SAFETY: Kimura from Kimura Trap targets the Shoulder joint (glenohumeral) and elbow. Risk: Shoulder dislocation (glenohumeral subluxation or full anterior dislocation). Release immediately upon tap.
Executing the Kimura from Kimura Trap requires mastering the transition from positional control to active submission finishing. The attacker must recognize the precise moment when the opponent’s defensive structure has deteriorated enough to begin the finishing sequence—attempting too early against intact defenses wastes energy and may compromise the grip. The process involves creating the proper finishing angle by walking feet toward the opponent’s head in an arc, generating rotational force through hip positioning and body mechanics rather than arm strength alone, and maintaining heavy chest pressure throughout to prevent the opponent from creating escape space or rolling out of the submission. The key distinction from standard Kimura finishes is that the Kimura Trap system provides superior grip depth, sustained control, and multiple layers of positional dominance that enable a methodical, high-percentage finishing approach where the opponent’s defensive options are systematically eliminated before the final rotational pressure is applied.
From Position: Kimura Trap (Top)
Key Attacking Principles
What are the key principles for executing Kimura from Kimura Trap?
- Verify deep figure-four grip positioning near the opponent’s elbow before committing to the finish—shallow grips near the wrist lack sufficient leverage
- Create the finishing angle by walking feet in an arc toward the opponent’s head rather than attempting to finish from a squared-up position
- Generate rotational force through hip positioning, body weight transfer, and chest pressure rather than relying on arm strength to crank the submission
- Maintain heavy chest pressure throughout the entire finishing sequence to prevent the opponent from posturing, bridging, or creating escape space
- Break defensive grips systematically before applying final rotational pressure rather than trying to power through clasped hands
- Apply the finish with slow progressive pressure in a smooth arc motion, never jerking or spiking the arm behind the opponent’s back
Prerequisites
What do you need before attempting Kimura from Kimura Trap?
- Deep figure-four Kimura grip established near the opponent’s elbow with secure wrist-on-wrist or wrist-on-forearm connection
- Chest pressure pinning the opponent’s upper body to the mat with hips low and heavy
- Opponent’s defensive grips neutralized or weakened to the point where rotational force can overcome remaining resistance
- Finishing angle created with feet walked toward opponent’s head, establishing perpendicular body positioning for maximum leverage
- Opponent’s far-side arm controlled or neutralized to prevent frames that could create escape space during the finish
Execution Steps
How do you execute Kimura from Kimura Trap step by step?
- Consolidate Kimura Grip Depth: Verify your figure-four grip is positioned deep near the opponent’s elbow, not their wrist. Tighten the lock by squeezing your elbows together toward your centerline and ensuring your wrist grip is secure. The gripping hand should control their wrist with a firm thumb-in configuration while your other hand wraps your own wrist. (Timing: 2-3 seconds to verify and adjust grip before proceeding)
- Establish Heavy Chest Pressure: Drive your shoulder and chest weight downward into the opponent’s upper torso, pinning their shoulders to the mat. Your hips should be low and sprawled with weight distributed through your chest rather than resting on your knees. This pressure prevents the opponent from bridging, creating space, or generating the explosive movement needed to escape. (Timing: Continuous throughout the entire finishing sequence)
- Create Finishing Angle: Walk your feet in a gradual arc toward the opponent’s head while maintaining chest contact. Each small step increases the angle between your body and theirs, creating greater mechanical advantage on their shoulder joint. The goal is to achieve a roughly perpendicular position where your body is angled across their torso at approximately ninety degrees. (Timing: 5-8 seconds of progressive angle adjustment with small deliberate steps)
- Break Defensive Grips: If the opponent has clasped their hands together or grabbed their own clothing to prevent arm rotation, use systematic grip-breaking techniques. Insert your knee between their clasped hands, use your free hand to peel their top hand, or apply a stepover with your leg to create separation. Never attempt to power through a strong defensive grip without breaking it first. (Timing: 3-10 seconds depending on grip strength and defensive commitment)
- Initiate Arm Rotation: Begin driving the opponent’s trapped wrist away from their body and toward the mat behind their back in a smooth arc motion. Use your hip rotation and body weight to generate the force rather than pulling with your arms alone. Keep your elbows squeezed tight and let the figure-four structure transfer your body’s rotational energy into the shoulder lock. (Timing: Slow and progressive over 3-5 seconds—never explosive or jerking)
- Paint Hand Behind Back: Continue the arc motion driving the opponent’s hand behind their back and below their waistline. The arc should follow a path that takes the hand outward from their body, then backward and downward behind their back. Maintain chest pressure to prevent them from rolling to relieve the shoulder pressure as the rotational force increases. (Timing: 3-5 seconds of controlled progressive rotation)
- Apply Progressive Finishing Pressure: Increase rotational pressure gradually as the opponent’s hand moves further behind their back. The shoulder joint approaches its mechanical limit as the wrist passes the hip line. Listen and watch for tap signals throughout this phase. The finish should feel like slowly tightening a vice rather than an explosive crank. Maintain position to hold the submission if the opponent does not tap immediately. (Timing: 2-4 seconds of progressive pressure increase until tap)
Possible Outcomes
| Result | Position | Probability |
|---|---|---|
| Success | game-over | 50% |
| Failure | Kimura Trap | 30% |
| Counter | Half Guard | 20% |
Opponent Defenses
How might your opponent defend against Kimura from Kimura Trap?
- Opponent clasps hands together using gable grip or S-grip to prevent arm rotation (Effectiveness: High) - Your Response: Use systematic grip breaks: insert knee between their hands, peel top hand with your free hand, or apply stepover pressure. If grip persists, walk angle further toward their head to increase baseline shoulder pressure even without rotation. → Leads to Kimura Trap
- Opponent straightens trapped arm and attempts to extract from figure-four grip (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Response: Maintain wrist control and immediately switch to armbar by swinging your leg over their face while keeping the wrist trapped. Their straightened arm actually facilitates the armbar transition. If armbar is not available, re-bend the arm and re-establish figure-four depth. → Leads to Half Guard
- Opponent bridges and rolls toward the Kimura side to relieve shoulder pressure and create scramble (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Response: Follow their roll by maintaining the Kimura grip and transitioning to back control as they expose their back. Use their rolling momentum to swing your top leg over and establish hooks. The grip ensures offensive threat throughout the transition. → Leads to Kimura Trap
- Opponent tucks elbow extremely tight to their ribcage preventing any finishing angle development (Effectiveness: High) - Your Response: Walk feet further toward their head to create an even sharper angle that gradually pries the elbow away from the body. Alternatively, transition to north-south position where the different leverage angle often opens the elbow. Use the Kimura threat to advance position to mount if the finish stalls. → Leads to Kimura Trap