Reverse Omoplata

Submission

The reverse omoplata is a shoulder lock applied from the crucifix position, where the attacker uses their legs to isolate and rotate the opponent's arm behind their back in the opposite direction of a standard omoplata. It capitalizes on the extreme control of the crucifix by converting arm isolation into a submission that hyperextends the shoulder joint.

Quick Reference

Key principles

  • · The crucifix must fully isolate one arm between your legs before transitioning to the shoulder lock.
  • · Hip rotation away from the trapped arm generates the torque needed to stress the shoulder joint.
  • · Keeping the opponent's wrist controlled and pinned to your hip prevents them from spinning to relieve pressure.
  • · Maintaining heavy chest-to-back or side pressure prevents the opponent from creating space to roll out.
  • · Anticipate the opponent trying to roll toward you by clamping your legs tightly and adjusting your angle to follow their escape direction.

Execution

  1. 1 From crucifix, ensure one of the opponent's arms is trapped between your legs with your top leg hooking over their arm and your bottom leg securing underneath.
  2. 2 Control their trapped wrist with your hand and begin rotating your hips away from the trapped arm, driving their hand toward their own back.
  3. 3 Swing your top leg over and across their shoulder blade, using your hamstring and calf to create a fulcrum on the shoulder.
  4. 4 Bridge your hips upward while pulling their wrist toward your hip, applying a reverse rotational force that hyperextends the shoulder.
  5. 5 Squeeze your knees together and incrementally increase hip pressure until you get the tap.

Common mistakes

  • × Failing to fully secure the arm in the crucifix before attempting the submission, allowing the opponent to pull their arm free mid-transition.
  • × Rotating hips in the wrong direction, which relieves shoulder pressure instead of increasing it and gives the opponent room to escape.
  • × Neglecting wrist control on the trapped arm, enabling the opponent to straighten their arm and posture out of the lock.

Do it from

Positions and situations where the Reverse Omoplata shows up.

Crucifix