Omoplata
The omoplata is a shoulder lock you finish with your legs, rotating the opponent's arm behind their back from a position similar to the triangle. Like the kimura, it is as much a control and a sweep as it is a submission, which is what makes it so versatile.
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When the opponent defends the omoplata by posturing or rolling, the same position sweeps them or transitions to their back. That optionality means you rarely lose anything by attacking it: a defended omoplata just becomes the next position.
Setups from the guard
The omoplata comes from closed and open guard, often off the same grips as the triangle and armbar, and from failed attacks as a follow-up. Because the entries overlap, it belongs in a chain with the other guard submissions.
Frequently asked questions
What is an omoplata?
A shoulder lock finished with your legs, rotating the opponent's arm behind their back. It comes from the guard and shares setups with the triangle.
Why is the omoplata hard to finish?
Because athletic opponents can posture or roll out of it. The fix is to treat it as control first and use it to sweep or take the back when the finish is defended.
Where does the omoplata come from?
Closed and open guard, often off the same grips as the triangle and armbar, and as a follow-up when those attacks are defended.
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