WARNING: More information on the omoplata submission than you can shake a stick at.
As the title infers, I’d like to go over some information about the omoplata submission. It looks complex if you’ve never done it, but in essence it’s a kimura shoulder-lock using your legs to crank. It’s got so many cool variations and uses, I think it should be one of the first eight submissions you learn in no-gi jujitsu ( the others being the mata leo choke, guillotine, kimura, americana / keylock, leg triangle choke – along with the arm triangle variation – and armbar). The omoplata works well as a set-up or a follow-up to four of the eight submissions aforementioned. Anyway, here’s how to pull off the omoplata from the guard – the first place you should start learning it.
More and more guys are coming into the pro-am levels of MMA with strong wrestling backgrounds. A lot of wrestlers have been shooting for double leg take downs, asserting the single collar tie, and cradle-pinning opponents since 10 years old, some even starting even earlier. Possibly the womb.
It’s no mystery why wrestling for MMA is powerful, so I’ll omit going over that. The purpose of this article is to help those who have difficulties in dealing with wrestling based mixed martial artists.
One guy I’ve been watching recently is Demian Maia. He’s an A+ grappler and has started to come into MMA. Personally, I like the guy from what I know of him. He’s got some videos out called “The Science of Jujitsu” which are very good, each taking the time to be technical about important minor stuff. Aside from the usual homo-erotic subtleties (remember, it’s not gay if you don’t make eye contact) it’s actually really good stuff. Admittedly, if you’re not into jujitsu, it might not excite you.
Anyway, here’s a highlight video I think you’ll enjoy. It’s always nice to see how pros get the job done.
Watch how Maia and other high class jujitsu players use their hips. Lateral hip movement is key in jujitsu. Also, you need to use your hips to control your opponent, as Maia explains in this vid about back control.
