Omoplata: The Versatile Shoulder Lock from Guard

Omoplata: The Versatile Shoulder Lock from Guard

By BJJ Sportswear Editorial Team
Reviewed by competitive black belts | Last Updated: February 2, 2026

The Omoplata is often called the “Swiss Army Knife” of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

It is a submission, a sweep, and a transition tool all in one. While it is technically a shoulder lock using the legs (similar to a Kimura but with your hips), its real power lies in its versatility. Elite grapplers like Clark Gracie and Bernardo Faria have built entire careers around the Omoplata not just to finish fights, but to sweep opponents who refuse to tap.

In this guide, we break down the mechanics, the setup from guards, and the critical decision-making process: Sweep or Submit?

The Mechanics: How it Breaks

The Omoplata targets the shoulder joint by rotating the arm backward (internal rotation) using your legs and hips.

• The Lock: Your legs form a triangle around the opponent’s arm. Your calf is the bar across their shoulder blade.
• The Fulcrum: Your hips drive the pressure.
• The Finish: By sitting up and whispering into their ear (leaning forward), you force their hand toward their head, creating immense torque on the rotator cuff.​

Setup #1: From Closed Guard (The Foundation)

This is the first setup every student learns. It relies on creating an angle.

1. Isolate the Arm: Break their posture and get an overhook or a deep sleeve grip on one side.
2. The Pivot: Push off their hip with your foot to rotate your body 90 degrees. You want to be looking into their ear.
3. The Leg Shoot: Throw your leg over their shoulder and clamp it down. Your knee should be pointing at the mat.
4. The Sit Up: Don’t lay flat! Sit up aggressively. Grab their belt or opposite lat to prevent them from rolling.
5. The Flatten: Straighten your legs to flatten them out (belly down).
6. The Finish: Bend your knees back and lean forward slowly toward their opposite shoulder.​

Setup #2: From Spider Guard (The Web)

The Omoplata and Spider Guard are best friends. The sleeve control makes the entry effortless.

1. The Stretch: Use your Spider hook (foot on bicep) to stretch their arm out (see our full Spider Guard Guide).
2. The Shot: Retract your leg slightly and shoot it under their armpit and over their shoulder in one motion.
3. The Spin: As your leg goes over, spin your body under them. This momentum often sweeps them immediately.​

The Dilemma: Sweep or Submit?

Unlike an Armbar, the Omoplata is rarely “all or nothing.”

• Go for the Submission if: You can flatten them out (belly down) and control their posture. If they can’t roll, they must tap.
• Go for the Sweep if: They posture up or try to roll. Follow their roll to end up on top in Side Control. This is a high-percentage sweep worth 2 points.​
• Pro Tip: Use the Omoplata to force a reaction. If they defend the shoulder, they often expose their neck for a choke.

Defense and Escape

If you are caught in an Omoplata, you are in a race against time.

• The Forward Roll: This is the most common escape. Tuck your chin and roll forward over your trapped shoulder. This relieves the pressure, but be ready to scramble immediately so you don’t end up on the bottom.
• The Hop Over: If they are lazy with their legs, post your free hand and hop your body over their legs to the other side. This clears the lock instantly.​
• Posture Up: Do not let them break you down. Drive your head up and stack them. If you can keep your posture straight, they cannot finish the lock.

Conclusion

The Omoplata is more than just a submission; it is a system.

Don’t be discouraged if you don’t get the tap immediately. Use the position to sweep, transition to the Triangle Choke, or simply exhaust your opponent.