SAFETY: Tarikoplata targets the Shoulder joint and rotator cuff. Risk: Rotator cuff tear (supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor). Release immediately upon tap.
The Tarikoplata is an advanced shoulder lock submission that combines the mechanics of the omoplata with additional wrist control and torque. Named after Tarik Hopstock, this technique represents an evolution of the traditional omoplata position, adding a second lever through wrist manipulation to create a devastating shoulder attack. The submission works by trapping the opponent’s arm in an omoplata configuration while simultaneously controlling and twisting their wrist, creating a compound lock that attacks both the shoulder joint and rotator cuff. This technique is particularly effective when the opponent attempts to defend the traditional omoplata by posturing or rolling, as the added wrist control prevents these common escape routes. The Tarikoplata has gained significant traction in modern no-gi grappling and is a staple of innovative guard systems, particularly within the 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu methodology. The submission requires excellent hip mobility, precise timing, and thorough understanding of omoplata mechanics before attempting the wrist control variation.
Category: Joint Lock Type: Shoulder Lock Target Area: Shoulder joint and rotator cuff Starting Position: Closed Guard From Position: Closed Guard (Bottom) Success Rate: 45%
Safety Guide
Injury Risks:
| Injury | Severity | Recovery Time |
|---|---|---|
| Rotator cuff tear (supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor) | High | 3-6 months with surgical intervention possible |
| Shoulder dislocation (glenohumeral joint) | High | 6-12 weeks, potential chronic instability |
| Wrist hyperextension and ligament damage | Medium | 2-6 weeks |
| Labrum tear (glenoid labrum) | CRITICAL | 4-6 months post-surgery, career-threatening |
Application Speed: EXTREMELY SLOW - 5-7 seconds minimum application time, never spike or jerk
Tap Signals:
- Verbal tap (primary)
- Physical hand tap on opponent or mat
- Physical foot tap on mat
- Any verbal distress signal
- Frantic movement or panic response
Release Protocol:
- Immediately release wrist grip upon tap signal
- Remove leg from over opponent’s shoulder smoothly
- Release hip pressure gradually
- Allow opponent to extract arm naturally without resistance
- Check for injury before continuing training
Training Restrictions:
- Never use competition speed in training
- Never spike or jerk the submission - apply progressive pressure only
- Always allow tap access - opponent must have free hand available
- Restrict to advanced practitioners only (minimum purple belt recommended)
- Avoid practicing on training partners with existing shoulder injuries
- Never combine with explosive movements or sudden adjustments
Outcomes
| Result | Position | Probability |
|---|---|---|
| Success | game-over | 60% |
| Failure | Closed Guard | 25% |
| Counter | Scramble Position | 15% |
Attacker vs Defender
| Attacker | Defender | |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Execute and finish | Escape and survive |
| Key Principles | Establish traditional omoplata control before adding wrist m… | Deny wrist isolation at all costs - grip your own hand, tuck… |
| Options | 7 execution steps | 3 defensive options |
Playing as Attacker
Key Principles
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Establish traditional omoplata control before adding wrist manipulation
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Hip extension drives shoulder pressure while wrist control prevents rolling escapes
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Maintain perpendicular angle to opponent’s trapped arm throughout
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Control opponent’s free hand to prevent posting and base recovery
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Progressive pressure application - never explosive or jerking movements
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Wrist torque amplifies shoulder pressure without requiring full hip extension
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Coordinate hip drive with wrist rotation for maximum mechanical advantage
Execution Steps
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Establish Omoplata Position: From closed guard or rubber guard, secure a traditional omoplata position with your leg over the opp…
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Secure Wrist Control: With your same-side hand (leg that’s over the shoulder), reach down and grip the opponent’s wrist of…
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Adjust Hip Position: Sit up slightly and adjust your hips to be perpendicular to the opponent’s body. Your leg over their…
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Initiate Wrist Rotation: Begin rotating the opponent’s wrist counterclockwise (if controlling their right arm) or clockwise (…
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Drive Hips Forward: Slowly extend your hips forward and upward, driving into the opponent’s shoulder while maintaining w…
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Final Pressure Application: Continue hip extension while maintaining wrist rotation until opponent taps. The finish requires coo…
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Immediate Release Protocol: Upon tap signal, immediately release wrist grip first, then gradually remove leg from shoulder. Allo…
Common Mistakes
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Applying wrist rotation before securing omoplata position
- Consequence: Opponent escapes easily as base position is not established, wrist control alone is insufficient
- Correction: Always establish traditional omoplata first with proper hip position and shoulder pressure. Only add wrist control once position is secure and opponent’s posture is broken.
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Explosive or jerking wrist rotation
- Consequence: Severe wrist injury to training partner, potential career-ending damage, violation of training safety protocols
- Correction: Apply wrist rotation progressively over 2-3 seconds minimum. Think smooth, controlled rotation like turning a doorknob slowly, never sudden twisting or cranking.
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Losing perpendicular hip angle during finish
- Consequence: Pressure dissipates, opponent can roll or extract arm, submission fails
- Correction: Maintain 90-degree angle between your body and opponent’s spine throughout. Constantly adjust hips to preserve this geometry as opponent moves.
Playing as Defender
Key Principles
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Deny wrist isolation at all costs - grip your own hand, tuck your wrist, or pin it against your body to prevent the attacker from establishing the second lever
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Never attempt forward rolls once wrist control is established - this is the most dangerous escape error and dramatically increases shoulder injury risk
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Posture recovery is your highest priority before the attacker achieves perpendicular hip angle and wrist rotation simultaneously
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Use your free arm actively to post, frame, and create base rather than reaching blindly for grip breaks
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Recognize the submission early through tactile cues and defend during the transition phase, not after the lock is set
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Tap early and without hesitation once both hip pressure and wrist rotation are coordinated - the compound lock can cause damage faster than pain signals register
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Address the omoplata component first by recovering posture, as this removes the foundation the tarikoplata is built upon
Recognition Cues
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Opponent’s leg swings over your shoulder into omoplata position while their hand reaches toward your wrist rather than controlling your hips or belt - this wrist-seeking behavior distinguishes tarikoplata setup from standard omoplata
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You feel rotational pressure on your trapped wrist simultaneously with hip extension into your shoulder - the compound pressure from two vectors is the hallmark sensation of an active tarikoplata attempt
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Opponent adjusts to perpendicular hip angle while maintaining omoplata control, positioning their shin tight across your upper back - this angular adjustment signals they are setting final finishing mechanics rather than maintaining standard omoplata
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Your trapped palm is being turned toward your own head while shoulder pressure increases - this specific wrist orientation creates the maximum rotational stress that defines the tarikoplata finish
Escape Paths
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Prevent wrist isolation by clasping hands and recovering posture during the transition window, converting the position back to standard omoplata defense where forward rolls and posture recovery are safe options
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Extract trapped arm by circling inward toward your centerline while simultaneously sitting back and widening base, then immediately establishing top pressure to prevent the attacker from re-engaging the guard
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If wrist control is established but hip drive has not begun, use your free hand to peel the attacker’s grip finger by finger while driving your weight backward to reduce shoulder loading - this buys time but requires immediate posture recovery once the grip breaks
From Which Positions?
Match Outcome
Successful execution of Tarikoplata leads to → Game Over
All submissions in BJJ ultimately converge to the same terminal state: the match ends when your opponent taps.