A four step instructional article on transitioning from guard to the omoplata and then into an unexpected footlock when your opponent attempts to counter the omoplata.
Stephan has his opponent in his guard and climbs his legs up until his left thigh is resting OVER his opponent’s right shoulder. This is known as the “crooked”, “climbing” or “high” guard.
Stephan creates an attack opportunity by forcing his opponent’s left arm backwards with both of his own arms.
He now instantly switches to Omo Plata, triangling his legs, controlling the trapped arm and gripping his opponent’s belt.
The opponent tries to step over Stephan’s head in an escape attempt. Stephan prevents the escape and makes him pay for trying by switching to a toehold submission (keeping his legs triangled to maintain control over his opponent).
P.S. This technique was first published back in 2002 (!) in Grappling Magazine as part of an article called “Revolutionary Omoplata.” It was published a long time ago but it remains relevant.
P.P.S. The Omoplata has remained one of my favorite techniques, and my entire system for this attack is laid out in full in my Omoplata 2.0 instructional. Click here for more information about that instructional.
