BJJ Graph

Kimura Trap

Dec 09, 202510 min read

The Kimura Trap is a revolutionary position system in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu that fundamentally challenges traditional notions of top and bottom control. At its core, the Kimura Trap uses a figure-four Kimura grip to create a control mechanism that transcends positional hierarchy—the practitioner with the Kimura grip controls their opponent’s shoulder girdle and arm structure regardless of whether they are on top or bottom. This position represents a paradigm shift from purely positional thinking to grip-based control systems.

From the bottom perspective, the Kimura Trap transforms defensive positions like half guard or side control bottom into offensive platforms. The bottom player uses the Kimura grip to disrupt the top player’s base, create sweeping opportunities, and threaten submissions despite being in what would traditionally be considered an inferior position. This inversion of control hierarchy makes the Kimura Trap one of the most important conceptual advances in modern BJJ, particularly for smaller practitioners who can use technical leverage to overcome size and strength disadvantages.

From the top perspective, the Kimura Trap provides exceptional control and finishing opportunities. The top player combines positional dominance with the Kimura grip to create a double control system—both position and joint lock simultaneously threaten the opponent. This makes defensive reactions extremely difficult, as the bottom player must defend both positional advancement and submission threats while their arm is compromised.

The Kimura Trap system includes a comprehensive framework of entries, controls, sweeps, transitions, and submissions that work cohesively. Whether entering from half guard, side control, turtle, or standing positions, the Kimura grip serves as the central organizing principle that dictates available techniques and optimal responses to defensive reactions. The system’s effectiveness across skill levels, body types, and rule sets (gi, no-gi, MMA) has made it a fundamental component of modern grappling curricula.

Strategically, the Kimura Trap excels at creating dilemmas where opponents must choose between defending multiple threats simultaneously. From bottom, the practitioner forces the top player to defend sweeps, back takes, and submissions all stemming from the same grip. From top, the practitioner can advance position, finish the Kimura, or transition to other submissions based on defensive reactions. This multi-threat approach embodies modern BJJ’s emphasis on systematic attacks that flow seamlessly between techniques rather than relying on single isolated moves.

Key Principles

  • Maintain deep Kimura grip with figure-four positioned near opponent’s elbow for maximum control and leverage

  • Use Kimura grip to control shoulder girdle and disrupt base regardless of top or bottom position

  • Create systematic dilemmas forcing opponent to choose between defending position, sweep, or submission

  • Flow between techniques based on opponent reactions rather than forcing single attacks

  • Combine Kimura grip with secondary control points (lockdown, underhooks, hip pressure) for complete control system

  • Recognize that Kimura grip inverts traditional positional hierarchy—bottom player can control top player through arm control

  • Apply consistent directional pressure with Kimura grip to maintain offensive initiative and prevent opponent recovery

Top vs Bottom

 BottomTop
Position TypeDefensive with offensive optionsOffensive/Controlling
Risk LevelLow to MediumLow
Energy CostMediumLow
TimeMedium to LongLong

Key Difference: Grip-based control inverts positional hierarchy

Playing as Bottom

→ Full Bottom Guide

Key Principles

  • Maintain deep Kimura grip with figure-four configuration positioned as close to opponent’s elbow as possible for maximum control and submission threat

  • Use Kimura grip to control opponent’s shoulder and disrupt their base by pulling arm across their body or driving it behind their back, forcing weight shifts

  • Keep hips mobile and active, using lockdown, butterfly hooks, or hip movement to prevent opponent from settling weight and establishing stable position

  • Create constant dilemmas where opponent must choose between defending Kimura submission, preventing sweep, or maintaining top position control

  • Use free arm strategically for frames, underhooks, or additional control points that complement the Kimura grip and enable offensive transitions

  • Maintain proper distance control to prevent opponent from posturing away and breaking Kimura grip or driving forward to establish crushing pressure

  • Work systematically through Kimura Trap System sequences (sweeps, back takes, submissions) rather than forcing single techniques, flowing between options based on opponent reactions

Primary Techniques

Common Mistakes

  • ❌ Releasing Kimura grip prematurely when opponent defends or attempts to pull arm free

    • Consequence: Loss of primary control mechanism, allowing opponent to recover arm position and establish dominant top control without offensive threat
    • ✅ Correction: Maintain Kimura grip throughout transitions and sweeps, using it as constant control point even when primary goal is positional advancement rather than submission

  • ❌ Allowing opponent to flatten hips completely by failing to maintain active lockdown, butterfly hooks, or hip mobility

    • Consequence: Loss of sweeping power and offensive capability as opponent settles weight and establishes crushing top pressure that neutralizes Kimura system
    • ✅ Correction: Keep hips active and mobile with lockdown, butterfly hooks, or constant hip movement that prevents opponent from achieving stable base and crushing pressure

  • ❌ Forcing Kimura submission when opponent’s base is strong rather than using grip to set up sweeps or position changes

    • Consequence: Wasted energy on low-percentage submission attempt while opponent maintains superior position and eventually extracts arm or passes guard
    • ✅ Correction: Use Kimura grip systematically to create dilemmas, flowing between sweep attempts, back takes, and submission threats based on opponent’s defensive reactions

  • ❌ Neglecting free arm positioning, allowing it to become trapped or failing to use it for frames and distance management

    • Consequence: Opponent achieves crushing pressure or advances position because bottom player cannot create frames or maintain proper distance with only Kimura grip
    • ✅ Correction: Use free arm actively for underhooks, forearm frames, or grips that complement Kimura control and enable defensive distance management

  • ❌ Establishing shallow Kimura grip near opponent’s wrist rather than deep near elbow joint

    • Consequence: Weak control that opponent can easily escape by pulling arm back, plus reduced submission threat and leverage for sweeping mechanics
    • ✅ Correction: Always secure deep Kimura grip as close to opponent’s elbow as possible before committing to position, ensuring figure-four is tight and properly positioned

  • ❌ Failing to coordinate Kimura grip direction with hip movement and leg positioning during sweep attempts

    • Consequence: Disconnected movements that allow opponent to post, base out, or maintain position because forces aren’t unified in single direction
    • ✅ Correction: Synchronize Kimura grip pull direction with hip movement and leg drive, creating unified sweeping motion where all body parts work together

Playing as Top

→ Full Top Guide

Key Principles

  • Maintain deep Kimura grip with proper figure-four configuration while using positional pressure to prevent opponent from rolling or extracting arm

  • Use top position control combined with Kimura grip to create double control system that overwhelms opponent’s defensive capacity

  • Apply systematic pressure to break down opponent’s defensive structure by controlling their shoulder girdle and preventing effective framing

  • Create finishing angles by walking feet toward opponent’s head or adjusting hip position to increase leverage on trapped shoulder

  • Maintain proper weight distribution that allows mobility for transitions while keeping opponent controlled and unable to create escape space

  • Use Kimura threat to force defensive reactions that open transitions to mount, back control, or alternative submissions

  • Flow between finishing the Kimura, advancing position, and transitioning to connected attacks based on opponent’s defensive responses

Primary Techniques

Common Mistakes

  • ❌ Releasing positional control to pursue Kimura finish prematurely, allowing opponent to create escape space

    • Consequence: Loss of dominant position as opponent escapes or recovers guard while top player is focused exclusively on submission
    • ✅ Correction: Maintain solid positional pressure and control throughout Kimura finish attempt, ensuring opponent remains controlled even if submission is not immediately available

  • ❌ Establishing shallow Kimura grip near opponent’s wrist rather than deep near elbow joint

    • Consequence: Weak control that opponent can defend by keeping arm tight, plus inability to generate sufficient leverage for finish
    • ✅ Correction: Always secure deep Kimura grip as close to opponent’s elbow as possible before attempting finish, ensuring maximum leverage and control

  • ❌ Failing to create proper finishing angle by staying stationary rather than walking feet toward opponent’s head

    • Consequence: Insufficient leverage on shoulder joint, allowing opponent to defend by keeping arm defensive and tight to body
    • ✅ Correction: Walk feet in circular motion toward opponent’s head while maintaining grip, creating angle that increases shoulder pressure and makes defense impossible

  • ❌ Attempting to muscle the Kimura finish using upper body strength alone without using hip and body positioning

    • Consequence: Wasted energy and reduced finishing percentage, particularly against strong opponents who can resist arm-only pressure
    • ✅ Correction: Use entire body to create leverage by positioning hips correctly, using weight distribution, and creating proper angles rather than relying on arm strength

  • ❌ Ignoring opponent’s roll or turn attempts instead of following to back control or mount

    • Consequence: Missed opportunities for positional advancement as opponent’s defensive movement creates pathways to superior positions
    • ✅ Correction: Maintain Kimura grip while following opponent’s rolling or turning movements, transitioning smoothly to back control or mount based on their defensive direction

  • ❌ Releasing Kimura grip when transitioning to mount or other positions rather than maintaining it throughout

    • Consequence: Loss of arm control that could have been maintained during transition, reducing control density in new position
    • ✅ Correction: Keep Kimura grip intact during positional transitions when possible, creating sustained threat and control throughout position changes

  • Half Guard - Primary entry position for Kimura Trap from both top and bottom perspectives

  • Kimura Control - Related control position focusing on Kimura grip dominance

  • Side Control - Common transition point and alternative entry for Kimura Trap system

  • Turtle - Key entry position where opponent’s arm exposure creates Kimura opportunities

  • Back Control - Common transition target when opponent turns into Kimura grip defensively

  • Mount - Finishing position reached via Kimura Trap sweeps like Old School

  • Lockdown - Complementary leg control often combined with Kimura grip from bottom

  • North-South - Alternative top control position with strong Kimura finishing mechanics

  • Omoplata Control - Related shoulder lock position accessible via Kimura grip transitions

  • Gift Wrap - Alternative arm control system with similar control principles