: In the Kimura, you grab your opponent’s wrist with both hands, forming a figure-four grip. However, the Americana differs by gripping their wrist with one hand, while the other hand grabs their elbow.

  2. Pressure Points: The Kimura aims to exert pressure on the shoulder joint by twisting the opponent’s arm in a “chicken wing” motion. On the other hand (pun intended), the Americana focuses on applying pressure by pushing the wrist down and the elbow up, causing strain on the shoulder.

  3. Range of Motion: The Kimura allows for a greater range of motion by rotating the opponent’s arm almost 360 degrees. The Americana, although limited in range, compensates with pure pressure on the shoulder joint.

While the Kimura and Americana may share some similarities at first glance, their devilish details make all the difference. So, next time you find yourself on the BJJ mat, remember to choose your submission wisely. Will you be a sneaky locksmith with the Kimura or a patriotic powerhouse with the Americana? The choice is yours, my grappling aficionado. May the jiu-jitsu gods be ever in your favor.

What's the difference between a Kimura and Americana?

FAQ: What’s the difference between a Kimura and Americana?

What is an Americana called in judo

In judo, the Americana submission is known as “ude garami.” It’s a versatile grappling technique that can put you in control and make your opponent’s joints feel as comfortable as a first-class flight seat.

What is an Americana in BJJ

In the world of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ), the Americana is a shoulder lock that can turn your opponent’s face into a confused emoji. It’s a powerful move that combines pressure and leverage to make your rival grimace with admiration.

Why is it called an Americana

Ah, the great mystery! The Americana got its name from the idea that its origin traces back to American wrestlers. Maybe they wanted to honor the land of the brave and home of submission grappling innovators. Or maybe they just thought it sounded cooler than other lock names.

What is a Kimura in Jiu Jitsu

The Kimura, also known as the double wrist lock, is another fantastic submission in the art of BJJ. It’s like having a secret code to unlock your opponent’s joints and make them rethink their career choices.

What is classic Americana

The classic Americana is a variation of the shoulder lock where you lock both of your opponent’s arms down with the same hand. It’s like giving them a big, tight hug, but with intentions that are far from friendly. Just like Uncle Sam, it’s all about control and dominance.

What’s considered Americana

In the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, the Americana is considered one of the bread and butter techniques. It’s like that reliable friend who never lets you down, always there when you need a quick submission. It’s a fundamental move that can leave your opponent wondering if they accidentally booked a trip to Submissionsville.

How do you do an Americana submission

To perform an Americana submission, you need to isolate your opponent’s arm, exert pressure on their shoulder, and make them question all of their life choices. It’s a beautiful symphony of technique, leverage, and a sprinkle of malice. But remember, always apply it in a controlled manner and with the utmost respect for your training partner’s wellbeing.

What does the Americana target

The Americana targets the shoulder joint, and boy does it make it regret its existence. Applying pressure to the right spots, you can elicit noises from your opponent that could rival an opera performance. It’s a way to remind them that their arms are not as independent as they thought.

What is a key lock wrestling

A key lock in wrestling is another name for the Americana submission. It’s like unlocking a door with a twist of the key, except in this case, the door is your opponent’s shoulder joint, and the twist can make them question why they stepped on the mat with you in the first place.

Can a Kimura lock break an arm

While the Kimura lock can definitely put a lot of discomfort on your opponent’s shoulder joint, the goal isn’t necessarily to break their arm like a pencil. Instead, it’s all about creating enough pressure to convince them that tapping out is the most sensible decision they can make.

What is Americana MMA

In the thrilling world of mixed martial arts (MMA), the Americana submission is a formidable weapon. It’s a move that can make even the toughest opponents scream like they’ve seen a ghost. Whether inside a cage or in your favorite armchair, witnessing an Americana in MMA is always a jaw-dropping moment.

What things are considered Americana

In addition to the classic Americana, there are a few variations that can spice up your grappling adventures. Some of these include the Reverse Americana, the Side Americana, and even the Monopoly-inspired “Get Out of Joint Free” Americana. Okay, that last one doesn’t exist, but hey, innovation knows no bounds!

Is Americana a good submission

Absolutely! The Americana is a powerful and effective submission that can catch even the most skilled opponents off guard. It’s like a secret weapon hidden inside a Swiss Army knife, ready to be unleashed when you need it most. Whether you’re aiming for gold in competition or simply having a friendly roll, the Americana will always have your back.

How do you make Kimura guard

To establish the Kimura grip from the guard position, you need to first control your opponent’s wrist and isolate their arm. Once you have a firm hold on their wrist, it’s time to rotate their arm in a way that makes them think they’re participating in an impromptu dance lesson. From there, you can secure the grip, apply pressure, and make their shoulder feel like it’s about to take a vacation to Snapsville.

Is a Kimura a wrist lock

No, the Kimura is not a wrist lock, but it does involve manipulating the arm and wrist to apply pressure on the shoulder joint. It’s more like the master of shoulder manipulation, using the leverage from the wrist to control the entire arm. So, it’s not just a wrist lock; it’s a symphony of joint control that leaves your opponent contemplating their next move.

Is an Americana a keylock

Yes, the Americana is often referred to as a keylock. Just like a key fitting perfectly into a lock, when applied correctly, the Americana locks your opponent’s shoulder joint in a way that makes them question their decision to sign up for any kind of grappling competition. So, whether you call it an Americana or a keylock, one thing’s for sure: it’s a move that demands attention.

Is a key lock and Americana the same

Indeed, a key lock and Americana refer to the same technique. It’s like having different names for your favorite pizza topping or the remote control you always misplace. Whether you call it a key lock or an Americana, the end result is the same – your opponent’s shoulder joint feeling like it’s stuck in a hardware store demo.

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