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Lapel Guard Variations Bottom | BJJ Position Guide | BJJ Graph

Oct 25, 202515 min read

Lapel Guard Variations Bottom

bjjstateguardopen-guardlapel-guardvariationsadvanced

State Properties

  • State ID: S225
  • Point Value: 0 (Neutral)
  • Position Type: Offensive
  • Risk Level: Medium
  • Energy Cost: Medium-High
  • Time Sustainability: Medium

State Description

Lapel Guard Variations encompass the diverse array of hybrid and specialized lapel-based guard positions that combine fundamental lapel control with other guard elements such as De La Riva hooks, spider guard frames, lasso configurations, and inverted positions. These variations expand the strategic depth of lapel guards by creating multi-layered control systems and unique attack angles that pure lapel or traditional guards cannot achieve independently.

Common variations include De La Worm (combining DLR with worm guard), Lapel Lasso (integrating lasso principles with lapel wrapping), Lapel Spider combinations, and various inverted lapel positions that create dynamic back take and sweep opportunities. Each variation addresses specific passing strategies and opponent body types, allowing practitioners to adapt their guard system to different tactical situations.

These advanced configurations require solid understanding of both fundamental lapel guard mechanics and the traditional guard systems they’re combined with. The learning curve is significant, but practitioners who invest time in developing these variations gain access to a comprehensive guard system that can adapt to nearly any passing style while maintaining offensive pressure throughout.

Visual Description

Your position varies significantly based on which specific variation is employed. In De La Worm, one leg maintains a DLR hook on the opponent’s leg while the other is threaded with their lapel in worm configuration, creating simultaneous upper and lower body control. In Lapel Lasso combinations, you might have one leg in traditional lasso configuration while using lapel wrapping on the opposite side to double-layer your arm control. In Lapel Spider variations, both feet are posted on the opponent’s biceps or chest while lapel material is wrapped around your legs or hands to enhance the pushing power of spider guard. In inverted lapel positions, you may be rolled onto your shoulders with lapel control maintained through the inversion, creating unique angles for attacks. Your hands work constantly to manage multiple grips—lapel material, sleeve controls, collar grips, pants grips—while your core engages to maintain body positioning and generate off-balancing forces. The variations create complex, multi-dimensional control systems that attack different levels simultaneously, making them extremely difficult to pass when executed correctly.

Key Principles

  • Multi-Layered Control Integration: Seamlessly blend lapel control with hooks, frames, and traditional guard elements for comprehensive constraint
  • Variation-Specific Technical Precision: Each variation has unique setup requirements and maintenance mechanics that must be mastered independently
  • Adaptive Guard Selection: Choose variation based on opponent’s passing style, body type, and defensive knowledge
  • Energy Management Awareness: Some variations are more energy-intensive than others; use strategically based on match situation
  • Complementary System Understanding: Must understand both lapel guard fundamentals AND the traditional guard being integrated
  • Transition Fluidity: Flow smoothly between variations as opponent counters or changes strategy
  • Strategic Depth Building: Develop multiple variations to create unpredictable, adaptive guard system
  • Guard Retention

Offensive Transitions

From this position, you can execute:

Sweeps (De La Worm Variation)

  • De La Worm Sweep → Mount or Back Control (Success Rate: Beginner 30%, Intermediate 48%, Advanced 65%)
    • Combine DLR hook with worm control for powerful sweep with back take option

Sweeps (Lapel Lasso Variation)

  • Lapel Lasso Sweep → Mount (Success Rate: Beginner 28%, Intermediate 45%, Advanced 62%)
    • Use combined lasso and lapel control for enhanced sweep leverage

Sweeps (Lapel Spider Variation)

Back Takes

Position Improvements

Guard Retention

Submissions

Defensive Responses

When opponent has this position against you, available counters:

Decision Tree

If De La Worm is established:

Else if Lapel Lasso is established:

Else if Lapel Spider is established:

Else if opponent counters current variation:

Else (variation is compromised):

Expert Insights

John Danaher: “Lapel guard variations represent the synthesis of traditional guard mechanics with modern lapel technology. The most effective variations are those that create true synergy between the two control systems—where the lapel control enhances the traditional guard element, and vice versa. De La Worm is an excellent example: the DLR hook controls the lower body while the lapel wrapping controls the upper body, creating a complete control system that is greater than the sum of its parts. However, practitioners must understand both systems deeply before combining them. Half-knowledge of either creates a weak hybrid that is inferior to mastering one system completely.”

Gordon Ryan: “The hybrid lapel variations like De La Worm are incredibly effective because they force the passer to defend multiple threat vectors simultaneously. When I’ve faced these positions in gi competition, the difficulty is that clearing one element doesn’t solve the problem—you have to address both the hook and the lapel control, which requires systematic approach and specific technical knowledge. If I were competing gi regularly, I would focus heavily on De La Worm because it offers such direct back access, which aligns with my preference for back attacks. The back take percentage from this position is exceptional against opponents who don’t train it regularly.”

Eddie Bravo: “I love the creativity in these hybrid lapel systems. They show the evolution of guard technology where practitioners are taking different successful systems and experimenting with combinations to create something new. While 10th Planet is no-gi focused, we do similar things combining lockdown with rubber guard, or truck with leg attacks—the principle of creating layered control systems is universal. The key is making sure the combination actually creates synergy rather than just adding complexity. The best variations are those where each element makes the other element stronger, not just two separate things happening simultaneously.”

Common Errors

Error: Insufficient mastery of component guard systems

  • Consequence: Attempting hybrid without solid foundation in both lapel guard AND traditional guard (DLR, spider, lasso) leads to weak variations easily passed. Building hybrid on weak foundation.
  • Correction: Master fundamental lapel guard and the traditional guard you’re integrating separately before combining them. Ensure competency in each independently first.
  • Recognition: If both your lapel guard and traditional guard are frequently passed when used alone, attempting combinations will only create more problems. Build foundations first.

Error: Over-complicated setups exposing guard to passes

  • Consequence: Complex entry sequences for variations create windows where guard is vulnerable during transition. Opponent exploits setup phase to pass before variation is established.
  • Correction: Develop smooth, quick entry sequences that maintain guard security throughout. Practice entries extensively at low resistance before adding pressure. Have escape plan if entry is interrupted.
  • Recognition: If you frequently get passed during variation setup, your entry is too complex or poorly executed. Should feel safe throughout establishment phase.

Error: Static maintenance without dynamic adjustment

  • Consequence: Holding variation statically without hip movement and angle changes allows opponent to stabilize and work systematic counters, reducing effectiveness dramatically.
  • Correction: Maintain constant movement even within complex variation—adjust hip angles, manage distances, create off-balancing forces continuously. Variation provides control structure, but movement creates attacks.
  • Recognition: If opponent feels stable and comfortable despite your variation control, you’re too static. Should feel constant pressure and instability for opponent.

Error: Failure to recognize which variation suits the situation

  • Consequence: Using same variation regardless of opponent’s style or your tactical situation leads to predictable offense and reduces effectiveness. Wrong tool for the job.
  • Correction: Develop tactical understanding of when each variation is appropriate. Use De La Worm against upright passers, Lapel Spider against pressure passers, Lapel Lasso against standing passes, etc.
  • Recognition: If your favorite variation consistently fails against certain passing styles, you need better variation selection. Should adapt to opponent’s approach.

Error: Losing one element while focusing on the other

  • Consequence: Over-focusing on maintaining lapel control causes loss of DLR hook or spider frame, or vice versa. Loss of one element causes entire variation to collapse.
  • Correction: Develop ability to monitor and maintain multiple control points simultaneously. Practice split attention drills. Recognize early when one element is failing and adapt.
  • Recognition: If you consistently maintain one element but lose the other, your attention management needs development. Should feel balanced awareness of all controls.

Error: Poor energy management across multiple variations

  • Consequence: Attempting high-energy variations when fatigued leads to sloppy execution and easy passes. Burning energy on wrong variation at wrong time.
  • Correction: Understand energy requirements of each variation. Use high-energy variations (inverted attacks, complex setups) strategically when fresh. Use lower-energy variations when managing fatigue.
  • Recognition: If you’re exhausted mid-match from variation work, your energy strategy is wrong. Should pace variation usage throughout match.

Error: Inadequate transition planning between variations

  • Consequence: When one variation is countered, inability to flow smoothly to different variation leads to defensive scramble or guard loss. Treating variations as isolated positions.
  • Correction: Practice deliberate flow drilling between all variations. Build transition pathways between variations. Each variation should have 2-3 clear exits to other variations or standard positions.
  • Recognition: If variations lead to scrambles rather than smooth transitions, you lack flow connections. Should feel like dance between related positions.

Training Drills

Drill 1: Variation Entry Progressions from Standard Positions

Start from basic lapel guard or traditional guard (DLR, spider, lasso), practice transitioning into specific hybrid variations with partner at 25% resistance. Focus on maintaining guard security during transition and establishing proper configuration. Partner provides feedback on control quality throughout entry. Progress to 50%, then 75% resistance as entries become fluid. 5 minutes per variation type (De La Worm, Lapel Lasso, Lapel Spider), 3 rounds each, with rest and review. Goal is automatic, safe variation establishment from common starting positions.

Drill 2: Variation-Specific Attack Chains

With specific variation established (rotate through variations each round), practice attack sequences unique to that variation (start 0% resistance for pattern learning). For De La Worm: back takes and specific sweeps. For Lapel Lasso: combined sweeps. For Lapel Spider: push-pull attacks. Partner gradually increases resistance (25%, 50%, 75%) as you master patterns. Focus on explosive execution and using variation’s unique advantages. 3 minutes per variation-attack combination, 6-8 rounds total, building automatic responses for each variation.

Drill 3: Variation Flow and Transition System

Partner resists your attacks and attempts to clear your guard (50% resistance), while you practice flowing between different variations when countered. If De La Worm is being cleared, flow to Lapel Lasso or pure Worm. If Lapel Spider is failing, transition to different variation or standard guard. Goal is maintaining offensive position through variation changes rather than losing guard. Partner increases to 75% as your transitions improve. 4 minute rounds, 5 rounds, with coaching on recognizing counter patterns and making early transitions. Develop fluid connection between all variations.

Drill 4: Variation Selection Based on Opponent’s Style

Partner alternates between different passing styles each round (upright passing, pressure passing, standing passing, leg drag style) while you select and establish appropriate variation for that style (50% resistance initially). Build tactical decision-making about which variation suits which situation. Coach provides feedback on variation selection effectiveness. Partner increases intensity to 75%, then 90% as your tactical understanding improves. 3 minute rounds, 6-8 rounds, building strategic understanding of variation applications.

Drill 5: Live Variation Sparring with Strategic Resets

Start each round from open guard (not pre-established variation), work to establish variations during live rolling, then execute attacks under full resistance (100%). Reset to open guard after each successful action or guard pass. Partner resists fully but you choose which variation to pursue based on tactical situation. Focus on realistic application: entry timing, variation selection, attack execution, transition decisions, energy management. 5-6 minute rounds, 5 rounds per session, with brief coaching between rounds. Build competition-realistic application of entire variation system.

Optimal Submission Paths

Highest-percentage path (back take emphasis): Lapel Guard Variations Bottom → De La Worm Back Take → Back Control → Body Triangle → Rear Naked Choke → Won by Submission Reasoning: De La Worm creates exceptional back access. Taking back provides highest percentage submissions. Most reliable path from variations.

Sweep to dominance path: Lapel Guard Variations Bottom → Lapel Spider Sweep → Mount → Mounted Submissions → Won by Submission Reasoning: Lapel Spider creates powerful push-pull sweep mechanics. Mount provides dominant position for submission chains.

Alternative back take path: Lapel Guard Variations Bottom → Inverted Lapel Back Take Variations → Back Control → Rear Naked Choke → Won by Submission Reasoning: Inverted variations create different back take angles. Alternative when De La Worm is unavailable or countered.

Triangle combination path: Lapel Guard Variations Bottom → Triangle from Variations → Triangle Control → Triangle Finish or Armbar → Won by Submission Reasoning: Several variations facilitate triangle entries. Can finish or transition to armbar. Versatile attack option.

Systematic progression path: Lapel Guard Variations Bottom → De La Worm Sweep → Mount → Technical Mount → Armbar or Choke → Won by Submission Reasoning: Sweep from variation to dominant position, advance position systematically, then submit. Shows tactical control and patience.

Position Metrics

  • Position Retention Rate: Beginner 48%, Intermediate 65%, Advanced 80%
  • Advancement Probability: Beginner 25%, Intermediate 42%, Advanced 60%
  • Submission Probability: Beginner 18%, Intermediate 30%, Advanced 45%
  • Position Loss Probability: Beginner 48%, Intermediate 32%, Advanced 18%
  • Average Time in Position: 45 seconds - 2 minutes (varies by variation complexity)

Graph View

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