If you have an Omoplata… You could, most likely, transition to a Front Headlock submission as well.

While it has experienced a recent uptick in its popularity, the front headlock is perhaps the most under-appreciated position in all of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Submission Grappling. Although the position’s origins can be found in wrestling, due to the fact that the front headlock allows easy access to the opponent’s neck for strangles, it is quite useful for BJJ.

The first step to control the front headlock properly is to grab your opponent’s chin with one of your hands while your same side shoulder rests on the base of their neck. Your other hand should then grab their elbow (on the same side as that hand) and attempt to pull it towards you. Your goal is to pull the opponent’s elbow away from their body, creating a space between their knee and elbow. While it is not always necessary, a good piece of advice for beginners is to take your knees off the mat as this will keep your weight on your opponent’s neck. Now we can begin with our attacks.

Here’s how to set it up, as demonstrated by none other than Ryan Hall:

Snatch The Arm & Attack One Of Grappling’s Best Submission & Sweeping Techniques, The Omoplata, As UFC Veteran, Ultimate Fighter Champion, & ADCC Medalist Ryan Hall Shows His System For This Sneaky Move.

• Enter into the omoplata from tons of common grappling positions, including the K guard, closed guard, and even from other submission attempts.
• Use the omoplata to finish the fight or sweep to top position as Ryan shows you how to navigate this powerful hold.