Kimura Hunter
One grip, everywhere — uses the kimura as control, sweep, and finish all at once.
The kimura hunter builds a whole game around one grip. The figure-four on the wrist is not just a submission here; it is a steering wheel, a sweep handle, and a finish at once, so the moment they lock it they control where your body goes, not only your shoulder. Everything, top or bottom, flows from securing that grip. A match against one feels like being handcuffed to your own mistake. They catch the wrist and suddenly a defensive position is their offense: resist the shoulder lock and you get swept, follow the sweep and you feed the back, defend the back and the finish returns. One grip forces you to defend three things at once, and every choice hands them the next. It suits aggressive, technical grapplers who like connected systems over isolated moves and are comfortable attacking from bottom as readily as top, temperamentally hunters who commit to a grip and ride it through transitions. It works with or without the gi and does not depend on size. Its weakness is the entry: opponents with sharp grip-fighting deny the figure-four before it locks, and without the grip the system has nothing to run, so hand-fighting is the whole battle. Start with the kimura trap: secure the figure-four grip from side control or bottom, learn to keep the wrist controlled through your opponent's rotation, and hold the position before chasing the tap. Then drill the sweep off the grip so a defended finish still yields top position. Grip first, then sweep, back, or finish. Kade Ruotolo and Roberto Jimenez are known for this style.
Key weapons
- Kimura trap systemA chain of positions built off the figure-four grip that threatens the shoulder from everywhere.
- Sweeps off the gripUses the locked figure-four to off-balance and reverse the opponent to a top position.
- Back-takesDrives the trapped arm across to spin behind and take the back when the shoulder defends.
Where it breaks
The whole system starts with securing the figure-four grip, so an opponent who fights hands well and hides the wrist never lets the lock close. Strong grip-fighters keep the elbow tight to the body and clear the initial two-on-one before the kimura connects, leaving the hunter with no entry. Without the grip there are no sweeps, no back-takes, and no submission.
The grappler type behind this style
The WeaverChains sweeps and submissions from an active guard, threading attacks together without over-committing.GSFAWho to watch
Kade Ruotolo · Roberto Jimenez
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Related styles
Frequently asked questions
- What is the Kimura Hunter in BJJ?
- One grip, everywhere — uses the kimura as control, sweep, and finish all at once. The kimura hunter builds a whole game around one grip.
- What are the main techniques of the Kimura Hunter?
- Core weapons include Kimura trap system, sweeps off the grip, back-takes.
- What is the weakness of the Kimura Hunter?
- Grip-fighting savvy opponents deny the figure-four.
- Which grapplers are known for the Kimura Hunter style?
- Kade Ruotolo, Roberto Jimenez.
As an Amazon Associate, The Grappler's Map earns from qualifying purchases.