The Omoplata is an extremely under-rated submission technique in MMA (mixed martial arts).
It can be a relatively easy move to pull off, once you learn how to perform it and it is very effective in subduing opponents.
In this guide, we’ll discuss how to perform the Omoplata submission and we’ll discuss why you should add it to your MMA arsenal.
Table of Contents
What is an Omoplata?
An Omoplata submission is a shoulder lock submission whereby you trap an opponent’s arm with your leg and apply pressure to force a submission
How do you perform an omoplata submission?
If you’d like a video walkthrough on how to perform an Omoplata submission, then check out the video below:
The Omoplata submission is a BJJ technique that is usually performed on an opponent sitting in your full guard.
You will use your right (or left) leg to push off their hips to get some much needed space. You will then wrap your leg around their shoulder and roll over so that you are in a seated position.
Once you have your opponent bent over forwards, with your leg wrapped around their shoulder, you will then lean forwards so that pressure is applied on the trapped arm of your opponent.
If successful, your opponent will submit via tap. If they do not, they risk serious injury to their arm and shoulder.
Is the omoplata dangerous?
When applied by a well-trained opponent, the Omoplata is not a dangerous submission, although it can be very uncomfortable for your opponent.
However, if performed by an untrained BJJ / MMA practicioner then it can be very dangerous (like all submission techniques).
We recommend that you practice with a trained instructor.
What are the benefits of using the omoplata?
The Omoplata submission is a great BJJ technique that can be used in MMA.
It can be used as an effective way to get out of full guard, as your opponent has to defend the submission attempt, which forces them on the defensive rather than punishing you with their offence.
It is also a great technique to use if you are looking to take your opponent’s back, as it forces your opponent on to their front.
Finally, it can also be used to set up other submissions or sweeps!
Why does the omoplata make an opponent submit?
The Omoplata makes an opponent submit because it is a very painful move for their shoulder joint.
When done correctly, the Omoplata can cause a lot of damage to your opponent’s shoulder.
How can you improve your omoplata?
There are a few ways that you can improve your Omoplata submission.
Firstly, you can practice the submission with a training partner. Practice makes perfect, and as Bruce Lee said: “I fear not the man who has practiced 10,000 kicks once, but I fear the man who has practiced one kick 10,000 times.”
Of course the Omoplata is not a kick, but the principle still applies. The more you practice something, the better you get at it. So get practising!
Another way to improve your submission technique is to watch professionals! Watching BJJ tournaments or MMA fights will allow you to see how elite combat sports professionals set up the move and how they pull off a successful submission.
Do MMA fighters ever use an omoplata in a fight?
The omoplata is not a very common submission in MMA. However, it has been successfully used in competition before! For example, in 2011, UFC fighter Jake Shields used an omoplata to submit Martin Kampmann. In 2013, UFC fighter Ronda Rousey used an omoplata to submit Sarah Kaufman. Adam Wieczorek won an Omoplata submission against Bhullar:
Do you need to be flexible to perform it?
No, you don’t need to be flexible to perform the omoplata. However, being flexible can certainly help make the submission easier to execute.
How can you set it up?
There are various that you can set up an omoplata in a fight. One way is to go for a takedown and then transition into the Omoplata once you have your opponent in your full guard.
Another way is to hit a sweep from your guard and then transition into the Omoplata.
