MMA Institute technique of the month: Omo plata setup and finish variation
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Loco Plata·ziongraffix
See title
Loco Plata
SubFamilyロコプラタ(Rokopurata)
TransliterationTranslation: Loco Plata — 'loco' (Spanish: crazy) + 'plata' (Portuguese: plate/shin surface), meaning 'crazy shin choke' — a modified Go-Go Plata with a lateral angle that Eddie Bravo considered an insane variation
Overview
The Loco Plata is a variant of the Go-Go Plata (Gogoplata) that attacks the opponent's throat with the shin from a modified angle, using a lateral or diagonal shin placement rather than the standard direct anterior compression of the classic Go-Go Plata. [1] While the standard Go-Go Plata places the shin directly across the front of the throat and pulls the head straight down into it, the Loco Plata positions the shin diagonally across the neck — from the opponent's clavicle on one side to the opposite jaw — creating a wedge-like compression that combines tracheal pressure with lateral carotid compression. [1] Eddie Bravo developed the Loco Plata as an alternative finish when the standard Go-Go Plata is defended: if the opponent turns their head to one side to avoid the direct anterior shin pressure, the Loco Plata follows their head angle and applies the shin from the new direction. [1] The technique is entered from the rubber guard system, typically transitioning from Mission Control or a failed standard Go-Go Plata, by adjusting the angle of the attacking leg to match the opponent's defensive head position. [1] The name 'Loco' reflects Bravo's characteristically playful naming convention — he considered the lateral angle 'crazy' because it attacks from a direction that most opponents do not anticipate after defending the standard version. [1] The Loco Plata is part of the Go-Go Plata family of attacks, which chain together to form a submission sequence where defending one variation opens another: direct Go-Go Plata → opponent turns head → Loco Plata → opponent pushes the leg → transition to omoplata or armbar. [1]
Loco Plata ChokeCrazy PlataLateral GogoplataModified GogoplataAngled Shin Choke
History & Origin
The Loco Plata was developed by Eddie Bravo as an extension of his Go-Go Plata system within the 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu curriculum. [1] Bravo, who is known for his creative and extensively named technique catalogue (with names drawn from pop culture, slang, and humour), designated the Loco Plata as the 'crazy' variant of the Go-Go Plata after discovering that a lateral shin angle allowed him to finish opponents who had learned to defend the standard version. [1] The technique appears in Mastering the Rubber Guard (2006) as part of the Go-Go Plata family of attacks, documented alongside the standard Go-Go Plata and related rubber guard submissions. [1] The Loco Plata represents the 10th Planet system's emphasis on creating chains of attacks where each technique sets up the next — a philosophy that has influenced modern no-gi grappling broadly. [1]
Effectiveness
The Loco Plata's effectiveness is primarily as a chain submission — it catches opponents who have successfully defended the standard Go-Go Plata by turning their head, which is exactly the movement that exposes them to the lateral angle. [1] This makes the Go-Go Plata / Loco Plata combination more effective than either technique in isolation, as the opponent faces a two-sided threat. [1] The technique has been used in EBI (Eddie Bravo Invitational) competition by 10th Planet practitioners, though it is less commonly seen than the standard Go-Go Plata due to the specific defensive reaction required to create the opening. [1]
Lineage
Eddie Bravo → 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu Go-Go Plata family → documented in Mastering the Rubber Guard (2006) → part of the 10th Planet rubber guard submission chain. [1]
Competition Record
Used in EBI (Eddie Bravo Invitational) competition by 10th Planet practitioners as part of the Go-Go Plata chain. Less commonly seen than the standard Go-Go Plata in MMA, but effective when the opponent specifically defends the standard version by turning the head.
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Biomechanical Mechanism
Primary Action — Diagonal shin compression across the lateral neck — the tibial bone crosses from one side of the opponent's neck to the other at approximately 30-45°, compressing the carotid artery on the near side and the trachea/jugular on the far side
Joints Involved — Attacker's hip (extreme flexion with abduction to position the shin diagonally), knee (flexion to maintain shin contact), ankle (dorsiflexion or plantarflexion depending on the specific angle), hands (gripping behind the opponent's head to pull the face into the shin)
Force Vector — Diagonal compression — unlike the Go-Go Plata's straight anterior-to-posterior vector, the Loco Plata compresses at approximately 30-45° from the lateral axis, attacking the carotid artery directly on one side while the trachea absorbs the off-angle pressure
Leverage Principle — The diagonal placement creates a longer lever arm across the neck compared to the straight-across placement of the standard Go-Go Plata — the shin crosses more of the neck's diameter, meaning any head-pulling action from the hands produces compression across a wider area. The opponent's own attempt to turn away from the standard Go-Go Plata actually positions their neck optimally for the Loco Plata.
Position & Entry
From failed Go-Go Plata — When the standard Go-Go Plata is in place but the opponent turns their head to one side to relieve pressure, adjust the shin angle to follow their head direction, creating the diagonal placement of the Loco Plata
From rubber guard (Mission Control) — From Mission Control, instead of threading the shin directly across the front of the throat (standard Go-Go Plata), angle the shin diagonally from the start, targeting the lateral neck
From the Invisible Collar position — After establishing the Invisible Collar grip from rubber guard, transition the leg into the Loco Plata angle rather than the standard Go-Go Plata
As a chain from omoplata setup — When setting up an omoplata, if the opponent postures before the leg can be threaded behind the shoulder, redirect the shin across the throat at a diagonal angle
Variants
Standard Loco Plata — diagonal shin from left to right across the neck
Reverse Loco Plata — diagonal shin from right to left (mirrored angle)
Deep Loco Plata — the shin is threaded further across the neck for a deeper choke, requiring more hip flexibility
Loco Plata to omoplata chain — using the Loco Plata attempt as a setup for an omoplata when the opponent pushes the attacking leg off their neck
Videos
Rubber guard, the gogoplata and Loco plata.
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Loco Plata·BJJ4Breakfast
Using the rubber guard to set up the gogoplata and Locoplata submission.
2 videos
What Instructors Say
The Loco Plata is an advanced submission technique that emerges as a variation within the rubber guard system when the opponent defends against the Gogoplata. According to BJJ4Breakfast, the technique begins from mission control (rubber guard position achieved from closed guard), where the practitioner has one foot on the opponent's hip and the other leg hooked high across the back of the neck with a palm-facing grip. The setup follows the Gogoplata entry: the practitioner swims the arm through, clears the face, and grabs their own foot. However, when the opponent resists the Gogoplata by pushing down on the practitioner's foot to create breathing space, the practitioner peels the opponent's hand away, re-grabs their own foot, and crucially introduces the opposite leg as a base for the choke—this insertion of the second foot defines the Loco Plata. BJJ4Breakfast emphasizes that once established, the position is extremely difficult to escape and offers secondary options including sweeps and potential armbar transitions if the opponent attempts to back out or stand. The technique requires significant flexibility in the rubber guard position and is particularly effective in no-gi grappling. While ziongraffix's Omoplata variation shares foundational principles of leg positioning and wrist control, it differs fundamentally in mechanics and does not constitute the same technique as the Loco Plata.
Synthesized from 2 instructors
- BJJ4Breakfast — Rubber guard, the gogoplata and Loco plata.: Provides detailed step-by-step instruction on Loco Plata entry from mission control via Gogoplata defense, including the critical detail of peeling the opponent's hand and introducing the second foot as the choke base, plus secondary sweep and armbar options.
- ziongraffix — MMA Institute technique of the month: Omo plata setup and finish variation: Demonstrates Omoplata drilling and execution from butterfly guard with emphasis on wrist control and eliminating roll escapes, though this is a distinct technique rather than Loco Plata.
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Ratings
Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to
8
Very High8/10
Similar danger profile to the standard Go-Go Plata — direct tracheal and carotid compression can cause unconsciousness and airway obstruction. The lateral angle adds a neck-crank component that the standard version lacks, creating additional risk of cervical spine injury if the opponent resists aggressively instead of tapping.
Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably
Expert
Whether this technique is allowed under major competition rule sets
Illegal
— FIAS Sport Sambo — All chokes prohibited in Sport Sambo
FIAS International Sambo Competition RulesPDFLegal
— IBJJF — Legal at all belt levels, gi and no-gi — chokes a...
IBJJF Rules Book v6.0, June 2024PDF— ADCC — Legal
ADCC Rules Update, April 2025PDF— Unified MMA — Legal — choke submissions are among the mos...
Unified Rules of MMA, August 2025PDF— FIAS Combat Sambo — Legal
FIAS Combat Sambo RulesPDFTraining Notes
✓Master the standard Go-Go Plata FIRST — the Loco Plata is a modification, not a standalone technique. If you cannot execute the standard Go-Go Plata, the Loco Plata will not work because the entries and body positioning are built on the same rubber guard foundation (Bravo, 2006). [1] The angle adjustment is subtle: from the standard Go-Go Plata position, rotate the attacking hip slightly outward (abduction) to change the shin angle from straight-across to diagonal. Drill this adjustment in isolation by alternating between standard and Loco Plata angles on a stationary partner. [1] The head pull remains critical — as with the standard Go-Go Plata, the choke does not finish without pulling the opponent's head forward and down into the shin. The hands must grip behind the head and pull aggressively. [1] Chain training: drill the sequence Go-Go Plata → opponent turns head → Loco Plata → opponent pushes leg → omoplata as a flowing combination. Each defence to one technique creates the opening for the next. [1] In sparring, the Loco Plata is most effective as a surprise switch from the standard Go-Go Plata — if you always attack with the Loco Plata directly, opponents will learn the angle and defend it. Use the standard version as the primary threat and the Loco Plata as the follow-up. [1]
Common Mistakes
!Attempting the Loco Plata without first threatening the standard Go-Go Plata — the Loco Plata works best as a reaction to the opponent's defence of the standard version; going directly to the Loco Plata removes the sequential pressure
!Incorrect shin angle — too steep an angle (closer to vertical) turns it into a neck crank rather than a choke; too shallow (closer to horizontal) turns it into a standard Go-Go Plata. The optimal angle is approximately 30-45° from the lateral axis
!Not pulling the head into the shin — as with all plata variations, the shin alone cannot finish the choke; the hands must pull the head forward and into the shin with force
!Losing hip position — if the attacking hip slides away from the opponent during the angle adjustment, the shin loses contact with the throat
!Insufficient hip flexibility — the Loco Plata requires slightly more hip flexibility than the standard Go-Go Plata due to the added abduction; practitioners without adequate flexibility should focus on hip mobility before attempting this variant
Related Techniques
Counter Techniques
Posture up immediately — the Loco Plata, like all plata variants, cannot be applied if the opponent maintains upright posturePush the attacking leg off the neck — if the shin is not deeply seated, pushing it off the throat prevents the choke (but opens omoplata transitions)Stack — driving forward compresses the attacker and changes the angle unfavourably for the shin placementTuck the chin — a deeply tucked chin prevents the shin from contacting the throatPass to side control — lateral movement past the attacking leg removes both the Go-Go Plata and Loco Plata threats
Setup Chain
1Closed guard → Break posture → Establish rubber guard (Mission Control) → Threaten standard Go-Go Plata (shin across front of throat) → Opponent turns head to defend → Adjust shin angle to diagonal (Loco Plata) → Pull head into diagonal shin → Opponent taps
2If opponent pushes the leg off → Transition to omoplata
3If opponent postures → Return to Mission Control and reset
Sources & References
Primary Source
Mastering the Rubber Guard (Bravo, 2006)
1Book[1] Bravo, E. with Krauss, E. and Cordoza, G. (2006). Mastering the Rubber Guard: Jiu-Jitsu for Mixed Martial Arts Competition. Victory Belt Publishing. Go-Go Plata to Loco Plata section.pp. Bravo 2006 pp. 160-165 (Go-Go Plata to Loco Plata)
description: [1] Bravo 2006 Go-Go Plata family
2OtherJapanese Combat Sports Katakana Convention
Standard katakana transliteration of Western martial arts terminology (外来語) — used in Japanese MMA, boxing, and BJJ communities
3Citation[1] Bravo, E. with Krauss, E. and Cordoza, G. (2006). Mastering the Rubber Guard: Jiu-Jitsu for Mixed Martial Arts Competition. Victory Belt Publishing. Go-Go Plata to Loco Plata section.pp. Bravo 2006 pp. 160-165 (Go-Go Plata to Loco Plata)
description: [1] Bravo 2006 Go-Go Plata family
Community
Athletics
Requires all the hip flexibility of the standard Go-Go Plata PLUS additional hip abduction range for the diagonal angle
Strong grip for the head pull
Core strength to maintain the rubber guard position while adjusting the shin angle
Favours practitioners with longer legs (greater shin surface for the diagonal placement)
Notes
The loco plata is a 10th Planet submission — part of Eddie Bravo's named technique system. The unconventional naming convention (loco = crazy) reflects 10th Planet's distinctive culture. (Bravo, 10th Planet system)
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the key difference between Loco Plata and Gogoplata?
In Loco Plata, you use both of your feet as leverage points—you grab your own foot with your hand while using your other foot as the base—whereas Gogoplata relies on a single arm position. As BJJ4Breakfast explains, if you can't grab your foot because it's too far, you peel the opponent's hand off and bring in your other foot to create the Loco Plata position.
What should I do if my opponent tries to escape or back out of the Loco Plata?
BJJ4Breakfast notes that if they try to back out, you can transition to an armbar by using a swimmer's motion through their arm, giving you multiple submission options even if they resist the initial tap.
How do I set up Loco Plata from the rubber guard?
Start by grabbing your own toes with your hand to create a fork grip across their chin or neck. If you can't reach your foot initially, peel their hand off first, then grab your foot while keeping one hand away so you have leverage to bring in your other foot as the base.
How does the Loco Plata work?
The Loco Plata is a variant of the Go-Go Plata (Gogoplata) that attacks the opponent's throat with the shin from a modified angle, using a lateral or diagonal shin placement rather than the standard direct anterior compression of the classic Go-Go Plata. While the standard Go-Go Plata places the shin directly across the front of the throat and pulls the head straight down into it, the Loco Plata positions the shin diagonally across the neck — from the opponent's clavicle on one side to the opposite jaw — creating a wedge-like compression that combines tracheal pressure with lateral carotid compression.
Where does the Loco Plata come from?
The Loco Plata was developed by Eddie Bravo as an extension of his Go-Go Plata system within the 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu curriculum. Bravo, who is known for his creative and extensively named technique catalogue (with names drawn from pop culture, slang, and humour), designated the Loco Plata as the 'crazy' variant of the Go-Go Plata after discovering that a lateral shin angle allowed him to finish opponents who had learned to defend the standard version.
Is the Loco Plata legal in competition?
IBJJF: legal — Legal at all belt levels, gi and no-gi — chokes are the safest submission cat…; IJF: legal — Legal (shime-waza) — strangulation techniques are one of three permitted subm…; ADCC: legal — Legal; Unified MMA: legal — Legal — choke submissions are among the most common finishes in MMA; FIAS Sport Sambo: banned — All chokes prohibited in Sport Sambo; FIAS Combat Sambo: legal — Legal
How dangerous is the Loco Plata?
Danger rating 8/10. Similar danger profile to the standard Go-Go Plata — direct tracheal and carotid compression can cause unconsciousness and airway obstruction. The lateral angle adds a neck-crank component that the standard version lacks, creating additional risk of cervical spine injury if the opponent resists aggressively instead of tapping.
How do I set up the Loco Plata?
The standard setup chain: Closed guard → Break posture → Establish rubber guard (Mission Control) → Threaten standard Go-Go Plata (shin across front of throat) → Opponent turns head to defend → Adjust shin angle to diagonal (Loco Plata) → Pull head into diagonal shin → Opponent taps → If opponent pushes the leg off → Transition to omoplata → If opponent postures → Return to Mission Control and reset.
How do I defend against the Loco Plata?
Standard counters include: Posture up immediately — the Loco Plata, like all plata variants, cannot be applied if the opponent maintains upright… / Push the attacking leg off the neck — if the shin is not deeply seated, pushing it off the throat prevents the choke … / Stack — driving forward compresses the attacker and changes the angle unfavourably for the shin placement / Tuck the chin — a deeply tucked chin prevents the shin from contacting the throat.
What are the variants of the Loco Plata?
Common variants: Standard Loco Plata (diagonal shin from left to right across the neck); Reverse Loco Plata (diagonal shin from right to left (mirrored angle)); Deep Loco Plata (the shin is threaded further across the neck for a deeper…); Loco Plata to omoplata chain (using the Loco Plata attempt as a setup for an omoplata w…).
How effective is the Loco Plata in competition?
Used in EBI (Eddie Bravo Invitational) competition by 10th Planet practitioners as part of the Go-Go Plata chain. Less commonly seen than the standard Go-Go Plata in MMA, but effective when the opponent specifically defends the standard version by turning the head.
What are common mistakes when doing the Loco Plata?
Top errors to watch for: Attempting the Loco Plata without first threatening the standard Go-Go Plata — the Loco Plata works best as a reactio… / Incorrect shin angle — too steep an angle (closer to vertical) turns it into a neck crank rather than a choke; too sh… / Not pulling the head into the shin — as with all plata variations, the shin alone cannot finish the choke; the hands … / Losing hip position — if the attacking hip slides away from the opponent during the angle adjustment, the shin loses ….
What are other names for the Loco Plata?
The Loco Plata is also known as Rokopurata, Loco Plata Choke, Crazy Plata, Lateral Gogoplata, Modified Gogoplata.