GB Technique : Lapel Attacks
This week on Gracie Barra Blog we are looking at using your opponent’s gi lapels to control, sweep and attack submissions direct from Gracie Barra schools in Brazil.
Using the lapels as a part of your offensive game is an area of jiu-jitsu that has seen much innovation and even entirely new games evolve in recent years. Strategic use of the gi (both yours and your opponent’s lapels) can open up creative submissions and sweeps against opponents who have a strong defense.
Let’s take a look at some of the most creative uses of the lapel as taught by some of the top Gracie Barra instructors.
1) Triangle using the lapel assist / Triângulo usando o pé na lapela
Have you ever thought about using the opponent’s lapel to create space and set up your triangle from the guard? Check out this setup right from GB Matriz in Rio de Janeiro.
2) Lapel Open Guard Sweep / Raspagem com lapela partindo da guarda aberta
You Spider Guard Players will love this straightforward lapel assisted sweep. The timing of executing the sweep is important!
3) DLR to lapel control to submission / Controle de guarda c/ lapela + Finalização
Prof. Victor Estima transitions from DLR guard to a control using the opponent’s lapel, setting up an omoplata submission.
4) Half Guatrd Top lapel strangle / Finalização de meia guarda com lapela
Using your opponent’s lapels to control in top of half guard not only keeps them flat, but can be used for a very potent lapel choke – especially when you surprise them while they are trying to escape. Prof. Joelson shows us how.
5) Side Control lapel Strangle / Estrangulamento de lapela partindo dos 100 quilos
The lapel strangle is especially dangerous when in top side mount. Your opponent can do little to prevent you from removing their lapel from the belt and using it offensively against them.
What is YOUR favorite lapel technique?
See also on Gracie Barra : Submission Combinations
Credits: Mark Mullen
Gracie Barra Black belt based in Asia