The definitive kimura control system with concepts that translate everywhere.
The Bottom Line
You will learn a complete kimura control framework with named positions and rules. You will drill sequences for bottom, top, and transitional scrambles. You will not get a quick highlight reel or a short crash course.
⚡️ Quick facts
Best for: You want a full system
Skip if: You need a short watch
Tech focus: Dorsal Kimura, T Kimura, North South Kimura
Biggest takeaway: Use kimura as control
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What You'll Learn
Danaher turns the kimura into a full positional control system, not just a finish. You learn dorsal and T-kimura paths, transitions, and how to use the grip to pass, pin, or back-take.
Expect precise definitions like shoulder line and power lines, plus repeatable sequences from bottom and top. It is dense, long, and best tackled in chunks with note-taking.
Primary Techniques You'll Drill
- Dorsal Kimura
- T Kimura
- Trimura
- Powerline
- North South Kimura
- Kimura Trap
- Kimura Sweep
- Reverse Kimura
- Shoulder Line Control
Format & Level
- Instructional style: System Based, Conceptual
- Skill level: Intermediate
- Format: No-Gi
- Runtime: 9 hours and 20 minutes
- Volumes: 8
- Released: 2018
Should You Buy It?
Buy it now. I found the shoulder line framing and push vs pull distinction made my kimura both safer and more reliable under pressure.
Why John Danaher?
John Danaher is a Renzo Gracie black belt and one of grappling's most influential coaches, known for systematic instruction and producing ADCC champions.
Community feedback
Here’s a summary of common feedback from platforms like Reddit’s r/bjj.
😍 Why People Love It
- Clear system that improves every position, not only finishes.
- Deeper concept work than most sets; terms like shoulder line stick.
- Less fluff than some EoS releases; content stays strong across volumes.
- Great if you like wrestling-style pressure and physicality.
- Transforms kimura into a control hub with predictable reactions.
🤔 Common Criticisms
- Very long and repetitive if you binge it.
- Some say Gordon's top pins already condenses a lot of it.
- Not the easiest start for brand-new white belts.
Free Preview Lesson
Smart Alternatives
- Systematically Attacking The Kimura by Gordon Ryan – Newer perspective from his current meta, with rolling footage. (Price: $349.00, 8 vols, 2024)
- The Kimura Anthology by Lachlan Giles – Highly structured, digestible, and practical troubleshooting. (Price: $149.00, 8 vols, 2022)
- The Filthy Kimura by Neil Melanson – Aggressive catch-influenced finishing mechanics to plug into any game. (Price: $79.00, 4 vols)
Sources & References
Video Breakdowns
Official listing: View Kimura: Enter The System on BJJ Fanatics
Additional References
Your next step
You have the breakdown, community feedback, and my final thoughts. Now it’s your move.
