[SL2.5] Figure Four Birdwing: (Kimura from the Bear-hug)

The Kimura may be the most versatile lock you can have in your arsenal. This technique was named for Masahiko Kimura a legendary judoka. He was a seventh dan in judo and karate. A true master of all three ranges of combat. Kimura’s O-soto-gari was so fast and powerful that, in randori, he occasionally knocked his opponents’ unconscious with only the throw.

Information:

Locks are transitional techniques. They’re not meant to end a confrontation. Locks like chokes can be used to throw your opponent. Their main purpose is to control your adversary. A lock can place an attacker in a position where a more devastating technique can be applied. It can also be used to hold an attacker until help can arrive.

Counter:

To counter a lock you should roll out of the pressure applied to the joint. The person applying the lock must understand how to prevent the opponent from rolling out of the technique. This can only be done with practice. If you roll into the lock pain will increase.

Warning: This technique should only be practiced with a qualified AOKK instructor present.

Execution:

Information: From this position you can be thrown with Tani-otoshi or a Suplex. Both throws can be devastating if done on the street.

The attacker places you in a bear-hug.

• Stomp on uke’s foot or reverse head-butt. [Loosening-up technique]
• Drop your body weight.
• Place one hand on the attacker’s wrist.
• Pull one arm free if your arms are pinned.
• Elbow strike the opponent’s head with the freed arm and wrap it around the outside of uke’s arm.
• Tie-off to your wrist.
• Press downward with the hand on the wrist and pull upwards with your forearm.
• Once you have control of the attacker’s arm, step behind uke and apply the Birdwing Lock.

Note: It is the upwards motion that creates the pain. Lower the elbow and you may lose the lock.

• Turn 180° and push the arm behind uke’s back. (Birdwing Lock)

Note: The opponent will try to roll out of the lock.

• When the opponent tries to roll out of the lock, step in front of uke and throw him/her with tai-otoshi.

Note: This is only one response to the attacker trying to roll out of the lock.

Warning: Release the lock when practicing this throw.

Note: The opponent should land face down. If the shoulder is not dislocated, place the attacker in hadaka-jime (rear-naked choke)