## Lapel Grip Technique **Technique Overview:** The Lapel Grip, a fundamental aspect of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, involves controlling an opponent's gi using its lapel. This grip provides leverage for various sweeps, submissions, and positional controls. While it is versatile across various positions, the grip is often initiated from guard positions such as the Closed Guard, Open Guard, and Spider Guard. --- ### Position: **Open Guard** #### Step-by-Step Guide: "Lapel Guard Setup From Open Guard" 1. **Initiate the Open Guard:** - From the bottom position, lie on your back. Ensure your feet are open and placed against your opponent's hips or thighs to maintain control. 2. **Secure the First Grip:** - Using your right hand, reach and grip the opponent's right lapel firmly, near their chest level. This grip should be deep enough to allow for control but flexible enough to switch to various play styles. 3. **Establish the Second Grip:** - Use your left hand to grip your opponent's opposite (left) sleeve firmly. This secondary grip will enable you to control your opponent's balance effectively. 4. **Position Your Legs:** - Place your right leg across your opponent's hips, and the left leg should be more active, often on the opponent's bicep (spider guard setup) or across the belt line. 5. **Maintain Distance and Control:** - The combination of the lapel grip and sleeve control allows you to manage the distance between you and your opponent, ensuring they cannot easily pass your guard. 6. **Set Up Sweep or Transition:** - With the opponent's lapel grip maintained firmly, use your legs and grips to unbalance them. Push their sleeve to create an off-balance posture and pull the lapel towards yourself to destabilize their stance. - From this position, sweep options become available, such as the "Lapel Sweep" where you lead them over your supporting leg, or transition to submissions like the Omoplata or Triangle Choke if the opportunity arises. 7. **Execute the Technique:** - Once the opponent is destabilized and off-balance, use the grips and leverage points to proceed with your intended sweep or submission. --- ### Key Points to Consider: - **Grip Control:** Always prioritize a solid grip to maintain control of your opponent. - **Maintain Connection:** Consistently use the lapel to redirect or control the opponent's movement. - **Focus on Balance:** Use your core and leg positioning to ensure you don't get swept while attempting these setups. ### Common Follow-ups: - Transitioning to an Arm Drag to take the back. - Setting up a "Lapel Lasso" where you wrap the lapel around the opponent's arm to create a strong submissive position. - Initiating a "Lapel Choke" combined with a sleeve grip for a powerful submission threat. ---