### Worm Guard Technique #### Introduction The **Worm Guard** is a unique gi guard position invented by Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu athlete Keenan Cornelius. This position leverages the opponent's own gi lapel to provide control, disrupt their balance, and set up sweeps or submissions. The Worm Guard effectively neutralizes the opponent's guard-passing abilities and allows for dynamic transitions. #### Possible Position(s) - **Open Guard** #### Step-by-Step Instructions 1. **Initial Entry into Worm Guard:** - Begin in an **Open Guard** position with your opponent standing or in combat stance. - Use one hand to grip your opponent's lapel close to their waist on the same side. - With your other hand, grab the same-sided sleeve, pulling it across their body to break their posture forward. 2. **Thread the Lapel:** - With your first lapel grip, extend it under your own leg. - Transition to spinning your body underneath the leg you thread the lapel under, changing the angle. 3. **Establishing Control:** - As you spin, maintaining the lapel in-between your legs, use your foot on your opponent's hip to create distance and maintain tension. - Wrap the lapel around the leg, holding it securely, similar to a De La Riva or Reverse De La Riva hook. 4. **Creating Worm Guard Envelope:** - With your free hand, reach again for their lapel and pull any slack you can find to tighten the grip around their leg. - Your leg should be wrapped around their thigh, with your foot hooking over their far knee. 5. **Plan Your Next Move (Sweeps or Submissions):** - - **Sweep Option:** - Use your lapel-controlled leg to push or pull their ankle in conjunction with your hooks and grips to turn or off-balance them. - Follow through by rolling them over and coming up onto your knees, gaining top control. - **Submission Option:** - Advanced practitioners might look to set up submissions like the Armbar or Triangle by using the control provided by the Worm Guard to isolate their opponent's arms. #### Tips for Effectiveness - Keep the lapel tension tight, minimizing any slack in control. - Use your legs actively for leverage and shifting angles. - Maintain awareness of your opponent's posture and movements to capitalize on opportunities for advancement. ### Conclusion The Worm Guard provides a diverse array of offensive options and control over your opponent, making it a potent addition to the guard player's toolkit. Mastery over lapel control and positional awareness will enhance the effectiveness of this guard. Approach this technique with caution, as its success largely hinges on experience and understanding of gi manipulation intricacies.