Omoplata

The omoplata is a shoulder lock applied using the legs rather than the arms. From guard, the attacker swings a leg over the opponent's shoulder and arm, then sits up and applies forward pressure on the trapped shoulder by leaning over the opponent's back. The name comes from the Portuguese word for the scapula (shoulder blade), which is the anatomical focus of the submission. It is one of the "big three" guard attacks alongside the triangle and armbar.

In competition, the omoplata is legal at all belt levels and age divisions in IBJJF, NAGA, AGF, JJWL, and Grappling Industries. It is a versatile technique that serves as both a submission and a sweep — if the opponent rolls to escape, the attacker often ends up in a dominant top position and earns 2 sweep points. Many competitors use the omoplata as a positional weapon rather than purely a finishing tool, chaining it with other attacks when the initial lock is defended.

For youth athletes, the omoplata is considered safe because the pressure is applied gradually and the defending athlete has multiple escape options before the shoulder is at risk. The technique requires flexibility and hip dexterity, which young competitors often have in abundance. It is commonly seen at youth tournaments across all major organizations and is a staple technique in most kids' BJJ curricula.