KAZUHIRO NAKAMURA

ATTRIBUTES

OFFENSIVE SKILLS

DEFENSIVE SKILLS

ULTIMATE TECHNIQUES

DUCKING RIGHT/LEFT HOOK

Level 1—Both Standing, Striking Range

Though he’s primarily a submission grappler, Nakamura can uncork some potent hooks in the striking game, catching his opponents off guard and stinging them in the stand-up battle.

SWEEP TRANSITION TO OPEN GUARD CLINCH, TOP

Level 1—Mount, Bottom

Elite-level light heavyweight grapplers might be able to pass Nakamura’s guard. Fortunately, he can perform sweeps from both Half Guard and Mount that land him on top instead.

DIRECT CATCH TO KIMURA FROM SIDE CONTROL

Level 3—Side Control, Top

Use Nakamura’s excellent takedowns and top grappling skill to pass to Side Control, then lock in this awesome kimura without posturing up. He can also switch to an armbar if the opponent starts to slip free.

STRENGTHS

• Takedowns

• Heart

• Judo

Kazuhiro Nakamura is a skilled judo and submission grappler with excellent control from the top while fighting on the ground.

His striking isn’t particularly good, but use his effective technique hooks on the feet to give the opponent something to worry about besides his powerful takedown attempts.

He can also handle himself in the clinch, using the position to score throws that can help him land in dominant position on the ground.

Move to Side Control to attempt one of his most powerful kimuras without posturing up.

If he isn’t too exhausted, Nakamura can also switch this Side Control kimura into a tight armbar if the opponent is about to slip free of the initial sub.

Use his strong grappling ability to get the fight to the ground, then hammer his unfortunate opponent with strikes from the top, working to set up his excellent kimura from Side Control.

WEAKNESSES

• Strength

• Footwork

• Ground bottom grappling

Nakamura is a dangerous grappler and submission artist on the ground, but he lacks striking speed and power on the feet.

Punish him with kicks from the outside, working over his legs and body to slow him down even more.

Keep him standing to prevent him from utilizing his strong grappling ability to hold you down and grind out a grappler’s victory.

He’s especially vulnerable to kicks, so work over his legs and body to reduce his already sluggish movement speed and interrupt his basic striking combos.

Favor quick strikes to avoid giving up the takedown, and be conservative with your stand-up offense to remain defensive against his strong grappling game.

Be sure to avoid the Side Control position when he gets you on the mat, because his best subs are kimuras from there.

Fight to improve your position and explode back up to your feet each time he takes you down.