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The gogoplata and omoplata submissions can be intimidating.

It is easy to understand why, too.

The submissions not only sound complex, but they appear to be complicated to execute. Additionally, there is a misconception that the gogoplata submission requires incredible flexibility.

By the end of this article, you will be equipped with the knowledge and understanding of how to correctly perform these two submissions.

If you are unfamiliar with the gogoplata submission, it is an extremely uncomfortable submission that uses the sharpness of the shin area to choke. Yes, that sounds difficult for now, but the gogoplata, omoplata, and the entire rubber guard series is relatively easy even for people with moderate levels of flexibility. The benefit of mastering the gogoplata submission is that it is one of the ‘tightest submissions’ in all of BJJ.

We will break down the basic concepts of rubber guard so that you can begin applying the gogoplata submission. After that, we will also discuss the powerful secondary option of transitioning to the omoplata submission from the rubber guard and gogoplata series.

Today, Evolve Vacation brings you “How To Set Up The Gogoplata And Omoplata From Rubber Guard.”

There are a couple of powerful pathways to the gogoplata submission, but the most versatile and practical entry is from rubber guard.

The rubber guard is essentially a high guard that was created by 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu founder Eddie Bravo as a method to control and neutralize an opponent in an attacking position. The position might seem like it requires incredible flexibility, but there are a few ways to start utilizing the guard immediately.

Cheating flexibility

While flexibility can undoubtedly aid your rubber guard game, it is not a necessity. In fact, the whole concept of flexibility in the rubber guard position can be ‘cheated’ by a straightforward adjustment.

Many people try to play rubber guard with their hips square to their opponent and facing forward. This method does require outstanding flexibility. However, if you simply adjust your position to move onto the side of your hip, it can aid the process of getting your leg up and over your opponent for the position. By angling to one side, you can open your hips up and start working on the rubber guard series with relative ease.

Getting to rubber guard

Before even thinking about rubber guard, you first need to break your opponent’s posture. You can do this in many ways, but merely sitting up for double underhooks can be enough to drag your opponent down to the mat with you.

To set up the rubber guard with your left leg, you should first begin by stepping out slightly with your left foot and pushing backward to create enough separation to angle on your right hip and swing your left leg over the top of your opponent’s neck and back area. The key through that step is the backward push by using your foot on the mat to create the space that is required.

You should now catch your left leg with your right arm on the other side of your opponent’s head. Pinch and squeeze in this position before also clinching with your right leg to ensure that your opponent is now trapped. To get to “New York”, you need to first ‘zombie’ the arm. The ‘zombie’ is a simple swim move that is used to isolate your opponent’s arm and trap his hand on the mat. It requires digging your left hand underneath his right arm before slipping it through, then upward and backward so that his hand is placed on the mat.

Many submissions and transitions are not available from the position until his hand is on the mat and therefore the idea of using the ‘zombie’ to isolate the arm is fundamental to the process. Once his hand is on the ground, don’t lose it! You want to hug your left knee with your left arm and then give your opponent a squeeze to ensure they cannot free his arm.

Gogoplata from rubber guard

Once you are in “New York”, you are now in a position to begin setting up the gogoplata submission.

The first step in this process is to clear the neck.

Clearing the neck can be done in a couple of ways, but the most simple and effective measure is to transition your right arm to the left side of your opponent’s head before slightly pushing against his neck.

Once you have cleared the neck, you can now re-attach your right hand underneath your shin on that same side. This position is extremely tight and uncomfortable for your opponent, but now it is time to focus on submitting them. By using your grip on your left leg, bring your leg over his face and underneath his chin. Remember to angle out on your right hip so that you can do this without any major flexibility requirements.

You can finish the gogoplata by tightening your foot around his head and then pulling straight down on the back of his head for an immediate submission.

Omoplata from rubber guard

One of the best aspects of the rubber guard series is the ability to transition into the omoplata submission.

If your opponent has superb posture, and you are unable to clear his neck or bring your leg over his head, you should consider switching to an omoplata.

Because you have an overhook on your left side (his right arm), you have already isolated the arm that you require.

By simply swiveling your hips, you can then begin to sit up and square your hips in the same direction that your opponent’s hips are facing.

Once your hips are square, you can then stomp your feet out in front of you by straightening your legs to ensure that his shoulder hits the mat. With his shoulder and his hip on the mat, you are now in a position to finish the submission.

To tighten and apply the omoplata, you can cross your feet and then bring your knees to the ground. The finishing touch is to reach over their head or far arm and pull backward, and that should be more than enough to secure the tap.

Crack open the strange new world of the 10th Planet system with two Eddie Bravo black belts explaining their dynamic warm up system that gets them loose and limber while also teaching them the unique 10th Planet flows that bring them huge success.

Learn the foundations of the 10th Planet System from two Eddie Bravo black belts.