⚠️ SAFETY: Monoplata targets the Shoulder joint and rotator cuff. Risk: Shoulder dislocation or subluxation. Release immediately upon tap.
The Monoplata is an advanced shoulder lock submission that combines elements of the omoplata with unique figure-four leg control. Executed primarily from guard positions, particularly the rubber guard and mission control, this technique applies rotational pressure to the shoulder joint through a distinctive leg configuration that traps the opponent’s arm while controlling their posture. The monoplata represents a sophisticated evolution of traditional shoulder attacks, offering practitioners a powerful finishing option when conventional submissions are defended. Unlike the traditional omoplata which uses both legs to isolate the arm, the monoplata employs a figure-four leg entanglement that creates exceptional control while maintaining offensive options. This submission has gained prominence in modern no-gi grappling due to its effectiveness against defensive posturing and its integration within systematic guard attack sequences.
Category: Joint Lock Type: Shoulder Lock Target Area: Shoulder joint and rotator cuff Starting Position: Closed Guard Success Rates: Beginner 20%, Intermediate 35%, Advanced 55%
Safety Guide
Injury Risks:
| Injury | Severity | Recovery Time |
|---|---|---|
| Shoulder dislocation or subluxation | High | 6-12 weeks minimum, potentially requiring surgical intervention |
| Rotator cuff strain or tear | High | 4-8 weeks for strain, 3-6 months for tears |
| Labrum damage | CRITICAL | 6-12 months with surgery, permanent damage possible |
| Anterior shoulder capsule damage | Medium | 3-6 weeks with proper rehabilitation |
Application Speed: EXTREMELY SLOW - 5-7 seconds minimum progression from initial control to finishing pressure
Tap Signals:
- Verbal tap or verbal distress signal
- Physical hand tap on opponent or mat
- Physical foot tap on mat or opponent
- Any audible distress indication
- Loss of resistance or sudden limpness
Release Protocol:
- Immediately release the figure-four leg configuration
- Remove all rotational pressure from the shoulder
- Allow opponent’s arm to return to neutral position gradually
- Maintain control of opponent’s posture while releasing to prevent sudden movements
- Check with training partner before resuming
Training Restrictions:
- Never apply explosive or jerking motions to the shoulder joint
- Never use competition speed or intensity in training rolls
- Always ensure training partner has clear tap access with free hand
- Never practice on opponents with known shoulder injuries without explicit approval
- Beginners should not attempt finishing pressure for first 20+ repetitions
Key Principles
- Figure-four leg control creates superior isolation compared to traditional omoplata positioning
- Maintain tight connection between your legs and opponent’s trapped arm throughout the sequence
- Control opponent’s posture with your free leg to prevent postural escape
- Apply rotational pressure gradually through hip extension and rotation, never sudden jerking
- The submission relies on mechanical advantage through proper leg positioning rather than explosive force
- Create angles that make defending the shoulder lock impossible without tapping
- Maintain multiple backup options including sweeps and transitions if the finish is defended
Prerequisites
- Establish closed guard or high guard control with opponent’s posture broken forward
- Secure control of opponent’s arm, typically through overhook or rubber guard positioning
- Create sufficient space and angle to thread your leg through for figure-four configuration
- Opponent’s weight must be committed forward to prevent them from pulling their arm free
- Your hips must be mobile enough to adjust angles for optimal shoulder rotation
- Establish secondary control points (collar grip, head control) to manage opponent’s posture during setup
Execution Steps
- Establish Rubber Guard or High Guard Control: From closed guard with broken posture, secure an overhook on opponent’s arm and pull your foot high onto their back or shoulder. Control their head with your overhook side hand, creating a tight connection. This initial control prevents them from establishing defensive posture and sets up the arm isolation needed for the monoplata. (Timing: Hold for 2-3 seconds to ensure stable control) [Pressure: Moderate]
- Create Space and Thread Bottom Leg: Using your free leg, push on opponent’s hip or thigh to create space and angle your body approximately 30-45 degrees. Thread your bottom leg (the one not controlling the overhook) underneath their trapped arm, aiming to position your shin across their upper back or neck area. This threading motion requires hip mobility and precise timing to catch the arm before they can defend. (Timing: 2-3 seconds for positioning adjustment) [Pressure: Light]
- Establish Figure-Four Leg Configuration: Once your bottom leg is threaded through, bring your top leg (the one that was on their back) over and lock your feet in a figure-four position. Your top foot should hook behind your bottom leg’s knee or ankle, creating a tight loop around their trapped arm. Ensure the arm is isolated between your legs with their shoulder joint exposed and vulnerable to rotational pressure. (Timing: 3-4 seconds to secure proper leg configuration) [Pressure: Moderate]
- Adjust Body Angle for Optimal Leverage: Rotate your hips and body perpendicular to opponent’s torso, similar to omoplata positioning. Your shoulder line should be roughly 90 degrees to theirs. Use your hands to grip their belt, pants, or gi material to control their torso and prevent them from rolling forward to escape. This angle optimization is critical for creating the proper leverage for shoulder pressure. (Timing: 2-3 seconds for angle adjustment) [Pressure: Firm]
- Control Opponent’s Posture with Free Leg: Use your outside leg (not involved in the figure-four) to hook over opponent’s head, back, or far shoulder, preventing them from posturing up or rolling forward. This additional control point eliminates their primary escape routes and keeps them locked in the submission position. You may also use this leg to push on their hip to enhance the angle. (Timing: Maintain continuously throughout finish) [Pressure: Moderate]
- Apply Finishing Pressure Through Hip Extension: Gradually extend your hips upward while maintaining the figure-four lock and rotating your legs clockwise (for right arm attacks) or counterclockwise (for left arm attacks). This motion applies rotational pressure to the shoulder joint. The pressure comes from your entire lower body, not just leg strength. Apply slowly and progressively, stopping immediately upon any tap signal. The shoulder lock intensifies as you extend and rotate. (Timing: 5-7 seconds progressive application, NEVER sudden) [Pressure: Maximum]
Opponent Defenses
- Rolling forward over the trapped shoulder to relieve pressure (Effectiveness: High) - Your Adjustment: Use your free leg to block their forward roll by hooking over their head or far shoulder. If they succeed in rolling, follow through and take their back or transition to crucifix position.
- Pulling their arm straight and attempting to extract it from the figure-four (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Adjustment: Tighten the figure-four configuration and use your hands to grip their wrist or forearm, keeping the arm bent. Extend your hips to create more pressure, making extraction impossible without tapping.
- Posturing up aggressively to create space and distance (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Adjustment: Anticipate this by establishing your free leg control early. If they begin to posture, immediately hook their head or back with your outside leg while pulling them back down with your hand grips on their torso.
- Stacking weight onto you to relieve shoulder pressure (Effectiveness: Low) - Your Adjustment: Accept the stack temporarily and use your hand grips to off-balance them to the side, creating the angle you need. Alternatively, transition to sweep or back take as they commit their weight forward.
- Attempting to stand up to escape the guard entirely (Effectiveness: Low) - Your Adjustment: The figure-four configuration makes standing extremely difficult. If attempted, maintain your leg locks and use the momentum to sweep them or transition to alternative attacks like triangle or omoplata.
Test Your Knowledge
Q1: What is the minimum time you should take to apply finishing pressure in the monoplata during training? [SAFETY-CRITICAL] A: You must take a minimum of 5-7 seconds to apply finishing pressure progressively during training. This extremely slow application allows your training partner time to recognize the danger and tap safely before serious injury occurs. Never apply explosive or sudden pressure to the shoulder joint.
Q2: What are the primary injury risks associated with the monoplata submission and what makes this submission particularly dangerous? [SAFETY-CRITICAL] A: The monoplata targets the shoulder joint and rotator cuff with rotational pressure that can cause shoulder dislocation, labrum tears, rotator cuff damage, and anterior capsule injuries. It is particularly dangerous because the pressure can be applied very quickly once positioned correctly, and the trapped arm position may prevent the opponent from tapping clearly. The rotational nature of the submission can cause permanent shoulder damage if applied with excessive force or speed.
Q3: How does the monoplata differ mechanically from the traditional omoplata in terms of control and pressure application? A: The monoplata uses a figure-four leg configuration to trap the arm rather than using both legs separately like the omoplata. This figure-four creates tighter isolation of the arm and allows for more focused rotational pressure on the shoulder joint. The monoplata also typically maintains a more perpendicular angle to the opponent’s body and relies more heavily on hip extension combined with rotation, whereas the omoplata focuses on forward pressure and using body weight to roll the opponent.
Q4: What should you do if your training partner’s trapped arm position prevents them from tapping with their free hand? [SAFETY-CRITICAL] A: Before applying any finishing pressure, you must verify that your training partner has at least one hand completely free to tap clearly. If their trapped arm position restricts tap access, you must watch carefully for verbal tap signals, changes in resistance, or any audible distress. When any doubt exists about their ability to tap, immediately release pressure and check verbally with your partner. Never assume they are okay simply because they haven’t tapped.
Q5: Why is the free leg control over opponent’s head or back considered essential for monoplata success? A: The free leg control prevents the opponent’s two primary escapes: posturing up to create distance and rolling forward over the trapped shoulder. Without this control, the opponent can easily relieve the shoulder pressure by changing their position. The free leg acts as a constant postural control that eliminates escape options while you apply finishing pressure. It essentially reduces their defensive options to tapping or attempting to extract their arm, both of which can be countered if you maintain proper positioning.
Q6: What is the correct body angle relationship between you and your opponent when applying monoplata finishing pressure? A: Your body should be positioned roughly perpendicular (90 degrees) to your opponent’s torso, similar to omoplata positioning. Your shoulder line should be at a right angle to theirs. This perpendicular angle creates optimal leverage for rotational pressure on the shoulder joint through hip extension and rotation. Being too parallel reduces pressure effectiveness, while being at too sharp an angle makes it difficult to control their posture.
Q7: What transitional options should you maintain if the monoplata finish is defended or countered? A: The monoplata connects naturally to several high-percentage attacks: if opponent rolls forward, follow to back take or crucifix; if they attempt to posture and pull their arm free, transition to triangle by adjusting leg position; if they stack heavily, use the angle to sweep to mount or take the back; if the figure-four loosens, switch to traditional omoplata position. Maintaining awareness of these transitions prevents you from forcing a defended submission and allows you to maintain offensive pressure throughout.
From Which Positions?
Expert Insights
- Danaher System: The monoplata represents an elegant solution to a fundamental problem in shoulder lock attacks: maintaining sufficient control while applying rotational pressure. The figure-four leg configuration creates what I term ‘compound isolation’—the opponent’s arm is trapped not by a single control point but by the geometric relationship between your legs, making escape mechanically impossible without addressing multiple control points simultaneously. What makes this submission particularly effective from a systematic perspective is its position within the attack hierarchy from guard. When opponent defends the triangle by pulling their arm across, they unknowingly position themselves perfectly for the monoplata. This creates what we call a ‘defensive trap’—their correct defense to one submission becomes the setup for another. The key technical element that separates successful monoplata application from failed attempts is the angle of your hips relative to their shoulder. Most practitioners apply pressure along the wrong vector, generating force that the shoulder can resist. The correct application involves a rotation that targets the anterior shoulder capsule at its weakest structural point. Safety in training this submission requires understanding that the shoulder joint provides minimal sensory warning before catastrophic damage occurs. Unlike chokes where progressive oxygen deprivation provides clear signals, or leg locks where pain precedes structural damage, shoulder locks can cause permanent injury with minimal warning. Therefore, application speed in training must be extremely conservative—I recommend 7-10 seconds minimum pressure progression and immediate cessation at any discomfort signal from your training partner.
- Gordon Ryan: I use the monoplata as a surprise weapon in my guard game, particularly against opponents who are experienced enough to defend my triangle and omoplata attempts effectively. What makes it competition-viable is that it catches people off-guard—they’re defending the attacks they know, and suddenly they’re trapped in something completely different. In high-level no-gi competition, the monoplata is especially effective because the lack of gi grips means opponent’s have fewer defensive hand fighting options once you secure the figure-four. However, I need to emphasize something critical: the application speed and intensity in competition versus training must be drastically different. In competition, when you’ve secured the position cleanly, you can apply pressure more quickly because the stakes are understood and accepted by both competitors. In training, you must treat every shoulder lock like it could end someone’s career—because it can. I’ve seen too many training room injuries from shoulder submissions applied with ego or carelessness. When I train this technique with partners, I apply it so slowly that they have multiple seconds to tap even after feeling initial pressure. The monoplata fits into my guard system as a tertiary option within the rubber guard and high guard framework. Primary attacks are triangle and omoplata; the monoplata emerges when those are defended in specific ways. Understanding this hierarchy prevents you from forcing low-percentage positions and keeps your offense flowing naturally. The setup from mission control is my preferred entry because I have maximum control over their posture while establishing the figure-four, and I can feel immediately if they’re about to escape or defend.
- Eddie Bravo: The monoplata is one of the most beautiful and dangerous submissions in the rubber guard system—it’s the thinking man’s shoulder lock. What I love about teaching this technique is that it requires students to develop the flexibility, creativity, and systematic thinking that defines 10th Planet methodology. The monoplata isn’t just a submission; it’s a way of seeing the possibilities in what looks like a defensive situation. When your opponent is crushing in your guard and defending your triangle, the monoplata emerges as this perfect counter that uses their defensive pressure against them. Now, here’s what I always tell my students about training this move: shoulder locks are no joke, and the monoplata can seriously hurt someone if you’re not careful. In our training culture, we emphasize that you can never be too safe with joint locks, especially shoulders. I’ve modified how I teach the pressure application over the years specifically because I’ve seen injuries from people applying it too fast. The rule in our gym is crystal clear: if you catch a monoplata in training, you apply pressure like you’re moving through molasses. Super slow, super controlled, and you stop the instant you feel any resistance or your partner taps. Competition is different—you’ve both accepted the risks and you’re fighting for something—but in training, preserving your training partners is more important than finishing any submission. The monoplata connects beautifully with the overall rubber guard game, particularly the path from mission control to New York to monoplata when they defend. Teaching this chain shows students how a defensive response to one attack becomes the setup for the next. That’s the essence of systematic jiu-jitsu—creating problems that have no good solution for your opponent.