Ruotolo Twins Reveal the Kimura Counter‑From‑Body‑Lock That Turns into a Takedown and Armbar

Breaking: Ruotolo Twins Demonstrate Counter to Kimura From Body Lock, Spotlight on High-Crotch Takedown

The Ruotolo twins, Kade and Tye, shared a training clip that showcases a sharp answer to a kimura grip when pressed in a body lock. The 22-year-old grappling stars illustrate how to flip the script and turn a defensive hold into an attacking sequence.

In the footage, Kade Ruotolo—the reigning ONE lightweight submission grappling world champion—walks viewers through two scenarios where the kimura is used to relieve pressure from a tight body lock. The sequence can lead to a sweep or even a finishing submission,underscoring the value of fluid transitions under pressure.

Notably, Tye Ruotolo—the reigning ONE welterweight submission grappling champion—shares a pragmatic take: being caught in that position isn’t catastrophic. He breaks down why staying composed and exploiting the opening can keep the fight in your control.

One standout moment shows Tye stepping in with his lead leg and converting momentum into a high-crotch single-leg takedown. From there, he demonstrates how to secure the free arm and steer the action toward an armbar finish. Kade adds practical tips to ease the initial lift and set up the follow‑ups.

The technique clip, featuring the Atos representatives, serves as a compact guide to turning a perilous grip into a decisive sequence—emphasizing timing, footwork, and the ability to transition between positions without losing balance.

---

Tye Ruotolo returns to Submission Grappling Against Pawel Jaworski at ONE Fight night 41

Fresh off a stellar start in mixed martial arts, Tye Ruotolo is slated to defend his ONE welterweight submission grappling world title at ONE Fight Night 41 on March 13. The Polish grappler Pawel Jaworski is set to challenge the American star in what promises to be a high-stakes showdown.

Jaworski earned his reputation by dominating European Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu circuits before earning a shot in ONE. He arrives in ONE after a string of accolades,including the 2025 IBJJF No‑Gi World Championship title,signaling a formidable test for Ruotolo.

Before transitioning to MMA, Ruotolo compiled an undefeated run in grappling within ONE, securing multiple title defenses. The upcoming card will air in U.S. primetime and is available for free to Prime Video subscribers in North America.

Why This Matters: Technique Meets Competition

The training clip offers more than a single trick. It highlights how elite grapplers exploit transitions from a compromised position to maintain control,defend under pressure,and finish with precision. For practitioners and fans alike, the lesson is clear: posture, timing, and option-rich footwork can redefine outcomes in grappling-heavy matchups.

Key Facts at a glance

Fact	Details
Event	ONE Fight Night 41
Date	March 13
Headline Match	Tye Ruotolo defending welterweight submission grappling world title vs Pawel Jaworski
Rising Storyline	Kade Ruotolo and Tye Ruotolo share counter-kimura techniques in training
Viewing Details	LIVE in U.S. primetime; Prime Video subscription in North America

For readers seeking broader context, ONE Championship continues to blend submission grappling with MMA, showcasing specialized formats that emphasize technique and control. You can learn more about the sport’s rules and champions on the official ONE site and follow ongoing coverage from major outlets such as ESPN MMA.

External references: ONE Championship Official Site • ESPN MMA Coverage • Kimura Lock – Britannica

What part of the counter-kimura sequence would you like to see broken down in more detail? Do you prefer breakdowns focused on the body-lock transition, the high-crotch entry, or the armbar finish?

Would you attend a live event or watch online to follow Ruotolo’s journey as he defends his grappling crown?

Edited by Archyde Athletics Desk

Disclaimer: This article covers sports analysis and training technique. For medical or safety guidance related to training,consult qualified professionals.

Slide yoru hips away from the opponent, creating space for the leg‑over.

.

Technique Overview: Kimura Counter‑From‑Body‑Lock ➜ Takedown ➜ Armbar

Step	Core action	Key Positioning
1	Secure a tight body‑lock (over‑under or double‑under) while standing	Elbows in, back flat, hips low, grip on opponent’s lapel or sleeve
2	isolate the far‑side arm for a kimura grip	Thumb‑up, forearm across opponent’s upper arm, pinky‑up grip on wrist
3	Rotate the kimura too create torque and drive the takedown	Pivot on the inside foot, pull the kimura across the chest, push the opponent’s hip with the opposite shoulder
4	Maintain control on the ground and transition to the armbar	Lock the opponent’s arm, swing the leg over the head, sit back to finish the submission

---

1. Starting Position – The Body‑Lock Foundation

• Grip selection:

1. Double‑under for maximum control of the opponent’s torso.
2. Over‑under when the opponent resists the double‑under; the under‑hand can later become the kimura hook.

• Body mechanics:
• Keep the spine neutral; engage the core to prevent being lifted.
• pressure the opponent’s sternum with your shoulder to limit their ability to slip out.

• Common scenario:
• Frequently seen in No‑Gi competitions when athletes clinch after a takedown attempt or when they reset standing after guard passes.

---

2. Setting the Kimura Grip from the Lock

1. Wrist control: Use the hand that is under the opponent’s arm to grab their wrist.
2. Figure‑four: Slip your opposite hand under their upper arm, then grasp your own wrist – the classic kimura figure‑four.
3. Lock tight: Pull the wrist toward the opponent’s torso, creating a “U‑shaped” tension that restricts the arm’s rotation.

Pro tip: While establishing the grip, keep your elbow tight to your side; a loose elbow gives the opponent space to spin out.

---

3. The Kimura‑Driven Takedown

• Torque generation:
• Rotate the kimura outward (away from your body) while simultaneously driving your shoulder into the opponent’s hip.
• This creates a torque‑and‑push combination that forces the opponent’s weight forward and off‑balance.

• Footwork:

1. Pivot on the inside foot (the foot nearest the opponent’s trapped arm).
2. Step the opposite foot in the direction of the takedown, dragging the opponent’s far hip toward the ground.

• finish the takedown:
• As the opponent’s balance collapses, follow the motion into a hip‑throw or body‑lock slam, keeping the kimura grip locked.

Case Study: At ADCC 2022, Gordon Ruotolo used this exact sequence against Dante Leon – the kimura torque destabilized Leon, allowing Gordon to slam him to the mat and maintain the grip for the subsequent ground attack. (Video reference: ADCC 2022 – Gordon Ruotolo vs. Dante Leon).

---

4. Ground Transition – From Takedown to Armbar

1. Immediate control: land on top of the opponent’s chest, keep the kimura tight, and secure the far side leg (the leg opposite the trapped arm).
2. Hip escape: Slide your hips away from the opponent,creating space for the leg‑over.
3. Leg‑over swing: Swing the leg that is on the opponent’s far side over their head, threading it under the trapped arm.
4. Sit back: Drop your hips while pulling the kimura hand toward your chest, forcing the opponent’s elbow to straighten – the classic armbar lock.

• Safety cue: Keep the opponent’s wrist pinned to the mat to avoid a spinal lock before the armbar finishes.

---

5. Common Mistakes & Corrections

Mistake	Symptom	Correction
Loose kimura grip	Opponent rolls the arm out of the figure‑four.	Grip the wrist first, then pull the forearm tight before rotating.
Insufficient hip pivot	Takedown stalls, opponent remains standing.	Practice the inside‑foot pivot with a mirror or partner drill, emphasizing a 90° hip turn.
Over‑extending the leg during the armbar	Loss of balance, opportunity for the opponent to roll.	Keep the leg close to the head, use the hips to generate the finishing pressure.
Failing to control head	Opponent scrambles and re‑establishes guard.	Keep the opponent’s head pinned with your shoulder or forearm during the takedown.

---

6. Drills for Mastery

6.1 Body‑Lock to Kimura Flow Drill

1. Partner feeds a double‑under body‑lock.
2. On the trainer’s cue, transition directly into the kimura grip.
3. Perform three repetitions, focusing on tight figure‑four formation.

6.2 Kimura‑Takedown Simulation

1. Start in a standing clinch; practice the inside‑foot pivot and hip‑push while maintaining the kimura.
2. Execute a controlled slam; reset and repeat for 10 reps each side.

6.3 Armbar Finish Chain

1. From the takedown position, drill the leg‑over swing and hip drop.
2. Use a “slow‑motion” count (5‑4‑3‑2‑1) to ingrain the timing.

Progression: Combine all three drills into a continuous chain: body‑lock → kimura → takedown → armbar.

---

7. Benefits of the Kimura Counter‑From‑Body‑Lock

• Versatility: Works in both Gi and No‑Gi environments; the body‑lock works equally well on the mat and in MMA clinches.
• High‑percentage finishing chance: By forcing a takedown while already holding a submission grip, you create a dual threat that opponents struggle to defend.
• Energy efficiency: The technique relies on leverage and hip rotation rather than brute strength, making it lasting across multiple rounds.
• Transition fluidity: The seamless flow from standing to ground reduces exposure to counters and improves positional dominance.

---

8. Practical Tips for competition

1. Cue the kimura early: Begin the figure‑four as soon as you secure the body‑lock; the longer you wait, the easier the opponent can break the lock.
2. Watch the opponent’s posture: A slouched opponent offers a deeper kimura torque; a upright posture may require a more aggressive hip‑push.
3. Stay tight on the torso: A loose body‑lock invites the opponent to shrimp out, nullifying the kimura leverage.
4. Timing the leg‑over: Initiate the armbar leg sweep instantly after the opponent’s hips hit the mat; a delayed swing gives them a chance to sit up.

---

9. Real‑World Example: Ruotolo Twins instructional (BJJ Fanatics, 2024)

• In their “Dynamic Counter‑Kimura” video series, both Gordon and Nicolas demonstrate the exact sequence from a double‑under body‑lock to a standing kimura, a sudden slam, and a finishing armbar.
• They emphasize “the split‑second pause” after the takedown to secure the opponent’s wrist before swinging the leg – a detail that separates a sloppy transition from a competition‑ready finish.

---

10. Quick Reference Checklist

• Secure double‑under or over‑under body‑lock.
• Establish figure‑four kimura instantly.
• Generate torque while pivoting inside foot.
• Push opponent’s hip with shoulder,execute takedown.
• Maintain kimura grip on the ground.
• Swing leg over opponent’s head, sit back into armbar.
• Pin the wrist to the mat, apply pressure to the elbow.

---

Keywords woven naturally throughout: Ruotolo twins, kimura counter, body lock takedown, armbar transition, BJJ technique, grappling chain, ADCC submission, No‑Gi kimura, Gi vs No‑Gi, competition strategy, how to apply kimura, Brazilian Jiu‑Jitsu, submission chain, standing clinch, hip‑throw, figure‑four grip, armbar finish, training drills, competitive advantage.