Kimura Trap
North-south style arm trap that isolates a kimura grip and hunts finishes, back takes, and armbars from a clamped upper body.
Overview
The kimura trap is a top-control system built around a locked kimura grip while you sit toward north-south or a modified side pin. Unlike scarf hold’s head-and-arm wrap, the kimura trap prioritizes isolating one arm for submissions and back exposure as they turn to escape the lock.
Position Flow
How to Enter
- Lock a kimura from side control and step toward north-south
- Enter from north-south when they reach and expose an arm
- Capture the kimura in a scramble and settle the trap before finishing
How to Exit
- Kimura finish when the shoulder line is exposed
- Armbar if they straighten the trapped arm
- Back take when they turn away from the lock
- Return to side control if the grip dies
Key Controls
- Figure-four kimura grip with the elbow pinched
- Chest and hip pressure that keeps their near shoulder pinned
- Leg position ready to block rolls and follow turns
Vulnerabilities
- Bridge-and-roll toward the trapped-arm side
- Hand fighting that breaks the figure-four
- Leg entanglement entries if your hips float during the hunt
Ideal When
You have a kimura grip and want a dedicated trap that connects finishes to back takes instead of a generic side pin.
OffenseOffense
Goals
- Keep the kimura grip while removing their bridging base
- Force a choice between the shoulder lock and giving the back
Key Techniques
- Kimura from the trap when the elbow clears the hip line
- Armbar transitions on the extended arm
- Back takes when they roll away from the pressure
Pro Tips
- Pin the shoulder before cranking the finish
- Follow their turn — the trap is a system, not a single squeeze
Common Mistakes
- Finishing with no base and getting rolled
- Abandoning the kimura grip too early to chase the back poorly
DefenseDefense
Goals
- Break or hide the kimura grip and recover frames
- Avoid turning directly into the back
Key Techniques
- Two-on-one hand fighting to peel the figure-four
- Bridge toward the trapped-arm side to off-balance the trap
- Hide the elbow to the hip and shrimp to half guard once the grip loosens
Pro Tips
- Address the grip before spinning away
- Keep the elbow glued — extension invites the finish
Common Mistakes
- Turning away and offering the back cleanly
- Posting the free hand in a way that worsens the kimura angle
Variations
North-south kimura trapSide-control kimura trap with a step-overKimura trap to back-take chains
Key Concepts
- Kimura trap is arm isolation plus top pressure
- Distinct from scarf hold: the grip, not the head wrap, is the identity
- Finishes and back takes should threaten together
Recommended Drills
- Side control to kimura-trap entries
- Trap retention vs intentional bridging
- Kimura / armbar / back-take decision rounds from the trap
Related Techniques
Summary
The kimura trap isolates one arm from a north-south style pin and hunts kimuras, armbars, and back takes. Keep the figure-four, pin the shoulder, and follow their escape choices instead of stalling in a loose grip.