Old School Omoplata From Closed Guard With Bernardo Faria
Old School Omoplata from Closed Guard by Bernardo Faria
If you have been around the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu scene for a while you are probably familiar with or at least heard the name “omoplata.” But what exactly is an omoplata? The omoplata is a very versatile shoulder lock submission with origins tracing from catch wrestling and judo. It is typically taught at a blue belt level and taught as part of closed guard concepts in some BJJ schools. But the omoplata is much more versatile than a closed guard technique. You can hit it from many different set ups and it is a very high percentage submission. Many high level BJJ players prefer to use the omoplata as one of their primary submissions.
The Omoplata is one of the most versatile attacking "control positions" that open up TONS of sweeps and submissions.
Today we will focus on the omoplata from closed guard since that is where most people first learn about it. The omoplata, as well as the closed guard, are techniques that should be revisited as often as possible, being some of the most fundamental principles of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. In the video below, 5 time world champion Bernardo Faria breaks down the classic “old school” omoplata technique from closed guard. Watch the video now and then we will break down the technique. Check it out!
There are a few key details to take away from this video. The first thing you want to do is set up the over hook. There are a couple of different ways you can do this, which Bernardo Faria demonstrates. You can either swim both hands in to catch your opponent or you can break the grip on one side and swim for the over hook. The next important detail is to grab your opponent’s lapel. This will keep their shoulder secure with a tight grip, setting you up for a highly effective omoplata. From here, you need to open your guard and escape your hips. You will notice that in this position you already have a number of arm lock submissions you can go for. But let us continue through to the omoplata. The next think Faria does it bring his leg up and over the shoulder of his training partner, further blocking his face and locking his feet together. Once he has that leg lock he pulls himself up into a sitting position by grabbing his training partner’s belt. Finally it is time to submit your opponent. Switch your legs out to the side facing away from your opponent and use your hips to push in. Notice this is a lot like the kimura. From here your opponent will surely tap. Keep working it if you do not get the tap right away. Some people have very flexible shoulders and can hold out a lot longer. But as long as you control their back and prevent them from rolling out they really have nowhere to go and will eventually be forced to tap. This is a really cool look at the “old school” omoplata from closed guard! Make sure to practice this one as often as you can.
Did you know that The Omaplata is the easiest move in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu to get?
Most guys don't know how to get the move and even more don't even know how to finish it. Bernardo Faria does.He gets it from every where, closed guard, half guard, side control, mount, transitions.
There is only one requirement for you to get it: your opponent has to have an arm.. As long as he has one, he can and will be caught. Is there a secret to getting the Omaplata? Yes, there are many and that is the topic of his 4 disc DVD set:
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