Introduction to the Reverse Triangle from Kimura Trap
In the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) and mixed martial arts (MMA) grappling, mastering transitions between attacks is key to dominating on the mat. The reverse triangle choke emerging from the Kimura trap system represents an advanced yet highly effective submission sequence. Originally highlighted in a specialized seminar, this technique builds on fundamental controls to create inescapable traps for your opponent.
Whether you're a BJJ practitioner drilling no-gi submissions, an MMA fighter integrating wrestling and grappling, or a submission grappler in tournaments like ADCC, this setup enhances your guard passing and finishing arsenal. It emphasizes leverage, timing, and grip fighting—skills transferable across disciplines like wrestling and catch wrestling. By chaining the Kimura threat into a reverse triangle, you force reactions that expose vulnerabilities, making it ideal for both gi and no-gi scenarios.
This guide rewrites the seminar's core lessons, expanding with practical drilling tips, common pitfalls, and gear recommendations to elevate your training at Apollo MMA.
Prerequisites and Setup
Before diving into the reverse triangle, solidify your Kimura trap foundation. Start from a strong top position, such as knee-on-belly or side control, where you've isolated the opponent's far arm for the Kimura grip.
- Establish dominant posture: Pin the opponent's hips with your knee while securing a figure-four grip on their wrist and elbow. This "Kimura trap" baits them into defensive postures, opening paths to other finishes.
- Weight distribution: Keep your hips low and heavy to neutralize bridges or escapes. In MMA contexts, this mirrors ground-and-pound setups transitioning to subs.
- Grip integrity: Use palm-to-palm or over-under grips. In no-gi, rely on wrist control and monoplata threats to maintain pressure.
Drilling tip: Spend 5-10 minutes per session isolating the Kimura entry from half-guard or mount. Partners should resist realistically to build sensitivity.
Step-by-Step Execution
The seminar breaks this into precise phases, ensuring smooth flow. Follow these steps methodically:
Step 1: Kimura Grip and Arm Isolation
From top side control, slide your knee across their torso to pin the near arm. Swing your leg over their head to trap the far arm in a classic Kimura configuration—your arm behind their elbow, other hand cupping their wrist. Rotate your hips to off-balance them, forcing their shoulder to lift.
Pro tip: If they defend by stacking, use your free leg to block their hip, preventing the roll. This mirrors Muay Thai clinch breaks adapted to ground control.
Step 2: Bait the Defense and Switch to Reverse Figure-Four
As they posture up to peel your grip or shrimp away, release slight pressure on the wrist. This invites them to push or frame against your chest. Immediately transition: Release the wrist grip and snake your arm under their neck, securing a reverse figure-four around their torso.
- Your entering leg (the one from the Kimura swing) posts on the mat for base.
- The other leg threads between their arm and body, locking the figure-four at their far shoulder.
Visualize it as inverting the standard triangle but from top position—hence "reverse."
Step 3: Posture and Squeeze Initiation
Drive your shoulder into their neck while pulling their trapped arm across your body. Posture tall to create space, then drop your weight onto their face. The key is the hip swivel: Rotate clockwise (assuming right-side attack) to align your hips perpendicular to theirs.
Common in BJJ competitions, this exploits the Kimura defense's natural arm extension, making the choke sneak in undetected.
Step 4: Leg Lock and Final Squeeze
Thread your free leg over their head, securing the triangle apex at their neck. Your shin presses against their carotid while the knee crushes the shoulder. Bridge your hips explosively upward, combining the arm trap with vascular restriction.
- For gi practitioners: Incorporate sleeve grips to augment control.
- No-gi/MMA variation: Add underhooks for stacking defense.
Finish by walking your hips around, tightening until tap. Average finish time in drills: 20-30 seconds with proper setup.
Advanced Variations and Chains
Elevate this beyond basics:
- Into Armbar: If they peel the leg, extend into a straight armbar using the trapped limb.
- Omoplata Switch: Roll to omoplata if they turn away, chaining shoulder locks.
- Back Take: Use the momentum for a hook strip to turtle position, hunting the rear-naked choke.
In MMA, pair with elbows from top to soften defenses. Wrestlers can adapt from single-leg rides into this trap.
Common Mistakes and Troubleshooting
Avoid these seminar-noted pitfalls:
- Overcommitting to Kimura: Loose grips allow escapes—drill grip retention with resistance bands.
- Poor hip placement: Hips too far forward weaken the figure-four; focus on perpendicular alignment.
- Telegraphing the switch: Smooth transitions come from relaxed entries; tense grips tip opponents.
Counter training: Defender hides the arm early or frames aggressively. Live roll 3x3 minute rounds post-drill.
Training Drills and Progressions
Build proficiency:
1. Shadow drilling: 10 reps per side, focusing on hip movement.
2. Partner static drills: Hold positions 20 seconds, switch roles.
3. Positional sparring: Start in Kimura trap, only score with reverse triangle.
4. Full rolls: Integrate into open mat, tracking success rate.
Aim for 80% entry success before live application. Track via training journal.
Gear Essentials for Optimal Training
Technical grappling demands reliable equipment. At Apollo MMA, stock up on:
- Rash guards and shorts: Frictionless fabrics like Sanabul or Hyperfly prevent slips in no-gi.
- Gis for crossover: Origin or Tatami for gi-adapted drills.
- Mouthguards and finger tape: Protect during intense squeezing.
Quality gear reduces injury risk, letting you focus on technique. Browse our collection for durable options suited to BJJ and MMA.
Why This Technique Wins in Competition
Seminar footage shows high finish rates against black belts due to its deceptive nature. In events like UFC grappling exchanges or IBJJF no-gi, it counters common defenses, adding unpredictability to your game.
Incorporate weekly for exponential growth. Whether stacking for kickboxing takedowns or pure sub hunting, the reverse triangle from Kimura trap is a game-changer.
Ready to drill? Grab partners and gear up—submission mastery awaits.
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