Ringworm Guard Top represents the defensive challenge of dealing with one of the most technically sophisticated lapel guard variations in modern Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. When caught in this position, the top player faces significant mobility restrictions due to the lapel wrapped around their leg, limiting base, balance, and passing options. The position requires systematic problem-solving to extract from the lapel configuration while defending against sweeps, back takes, and submission attempts.
The primary challenge from the top position is the mechanical disadvantage created by the lapel wrap, which effectively ties one leg to the bottom player’s control system. This restricts weight distribution, prevents explosive movement, and creates predictable defensive patterns that skilled guard players exploit. The top player must prioritize grip breaking, posture maintenance, and systematic extraction while remaining aware of sweeping and back-taking opportunities the bottom player will attempt.
Strategically, escaping Ringworm Guard requires understanding the mechanical principles of lapel control and developing specific counters to the most common attacks. The top player must balance the urgency of escaping the position with the need to maintain defensive integrity, as hasty movements often lead to sweeps or worse positions. Success depends on systematic grip breaking, careful base management, and patience in working through the extraction sequence.
This position is primarily encountered in gi-based competition and training environments, particularly against opponents trained in Keenan Cornelius’s lapel guard system. Understanding Ringworm Guard Top defense is essential for complete guard passing skill development in modern BJJ.
Position Definition
- Top player has one leg compromised by opponent’s lapel wrapped around the knee or thigh area, restricting mobility and creating mechanical disadvantage with limited base options and altered weight distribution patterns
- Bottom player maintains lapel grip with tension while using leg frames, hooks, or shields to control distance and create off-balancing angles, forcing top player into reactive defensive patterns
- Top player in standing or combat base attempting to establish grips for posture recovery and lapel extraction while defending against sweeps and back-taking attempts from the compromised position
Prerequisites
- Opponent has successfully threaded their lapel around your leg and secured the grip
- Bottom player maintains tension on the lapel wrap creating movement restrictions
- You are wearing a gi that provides the bottom player with lapel control material
- Bottom player has established at least one secondary control point on your upper body or limbs
- You have not yet successfully broken the lapel grip or extracted your leg from the wrap
Key Offensive Principles
- Prioritize breaking the lapel grip before attempting aggressive passing, as the wrap severely limits safe movement options
- Maintain defensive posture and protect your back at all times, as Ringworm Guard creates numerous back-taking opportunities
- Use systematic grip fighting to control the bottom player’s hands and prevent them from establishing additional control points
- Create space and distance to facilitate leg extraction rather than forcing through the wrap with pressure
- Stay patient and methodical in your escape sequence, as rushed movements typically lead to sweeps or submissions
- Monitor your base constantly and adjust weight distribution to compensate for the restricted leg mobility
Available Attacks
Lapel Grip Break and Posture Recovery → Open Guard
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 25%
- Intermediate: 40%
- Advanced: 55%
Leg Extraction from Lapel Wrap → Combat Base
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 30%
- Intermediate: 45%
- Advanced: 60%
Stack Pass with Lapel Control Negation → Side Control
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 20%
- Intermediate: 35%
- Advanced: 50%
Standing Guard Pass with Distance Creation → Headquarters Position
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 15%
- Intermediate: 30%
- Advanced: 45%
Smash Pass Counter → Half Guard
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 25%
- Intermediate: 40%
- Advanced: 55%
Standing Reset to Open Guard → Standing Guard
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 35%
- Intermediate: 50%
- Advanced: 65%
Decision Making from This Position
If opponent has just established the lapel wrap and is still securing their grip:
- Execute Immediate Posture and Grip Strip → Open Guard (Probability: 50%)
- Execute Leg Extraction from Lapel Wrap → Combat Base (Probability: 45%)
If opponent has secure lapel control and is creating angles for sweeps:
- Execute Standing Reset to Open Guard → Standing Guard (Probability: 55%)
- Execute Lapel Grip Break and Posture Recovery → Open Guard (Probability: 40%)
If opponent begins sweeping motion or off-balancing attempts:
- Execute Stack Pass with Lapel Control Negation → Side Control (Probability: 40%)
- Execute Pressure Pass to Half Guard → Half Guard (Probability: 45%)
If opponent establishes secondary grips and multiple control points:
- Execute Standing Extraction with Distance → Standing Guard (Probability: 50%)
- Execute Systematic Grip Breaking Sequence → Combat Base (Probability: 35%)
Optimal Submission Paths
Safest extraction to side control
Ringworm Guard Top → Lapel Grip Break → Combat Base → Stack Pass → Side Control
Standing reset to safe passing
Ringworm Guard Top → Standing Extraction → Standing Guard → Headquarters Position → Guard Pass
Pressure counter to half guard
Ringworm Guard Top → Stack Pass Counter → Half Guard → Half Guard Pass → Side Control
Success Rates and Statistics
| Skill Level | Retention Rate | Advancement Probability | Submission Probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beginner | 30% | 25% | 5% |
| Intermediate | 45% | 40% | 10% |
| Advanced | 60% | 55% | 15% |
Average Time in Position: 60-120 seconds to extract or get swept