Should I attack the omoplata or kimura first from guard?

Attack the omoplata first when your legs already own the shoulder and posture; attack the kimura first when you can sit up and secure a figure-four on the wrist and elbow.

Do omoplata and kimura connect to each other?

Yes. Both attack the same shoulder line from guard, so failed kimura grips often open omoplata entries and strong omoplata control can create kimura finishes after the opponent posts.

Which option is better for beginners?

Most beginners learn kimura from guard first because the grips are clearer, then add omoplata as a leg-based follow-up when posture breaks and the arm stays trapped.

Omoplata vs kimura from guard: which shoulder lock when?

Comparison

Use the omoplata when your legs already control the shoulder from guard; use the kimura when you can sit up and finish with a figure-four grip.

Mechanical difference

Both finish the same shoulder family, but one is a leg lock on the shoulder and the other is an upper-body figure-four.

An omoplata wraps the opponent’s arm with your legs so your hips and shin create shoulder rotation while you control posture from the bottom. It rewards strong hip angles, a trapped elbow, and the ability to sit up or climb onto the shoulder after the wrap.

A kimura from guard uses a figure-four grip on the wrist and elbow so you can rotate the shoulder with your hands and torso. It rewards sitting up, clearing the elbow from the ribs, and keeping the wrist pinned while your hips create the angle.

Omoplata cue

Your legs already beat posture and the arm is trapped across your body in a shoulder-lock shape.

Kimura cue

You can sit up, get two-on-one control of the wrist/elbow, and rotate before the opponent squares back up.

When to choose each

Choose omoplata when triangle or armbar attempts leave the arm wrapped by your legs
Choose kimura when the opponent posts a hand, reaches across, or gives you a clear wrist to isolate
Favor omoplata when you want a shoulder lock that also threatens sweeps and top transitions
Favor kimura when you want a faster grip-based finish or a bridge into back takes and armbars
Switch if the elbow escapes your preferred control instead of muscling one finish through

Common mistakes

Both attacks fail when you chase the hand and lose the elbow.

On the omoplata, the common error is crossing the legs and yanking before the hips cut the shoulder line. Keep the elbow trapped, flatten posture, then rotate through the shoulder with controlled hip pressure.

On the kimura from guard, the common error is sitting up without breaking the elbow free from the ribs. Clear the elbow first, lock the figure-four, then use your hips and shoulder angle to finish slowly.