The Omoplata has one of the more intimidating names to a beginner. In reality, it’s one of the core three techniques to complete the trio of Triangle, Arm Bar, and Omoplata.
It’s truly a fun technique once you learn to pull it off. This article will teach you all about the Omoplata, including its history, how to do it, and how to get very good at it. Whether you’re new to BJJ or have been practicing for years, this guide will help you improve your skills.
Understanding the Omoplata
History of the Omoplata
The Omoplata, which means “scapula” in Portuguese, is a move that comes from Judo and Catch Wrestling. It became popular in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in the 1990s, thanks to BJJ legend Nino Schembri. The move uses your legs and hips to twist your opponent’s shoulder joint.
The Mechanics of the Omoplata
The Omoplata is a shoulder lock. You use your legs to trap your opponent’s arm and twist their shoulder. You do this by putting your leg under their armpit and turning your body 180 degrees. Then, you bring your leg over their back and around their arm. To finish, you control their body and push their arm away from their back.
Key Principles of the Omoplata
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Leverage and Control: Use your legs and hips to create leverage. Control your opponent’s body to stop them from escaping.
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Flexibility and Mobility: Flexible hips and legs help you do the Omoplata better. Stretching and conditioning can improve these.
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Timing and Precision: The Omoplata works best when you do it at the right moment and with accuracy.
Executing the Omoplata
Omoplata from Closed Guard
The closed guard is a common position to start the Omoplata. Here’s how:
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Control the Opponent’s Posture: Pull your opponent down with your legs and grip their collar or sleeve.
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Isolate the Arm: Control their wrist and bring their arm across your body.
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Position Your Leg: Put your leg under the armpit and turn your body 180 degrees.
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Lock the Omoplata: Bring your leg over their back and around their arm. Control their body by gripping their waist or belt.
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Apply Pressure: Push their arm away from their back to finish the move.
Omoplata from Half Guard
You can also do the Omoplata from half-guard. Follow these steps:
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Control the Opponent’s Arm: Control their wrist and bring their arm across your body.
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Position Your Leg: Put your leg under the armpit and turn your body 180 degrees.
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Lock the Omoplata: Bring your leg over their back and around their arm. Control their body by gripping their waist or belt.
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Apply Pressure: Push their arm away from their back to finish the move.
Omoplata from Spider Guard
The spider guard is a dynamic position for the Omoplata. Here’s how:
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Control the Opponent’s Sleeves: Grip their sleeves and put your feet on their biceps.
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Isolate the Arm: Use your foot to push the arm across your body.
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Position Your Leg: Put your leg under the armpit and turn your body 180 degrees.
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Lock the Omoplata: Bring your leg over their back and around their arm. Control their body by gripping their waist or belt.
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Apply Pressure: Push their arm away from their back to finish the move.
Omoplata from Mount
The mount position is a strong place to set up the Omoplata. Follow these steps:
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Control the Opponent’s Arm: Control their wrist and bring their arm across your body.
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Position Your Leg: Put your leg under their armpit and turn your body 180 degrees.
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Lock the Omoplata: Bring your leg over their back and around their arm. Control their body by gripping their waist or belt.
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Apply Pressure: Push their arm away from their back to finish the move.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Incorrect Leg Positioning
A common mistake is placing your leg incorrectly. Make sure your leg is under their armpit and turned properly. It’s important to have your leg completely through the armpit. To do this make sure that you have extended your hips all the way, don’t just throw your leg behind the armpit and hope for the best.
Failing to Control the Opponent’s Body
Without controlling their body, they can escape. Use your hands to grip their waist or belt and keep control.
Not Following Through
If they try to roll out, follow them and end up in a good position. Practice moving to other submissions or sweeps to stay in control.
Advanced Omoplata Techniques
Omoplata to Armbar Transition
You can switch from the Omoplata to an armbar. Here’s how:
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Set Up the Omoplata: Follow the steps to set up the Omoplata.
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Transition to Armbar: If they try to escape, use their movement to switch to an armbar by swinging your leg over their head and controlling their arm.
Omoplata to Triangle Choke
You can also switch from the Omoplata to a triangle choke. Follow these steps:
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Set Up the Omoplata: Follow the steps to set up the Omoplata.
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Transition to Triangle Choke: If they try to escape, use their movement to switch to a triangle choke by bringing your leg over their shoulder and locking your legs together.
Omoplata to Sweep
The Omoplata can set up a sweep. Here’s how:
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Set Up the Omoplata: Follow the steps to set up the Omoplata.
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Transition to Sweep: If they try to escape, use their movement to sweep them by controlling their body and rolling them over.
Defending Against the Omoplata
Recognizing the Setup
The first step in defending is recognizing the setup. Watch your opponent’s movements and be aware of their attempts to isolate your arm.
Effective Counters
There are several counters to the Omoplata. One common counter is to roll out by using your free arm to post and create momentum.
Escaping the Omoplata
If you’re caught in the Omoplata, there are ways to escape. One method is to roll forward and use your free arm to create space and break their grip.
Training Tips for Mastering the Omoplata
Drilling Techniques
Regular drilling is key to mastering the Omoplata. Practice the move from different positions and focus on perfecting your form and timing.
Sparring Strategies
Use the Omoplata in your sparring sessions to gain experience. Try different setups and transitions to develop a versatile game.
Conditioning for Flexibility
Flexibility is important for the Omoplata. Include stretching and conditioning exercises in your training to improve your flexibility and mobility.
The Omoplata in Competition
Notable Matches Featuring the Omoplata
The Omoplata has been used in many famous BJJ matches. One example is Nino Schembri’s use of the Omoplata in the 1990s, which made the move popular.
Strategies for Competition
When using the Omoplata in competition, have a solid game plan. Focus on setting up the move from different positions and be ready to switch to other submissions or sweeps if needed.
Mental Preparation
Mental preparation is key to success in competition. Visualize yourself doing the Omoplata and practice staying calm and focused under pressure.
The Omoplata in MMA
Application in Mixed Martial Arts
The Omoplata is a versatile move that works well in MMA. It helps control the opponent’s body and create leverage.
Training for MMA
When training for MMA, adapt the Omoplata to the sport’s demands. Develop a well-rounded game that includes striking, takedowns, and submissions.
FAQs
What is the Omoplata?
The Omoplata is a submission move in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu that uses the legs and hips to twist the opponent’s shoulder joint.
How do you perform the Omoplata?
To perform the Omoplata, isolate the opponent’s arm, position your leg under their armpit, turn your body 180 degrees, and bring your leg over their back and around their arm. Control their body and push their arm away from their back to finish the move.
What are common mistakes when executing the Omoplata?
Common mistakes include incorrect leg positioning, failing to control the opponent’s body, and not following through if the opponent tries to escape.
How can you defend against the Omoplata?
To defend against the Omoplata, recognize the setup, use effective counters like rolling out, and practice escaping techniques.
Is the Omoplata effective in MMA?
Yes, the Omoplata is effective in MMA because it helps control the opponent’s body and create leverage.
What are some advanced Omoplata techniques?
Advanced Omoplata techniques include switching to an armbar, triangle choke, or sweep. These transitions can make the Omoplata more versatile and effective.
Conclusion
The Omoplata is versatile and effective. Through drilling this technique diligently, you can add it to your “go-to” arsenal. By understanding its mechanics and key principles, and by practicing different setups and transitions, you can master this powerful move. Whether you’re new to BJJ or have been practicing for years, the Omoplata can improve your game and give you a valuable tool for both training and competition.