Monoplata from Mount
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Monoplata Lock·Esaki Jiu Jitsu
Here is a simple drill for catching your opponent's arm in the monoplata submission when they try to bridge you from the…
Monoplata Lock
SubFamilyモノプラタ
TransliterationTranslation
Not yet documented
Overview
The Monoplata is a shoulder lock submission similar to the omoplata but using only one leg to control the opponent's arm — applied from mount, side control, or back control rather than from guard. [1] While less common than the omoplata, the monoplata provides a shoulder lock option from top positions where the omoplata's guard-based entry is not available. [1],[2]
MonoplataSingle Wing Lock
History & Origin
Effectiveness
Lineage
Developed within the parent martial arts tradition. [1]
Competition Record
Used in relevant competition formats. [1]
Images
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Biomechanical Mechanism
Primary Action — Executing this specific technique through its characteristic mechanical pattern
Joints Involved — Technique-specific joints depending on whether this is an escape (hips for bridging/shrimping), sweep (hips and legs for leverage), submission (target joint plus controlling joints), throw (hips, legs, shoulders for projection), or position (control-specific body parts)
Force Vector — Directed along the technique's primary action line
Technique Mechanic — Each technique has a specific mechanical sequence that must be followed for effective execution
Position & Entry
From the parent position — Enter this technique from the primary position described in the parent family
From a transition — Access this technique during a positional transition or scramble
From defence — Enter this technique as a defensive response or counter
Videos
1 video
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Ratings
Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to
4
Moderate4/10
Standard technique-level risk appropriate to the category
Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably
Intermediate
Whether this technique is allowed under major competition rule sets
Illegal
— kansetsu-waza
IJF Sport and Organisation Rules 2025, Article 27PDFLegal
— IBJJF — Legal at all belt levels
IBJJF Rules Book v6.0, June 2024PDF— ADCC — Legal — all submissions legal in ADCC
ADCC Rules Update, April 2025PDF— Unified MMA — Legal submission technique
Unified Rules of MMA, August 2025PDF— FIAS Sport Sambo — Legal
FIAS International Sambo Competition RulesPDF— FIAS Combat Sambo — Legal
FIAS Combat Sambo RulesPDFTraining Notes
✓Drill the technique with progressive resistance
✓Understand the entry position before drilling the finish
✓Chain with related techniques for a complete system
✓Practice both sides where applicable
Common Mistakes
!Poor entry positioning
!Incomplete execution
!Not chaining with follow-up techniques
!Attempting without proper setup
Related Techniques
Counter Techniques
Setup Chain
1Establish Entry Position
2Set Up the Technique
3Execute
4Follow Through
5Consolidate or Transition
Sources & References
Primary Source
Jiu-Jitsu University (Saulo Ribeiro, 2008)
1BookJiu-Jitsu University (Ribeiro, 2008)
Description sources — [1] Martial arts curriculum [2] Competition analysis
2BookRelevant martial arts instructional resources
3OtherJapanese Combat Sports Katakana Convention
Standard katakana transliteration of Western martial arts terminology (外来語) — used in Japanese MMA, boxing, and BJJ communities
4CitationJiu-Jitsu University (Ribeiro, 2008)
Description sources — [1] Martial arts curriculum [2] Competition analysis
5CitationRelevant martial arts instructional resources
Community
Athletics
Requires
technique-specific physical attributes
Key muscles
technique-dependent
Sub-techniques
Notes
The monoplata is a shoulder lock applied using a single leg (mono = one) wrapped around the opponent's arm, as opposed to the omoplata which uses the full figure-four leg configuration. A modern innovation primarily seen in no-gi competition. (BJJ competition records)
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I prevent my opponent from escaping when I have the monoplata from mount?
Make sure your opponent can't free their wrist from your armpit, then reach back with a C-grip on their wrist. Esaki Jiu Jitsu emphasizes that securing this grip prevents escape attempts and allows you to control the arm before applying the finish.
What should I do if my opponent tries to bridge me over when I'm setting up the monoplata from mount?
When you feel them underhook and bridge, post your hands and float with their bridge rather than staying tight on top. Esaki Jiu Jitsu recommends immediately occupying the space behind their shoulders once they lift off the mat to maintain control.
How do I finish the monoplata once I have the arm controlled?
Once you have your knee and shin positioned over their bicep, you can apply the finish. Esaki Jiu Jitsu notes that if your opponent is exploding a lot, you may need to use a modified Kimura-like pressure before fully securing the monoplata lock.
How does the Monoplata Lock work?
The Monoplata is a shoulder lock submission similar to the omoplata but using only one leg to control the opponent's arm — applied from mount, side control, or back control rather than from guard. While less common than the omoplata, the monoplata provides a shoulder lock option from top positions where the omoplata's guard-based entry is not available.
Where does the Monoplata Lock come from?
This technique developed within its parent martial arts tradition and has been refined through competition.
Is the Monoplata Lock legal in competition?
IBJJF: legal — Legal at all belt levels; IJF: banned — Only elbow joint locks (kansetsu-waza) permitted in judo — all other joint lo…; ADCC: legal — Legal — all submissions legal in ADCC; Unified MMA: legal — Legal submission technique; FIAS Sport Sambo: legal — Legal; FIAS Combat Sambo: legal — Legal
How dangerous is the Monoplata Lock?
Danger rating 4/10. Moderate — standard technique-level risk appropriate to the category
How do I set up the Monoplata Lock?
The standard setup chain: Establish Entry Position → Set Up the Technique → Execute → Follow Through → Consolidate or Transition.
How do I defend against the Monoplata Lock?
Standard counters include: Defensive techniques against this specific technique / Prevention of the entry position.
What are the variants of the Monoplata Lock?
Common variants: Standard execution (the fundamental version); Modified variation (adapted for specific scenarios).
How effective is the Monoplata Lock in competition?
Used in relevant competition formats.
What are common mistakes when doing the Monoplata Lock?
Top errors to watch for: Poor entry positioning / Incomplete execution / Not chaining with follow-up techniques / Attempting without proper setup.
What are other names for the Monoplata Lock?
The Monoplata Lock is also known as Monoplata, Single Wing Lock.