Introduction to the Monoplata
The monoplata is a highly effective shoulder lock submission commonly encountered in MMA situations. This instructional guide covers the technique's primary application from mount position, followed by a variation executed from bottom position.
Understanding the Setup Position
The monoplata typically arises when an opponent in mount position attempts to defend against strikes by wrapping their arms around the attacker's back and tucking their head close to the neck. This defensive posture creates the ideal opportunity to transition into the submission technique.
Trapping the Arm with the Leg
The practitioner lifts one leg to trap the opponent's arm while releasing hand contact with the mat. The leg should wrap underneath and ideally reach across to control the opponent's shoulder, creating a secure trap that prevents arm movement.
Breaking the Grip Through Separation
The attacker creates separation by pushing the opponent's head downward, which bends the neck and disrupts their grip. If the grip persists, dropping the elbow onto the opponent's face forces them to defend with their hand, allowing the attacker to control that defensive arm.
Controlling Both Arms
The practitioner uses their knee to pinch and control the opponent's defensive hand, then steps over it to trap both arms simultaneously. This position provides excellent opportunities for striking or transitioning to the submission finish.
The Standard Finish
The attacker controls the opponent's tricep below the elbow and pulls it toward their body while maintaining a strong base with their posted leg. The hand is driven behind the opponent's neck while the knee pinches behind the shoulder, preventing escape attempts and applying shoulder lock pressure.
The Over-the-Head Leg Pass Variation
If the opponent resists the initial finish, the attacker can pass their leg over the opponent's head by leaning to lighten the leg and create clearance. After passing, the attacker sits down and maintains arm control while scooping their hip toward the opponent's head to complete the shoulder lock.
Finishing Mechanics and Escape Prevention
The attacker maintains hip pressure while pulling the opponent's elbow upward, preventing the opponent from sitting up or freeing their trapped arm. If the opponent attempts to extend their arm or rotate their thumb upward, the attacker steps back over their head to re-secure the position.
Monoplata from Bottom Position
The submission can also be initiated from bottom position by controlling the opponent's posture, blocking their punching arm, and hiding one's own head to minimize strike damage. The practitioner executes a hip escape to establish a front hook and transition to top position.
Transitioning from Bottom to Top Control
After hip escaping and achieving front hook position, the practitioner pushes the opponent's arm down to establish the same control configuration used in the mount position variation. From this point, the monoplata finish or leg-pass variation proceeds identically to the top position technique.
Jiu-Jitsu For MMA | The Monoplata Submission
Key Takeaways
- •Introduction to the Monoplata
- •Understanding the Setup Position
- •Trapping the Arm with the Leg
- •Breaking the Grip Through Separation
The Monoplata is one of the most devastating submissions in Jiu-Jitsu, and it translates very well for MMA. It's classic application is under a MMA scenario, when the opponent on bottom mount tries to hug around your back in order to prevent punches. The Monoplata is a super tight submission and you don't have much room for error. You have to be very precise and careful in order not to hurt your partner by accident. Here are 2 classic set ups for the Monoplata submission under a MMA scenario, from the mount position and after a butterfly hook sweep. Click Here To Subscribe So You Never Miss A Video ➤ https://bit.ly/2CxCEvi BJJ Courses: https://www.mmaleech.com/best-bjj-instructionals-for-beginners/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mmaleech/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mmaleech/ Free BJJ Mini-Courses: https://www.mmaleech.com/free-stuff/
Frequently Asked Questions
What does this video teach about standard monoplata?
This video covers introduction to the monoplata, understanding the setup position, trapping the arm with the leg. It provides detailed instruction from MMA Leech.
How long does it take to learn standard monoplata?
The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 10-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.
What are the key details for finishing standard monoplata?
The submission can also be initiated from bottom position by controlling the opponent's posture, blocking their punching arm, and hiding one's own head to minimize strike damage. The practitioner executes a hip escape to establish a front hook and transition to top position.
