Learn the creator's blueprint for the Tarikoplata so you can finish kimura battles with leverage.
The Bottom Line
You will learn a clean, repeatable Tarikoplata system with entries from knee-shield, double-unders, S-mount, turtle, and more. You will get troubleshooting that prevents common stalls and clarifies when to switch to omoplata or baratoplata. You will not get a full shoulder-lock encyclopedia or broad top-game passing curriculum.
⚡️ Quick facts
Best for: Guard players who love kimura
Skip if: You never attack shoulders
Tech focus: Tarikoplata, Kimura, Omoplata, Half Guard, S Mount, Turtle
Biggest takeaway: Turn kimura stalls into finishes
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What You'll Learn
The Tarikoplata is Hopstock's signature shoulder lock, built as a kimura variation that adds leg power to overwhelm stubborn grips. This course teaches the submission from top and bottom with clear entries and finishes.
You get a structured progression through knee-shield, collar-sleeve, S-mount, turtle, and double-under positions, plus targeted troubleshooting and a quick comparison with the baratoplata. It is a focused system rather than a loose move dump.
Primary Techniques You'll Drill
- Tarikoplata
- Kimura
- Omoplata
- Baratoplata
- Half Guard
- S Mount
- Turtle
- Collar Sleeve
Format & Level
- Instructional style: System Based, Technique Collection
- Skill level: All Levels
- Format: Both
- Runtime: 59 hours and 31 minutes
- Volumes: 1
- Released: 2019
Should You Buy It?
Buy it now. I found the roll and knee-shield entries easiest to add, and the troubleshooting freed me from muscling kimuras.
Why Tarik Hopstock?
Tarik Hopstock is a Norwegian black belt under Eduardo Rios (Frontline) and the inventor of the Tarikoplata. He built his name with IBJJF medals across belts and strong showings in European events. BJJ Heroes credits him as the creator of the Tarikoplata and lists notable results at black belt. BJJ Fanatics highlights his innovative submission focus and competition credentials. He remains an active competitor and seminar teacher in Europe.
Community feedback
Here’s a summary of common feedback from platforms like Reddit’s r/bjj.
😍 Why People Love It
- Uses your whole body against their arm; finish feels powerful.
- Works in gi and no-gi and hits from many positions.
- More leverage than a standard kimura for many.
- Hard to escape once shoulder and wrist are locked.
- People report landing it in competition after brief study.
🤔 Common Criticisms
- Can feel sketchy on a partner's shoulder if rushed.
- Newer players worry about lack of clear escapes.
- Wrong angle cranks the bicep and feels slicer-ish.
- Some coaches avoid it in hard rounds for safety.
Free Preview Lesson
Smart Alternatives
- Mastering The Baratoplata by Joao Miyao – Same shoulder-lock family with deep counters and entries. (Price: $99.00, 3 vols)
- Omoplata by Lachlan Giles – Complete omoplata system to pair with Tarikoplata mechanics. (Price: $149.00, 4 vols, 2023)
- Omoplata Everyone by Bernardo Faria – Budget omoplata fundamentals covering classic finishes. (Price: $79.00)
Sources & References
Video Breakdowns
Official listing: View Tarikoplata by Tarik Hopstock on BJJ Fanatics
Additional References
Your next step
You have the breakdown, community feedback, and my final thoughts. Now it’s your move.
