KIMURA TRAP SERIES
Série de Kimura Trap
In Short
The Kimura Trap Series is a modern grappling approach developed by David Avellan that uses the figure-four kimura grip as a control configuration rather than a standalone submission. It allows the attacker to dictate the exchange direction by reading the opponent's defensive reaction to choose between finishing, taking the back, sweeping, or executing a takedown.
Also known as: Kimura Trap, David Avellan Kimura Trap
The kimura trap series is the modern systematic approach to the kimura grip, developed and popularized by David Avellan, that treats the kimura as a control configuration leading to multiple submission and positional outcomes rather than as a standalone submission attempt. The series demonstrates that the kimura grip can produce shoulder lock, back take, sweep, takedown, or hip-control transition depending on the opponent's defensive reaction — making the configuration one of the most versatile attack hubs in modern grappling.
The mechanics begin from any position where the attacker can secure the figure-four kimura grip (back-control, side-control, half-guard, north-south, even standing). Once the grip is established, the attacker has multiple decision-tree options: if the opponent stiff-arms to defend, the kimura finishes; if the opponent rolls forward, the attacker takes the back; if the opponent posts to prevent the roll, the attacker can sweep; if the opponent stands, the attacker can convert to a takedown. The series is named for the 'trap' configuration — the opponent's arm is trapped in the figure-four, and the attacker uses the trap to dictate the subsequent exchange direction.
The kimura trap series was systematized by David Avellan in instructional content from approximately 2010 onward and has been integrated into pedagogical curricula at academies globally. Notable practitioners include various modern competitors who use the kimura trap as a primary attack hub. Defensively the kimura trap is countered by recognizing the grip configuration early and stripping the figure-four before consolidation, by limiting the opponent's decision-tree options through positional control, or by sacrificing the trapped arm position to avoid the back-take or sweep outcomes.
KEY POINTS
- 01Establish the figure-four kimura grip from any available position.
- 02Treat the grip as a control hub, not a single submission attempt.
- 03Read the opponent's defensive reaction to choose: finish, back take, sweep, or takedown.
- 04Maintain the grip throughout transitions.
- 05Use the trap geometry to dictate the exchange direction.
COMMON MISTAKES
- ✕Committing to one outcome before reading the opponent's reaction.
- ✕Losing the figure-four grip during transitions.
- ✕Failing to chain through the decision tree systematically.
- ✕Using the kimura trap when no decision-tree option is available.
- ✕Releasing the grip prematurely to consolidate a single outcome.
TRAINING DRILLS
- →Figure-four grip setup drill from multiple positions.
- →Decision-tree drill — partner provides different reactions.
- →Trap-to-back-take chain drill.
- →Trap-to-sweep chain drill.
- →Live rolling with kimura trap as primary attack hub.
Frequently Asked
- Who developed the Kimura Trap Series?
- The series was developed and popularized by David Avellan, with instructional content systematized from approximately 2010 onward.
- What are the possible outcomes of the Kimura Trap Series?
- Depending on the opponent's reaction, the series can lead to a shoulder lock finish, a back take, a sweep, a takedown, or a hip-control transition.
- From which positions can the Kimura Trap be established?
- The figure-four kimura grip can be secured from back-control, side-control, half-guard, north-south, and even standing positions.
- What are common mistakes when using the Kimura Trap?
- Common errors include committing to one outcome before reading the opponent, losing the figure-four grip during transitions, failing to chain through the decision tree systematically, and releasing the grip prematurely.