Kimura Trap

Position

The Kimura Trap is a controlling position where you maintain a double-wrist kimura grip (figure-four) on the opponent's arm, using it as a persistent control handle rather than immediately finishing. It serves as a dynamic hub that allows transitions to submissions, sweeps, and back takes from multiple positions including half guard, side control, north-south, and turtle.

Quick Reference

Key principles

  • · The figure-four grip is maintained as a constant anchor—never release it, even when transitioning between positions.
  • · Control the opponent's wrist tightly to your chest to limit their posture and movement options.
  • · Use the grip to dictate the opponent's body position, steering them into your next attack based on their reactions.
  • · When the opponent defends by grabbing their belt or pants, use their static defense to sweep or take the back rather than forcing the submission.
  • · Keep your elbows pinched tight to your body to maximize grip strength and prevent the opponent from creating space.

Execution

  1. 1 Secure a figure-four grip on the opponent's arm by controlling their wrist with one hand and threading your other arm under their triceps to clasp your own wrist.
  2. 2 Pull the trapped arm tight against your torso, pinching your elbows in and using your chest as a clamp to eliminate slack.
  3. 3 Assess the opponent's defensive reaction—if they grab their belt, lock their arm, or try to posture—and choose your transition accordingly.
  4. 4 Maintain the grip while shifting your hips and body angle to flow into the appropriate follow-up: finish the kimura, take the back, transition to omoplata, or execute a sweep.
  5. 5 If transitioning positions, keep constant pressure on the trapped arm to prevent the opponent from recomposing their defense.

Common mistakes

  • × Gripping too far from your own body, creating space that allows the opponent to straighten their arm and escape the figure-four.
  • × Tunnel-visioning on the kimura finish instead of reading the opponent's defense and transitioning to a higher-percentage option like a back take or sweep.
  • × Releasing the grip momentarily during transitions between positions, giving the opponent a window to free their arm and recover.

Attacks & transitions

Offense available from Kimura Trap.

Kimura submission Kimura To Back Take transition
7 less common
Kimura From Half Guard submission Kimura From North-south submission Kimura From Side Control submission Kimura From Turtle submission Rolling Kimura submission Transition To Omoplata transition Underhook Sweep From Half Guard sweep