Joao gives you a focused gi blueprint to hunt baratoplatas from common guards and as counters to stack passes.
The Bottom Line
If you like trap-based guards, this set gives clear grips, angles, and finishes for baratoplata. You will learn entries from spider, DLR, K guard, and closed guard, plus pass counters. You will not get a general arm-attack overview or significant no-gi coverage.
⚡️ Quick facts
Best for: Guard players chasing traps
Skip if: You want leglocks
Tech focus: Baratoplata, Triangle Defense, Omoplata, Closed Guard, Spider Guard, K Guard, Pass Counters
Biggest takeaway: Trap passes with a shoulder lock
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What You'll Learn
Joao Miyao builds a focused blueprint for one of BJJ's sneakiest shoulder locks: the baratoplata. The curriculum shows entries from spider, DLR, K guard, and closed guard.
It also covers using baratoplata as a counter to classic stack passes like double-under and over-under. This is a niche submission, but Joao's approach makes it repeatable for guard players who enjoy trap-based attacks.
Primary Techniques You'll Drill
- Baratoplata
- Triangle Defense
- Omoplata
- Closed Guard
- Spider Guard
- K Guard
- Double Under Pass Counter
- Over Under Pass Counter
- De La Riva
Format & Level
- Instructional style: System Based, Conceptual
- Skill level: Intermediate
- Format: Gi
- Runtime: 1 hour and 24 minutes
- Volumes: 3
- Released: 2023
Should You Buy It?
Wait for daily deal. I saw the biggest jump using Joao's pass-counter sequences, which turned defense into fast submissions without changing my base guard game.
Why Joao Miyao?
Joao Miyao is a black belt under Cicero Costha known for elite berimbolo, guard retention, and high-volume competition. He won major titles in gi and no-gi and is respected for technical consistency. As a coach and competitor, Joao emphasizes angle creation and small detail chains. His teaching makes complex guard traps accessible to regular practitioners.
Community feedback
Here’s a summary of common feedback from platforms like Reddit’s r/bjj.
😍 Why People Love It
- Baratoplata users report hitting it often from mount and knee on belly.
- Seminar attendees said Joao shared many entries and it helped them land their first live baratoplata.
- Community threads trade practical setups and success stories from closed guard and counters.
- Fans note the technique works for average flexibility when taught well.
🤔 Common Criticisms
- Skeptics call it niche and easier to counter if partners drill defenses.
- Some prefer broader submission systems over a single-weapon focus.
- A few complain about Fanatics editing and pacing versus other platforms.
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Smart Alternatives
- The Straight Armlock Anthology by Lachlan Giles – Wider arm attack framework if you want more than baratoplata. (Price: $149.00)
- Attacking The Arm From Everywhere No Gi by Mica Galvao – No-gi arm attacks to complement this gi-focused set. (Price: $97.00)
- The Wristlock Bible by Pete Letsos – More sneaky upper-limb finishes to round out your traps. (Price: $197.00)
Sources & References
Video Breakdowns
Official listing: View Mastering The Baratoplata by Joao Miyao on BJJ Fanatics
Additional References
Your next step
You have the breakdown, community feedback, and my final thoughts. Now it’s your move.
