SAFETY: Tarikoplata from Closed Guard 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.
From Position: Closed Guard (Bottom)
Key Attacking Principles
What are the key principles for executing Tarikoplata from Closed Guard?
- Establish traditional omoplata control before adding wrist manipulation
- Hip extension drives shoulder pressure while wrist control prevents rolling escapes
- Maintain perpendicular angle to opponent’s trapped arm throughout
- Control opponent’s free hand to prevent posting and base recovery
- Progressive pressure application - never explosive or jerking movements
- Wrist torque amplifies shoulder pressure without requiring full hip extension
- Coordinate hip drive with wrist rotation for maximum mechanical advantage
Prerequisites
What do you need before attempting Tarikoplata from Closed Guard?
- Opponent’s arm must be isolated across your body in omoplata configuration
- Your leg positioned over opponent’s shoulder with shin across upper back
- Hip mobility sufficient to fully extend and drive into opponent’s shoulder
- Opponent’s posture broken forward with head down
- Control of opponent’s free arm to prevent defensive posting
- Ability to secure wrist grip with same-side hand while maintaining position
- Opponent’s weight shifted forward onto trapped shoulder
Execution Steps
How do you execute Tarikoplata from Closed Guard step by step?
- Establish Omoplata Position: From closed guard or rubber guard, secure a traditional omoplata position with your leg over the opponent’s shoulder and their arm trapped across your body. Break their posture forward and ensure their shoulder is loaded with pressure. Your opposite leg should hook around their far hip for positional control. (Timing: 2-3 seconds to secure position)
- Secure Wrist Control: With your same-side hand (leg that’s over the shoulder), reach down and grip the opponent’s wrist of the trapped arm. Use a four-finger grip on the back of their hand with your thumb on their palm. This grip allows you to manipulate their wrist orientation while maintaining control. (Timing: 1-2 seconds)
- Adjust Hip Position: Sit up slightly and adjust your hips to be perpendicular to the opponent’s body. Your leg over their shoulder should have your shin bone making firm contact across their upper back. This angle is critical - too parallel reduces pressure, too perpendicular allows escape. (Timing: 1-2 seconds)
- Initiate Wrist Rotation: Begin rotating the opponent’s wrist counterclockwise (if controlling their right arm) or clockwise (if controlling their left arm). The rotation should turn their palm toward their head while maintaining the trapped arm position. This rotation pre-loads tension into the shoulder joint. (Timing: 2-3 seconds progressive rotation)
- Drive Hips Forward: Slowly extend your hips forward and upward, driving into the opponent’s shoulder while maintaining wrist rotation. The combination of hip drive and wrist torque creates compound pressure on the shoulder joint. Your shin should remain tight across their upper back throughout. (Timing: 3-4 seconds progressive pressure)
- Final Pressure: Continue hip extension while maintaining wrist rotation until opponent taps. The finish requires coordination of both pressures - wrist rotation prevents the roll escape while hip drive loads the shoulder joint. Apply pressure progressively, never explosively. Be prepared for immediate tap as shoulder locks can damage quickly. (Timing: 2-3 seconds to tap)
- Immediate Release Protocol: Upon tap signal, immediately release wrist grip first, then gradually remove leg from shoulder. Allow opponent to extract their arm naturally. Check for injury and ensure partner is safe before continuing training. (Timing: 1-2 seconds)
Possible Outcomes
| Result | Position | Probability |
|---|---|---|
| Success | game-over | 60% |
| Failure | Closed Guard | 25% |
| Counter | Standing Position | 15% |
Opponent Defenses
How might your opponent defend against Tarikoplata from Closed Guard?
- Rolling forward to escape omoplata pressure (Effectiveness: Low) - Your Response: The wrist control specifically prevents this escape. Maintain wrist torque while following their roll attempt with your hips. The wrist grip makes rolling extremely dangerous for them and typically forces immediate tap. → Leads to game-over
- Posting free hand to create base and prevent forward pressure (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Response: Control their free arm before establishing wrist control. Use your free hand to grip their belt or pants, preventing the post. If they establish base, sweep them forward using your bottom leg hook before applying final pressure. → Leads to Closed Guard
- Straightening trapped arm to remove shoulder pressure (Effectiveness: Low) - Your Response: Wrist rotation makes arm straightening extremely difficult. Increase wrist torque slightly while maintaining hip pressure. The compound lock prevents effective arm extension. → Leads to game-over
- Sitting back to create space and extract shoulder (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Response: Follow their backward movement with your hips, maintaining perpendicular angle. Use your bottom leg to prevent them from creating distance. Increase wrist rotation as they attempt to sit back - this often accelerates the tap. → Leads to Standing Position