Lapel Guard: Mechanical Control in BJJ

Lapel guard transforms the gi uniform into a mechanical weapon, using wrapped lapel fabric to trap opponent limbs and create control points that traditional guards cannot achieve.

Establish mechanical control through lapel wrapping to compromise opponent base stability, create submission opportunities using gi leverage, and maintain guard integrity against defensive reactions while transitioning between variations.

Create sufficient lapel slack by liberating gi from belt before wrappingIsolate target limbs with lapel before establishing full controlMaintain constant tension on wrapped lapel to prevent defenders from peelingUse free hand to reinforce grips while opponent attempts to stripCombine lapel control with leg positioning for maximum stabilityTransition smoothly between worm, squid, and lasso variationsBreak posture immediately once lapel is secured around targetFrame with legs to prevent opponents driving through your guard