Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a martial art that thrives on both offensive and defensive techniques. The turtle is considered as one of the premier positions in the art and is known as a tough position to crack in the hands of a master. While it may seem like a purely defensive posture at first glance, the turtle position can be a gateway to numerous offensive and counter-offensive opportunities. Today, we will go over the defensive fortress that is the turtle, and one of the unique submissions you can do from the position – the turtleplata.
Understanding The Turtle Position
The turtle position in BJJ is often seen as a defensive posture, where a practitioner tucks their knees under their body and brings their elbows close to their knees while their hands protect their neck and head. The practitioner’s back is typically facing the opponent, which makes it appear vulnerable. However, when used effectively, the turtle position can be a strategic position that allows for quick transitions, counters, and submissions.
The turtle position is commonly assumed when a practitioner is defending against a guard pass or after being swept, and they want to prevent their opponent from taking the back or securing a dominant position like side control or mount. While it’s true that the turtle position can expose a grappler to back takes, chokes, and other attacks, it also offers unique opportunities to counter and escape, making it a versatile position in the hands of an experienced practitioner.
Versatility Of The Turtle
The turtle position, when mastered, can be a strong defensive option. Like a fortress, it allows a practitioner to stay protected while keeping their opponent at bay. Also, the compact nature of the turtle makes it difficult for an opponent to establish control or set up submissions without creating openings for the bottom player to escape.
From a defensive standpoint, the turtle position can help you avoid giving up points in competition by preventing your opponent from securing a dominant position. By staying mobile and keeping your elbows and knees tight, you can frustrate your opponent’s attempts to pass or submit you, forcing them to expend energy while you wait for an opportunity to counter or escape.
Offensively, the turtle position can serve as an avenue for various attacks. Skilled practitioners use the turtle to bait their opponents into overcommitting or exposing themselves to counterattacks. One of the most intriguing offensive techniques that can be executed from the turtle position is the turtleplata. This submission is a variation of the omoplata, but it is initiated from the turtle, making it a surprising and effective attack.
The Turtleplata: A Unique Submission
The turtleplata is a submission that combines elements of the omoplata and the turtle position. The omoplata is a shoulder lock typically applied from the guard, where the practitioner uses their legs to isolate and torque the opponent’s shoulder joint. The turtleplata adapts this concept to the turtle position, allowing the practitioner to submit their opponent even when they appear to be in a disadvantageous spot.
To execute the turtleplata, the practitioner in the turtle position must first identify an opportunity to trap one of their opponent’s arms. This is often possible when the opponent is trying to establish grips, control the hips, or initiate a back take. Once the arm is isolated, the practitioner rolls under or around the opponent while hooking the trapped arm with their leg, similar to setting up an omoplata from the guard.
As the practitioner rolls, they use their body weight to force the opponent’s shoulder towards the mat, applying pressure on the joint and forcing the tap.
Setting Up The Turtleplata
The turtleplata can be a highly effective submission, but it requires precise timing and control to execute properly. The key to setting up the turtleplata lies in baiting your opponent into making a mistake or overcommitting to an attack while you’re in the turtle position.
One common setup for the turtleplata occurs when the opponent attempts to take the back by reaching across to grab your far-side collar or underhook your arm. As they do this, you can trap their arm by securing it with your leg. This involves threading your leg over their arm while maintaining a tight posture in the turtle position. Once the arm is trapped, you can initiate the roll, using your hips and legs to torque the opponent’s shoulder.
Another effective setup is when your opponent tries to control your hips or flatten you out from the turtle position. By shifting your weight and creating a small amount of space, you can sneak your leg into position to trap their arm. From there, you can roll and apply the submission.
The secret to a successful turtleplata is to use unpredictability. Most opponents do not expect a submission attempt from someone in the turtle position, which gives you the element of surprise. This surprise factor often leads to hesitation or a delayed reaction from the opponent, giving you the upper hand in securing the submission.
Integrating The Turtleplata Onto Your Game
The turtleplata is a versatile submission that can be a valuable addition to your BJJ arsenal. If you want to add the turtleplate to your game, practice it in isolated drills and live sparring. Start by drilling the basic mechanics of the turtleplata, focusing on the setup, the roll, and the finish. Once you feel comfortable with the technique, incorporate it into your sparring sessions.
It’s also essential to develop your overall turtle position game. The more comfortable you are in the turtle position, the easier it will be to recognize and capitalize on opportunities to execute the turtleplata. Work on your ability to stay safe in the turtle position, and slowly add weapons to round out the position.
Finally, consider combining the turtleplata with other submissions and escapes from the turtle position. By having multiple options at your disposal, you can keep your opponent guessing and increase your chances of successfully executing the turtleplata or transitioning to another attack.
Conclusion
The turtle position in BJJ is often misunderstood as purely defensive, but it can be an excellent entry to various offensive techniques. By mastering this position, you can turn a seemingly weak position into a powerful tool to submit even the biggest and strongest opponent.
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