How to Use the Lapel for Control & Submissions in BJJ

Gi Jiu-Jitsu offers a unique set of tools that set it apart from no-gi grappling, and one of the most effective yet underutilized weapons is the lapel. By using your opponent’s own gi—or even your own—you can create strong control, powerful submissions, and tricky sweeps that are difficult to escape.

Lapel-based techniques can frustrate aggressive opponents, neutralize stronger grapplers, and open up submission opportunities that aren’t available in no-gi. When used correctly, lapel control can completely shut down an opponent’s movement, allowing you to dictate the match's pace.

This guide’ll explore how to use the lapel for control and submissions in gi Jiu-Jitsu, covering essential grips, dominant positions, and high-percentage finishes.

Key Takeaways

• Lapel grips create strong control, making it difficult for opponents to escape.
• Using the lapel opens up unique sweeps, back takes, and submissions.
• Chokes like the bow and arrow, loop and Brabo choke work exceptionally well with lapel grips.
• Training with a durable gi helps maximize the effectiveness of lapel techniques.

Why Use the Lapel?

Lapel techniques extend control beyond traditional grips, giving you new ways to manipulate your opponent’s posture, balance, and mobility.

Benefits of Lapel Control in BJJ:

• Stronger Control – Wrapping the lapel around your opponent makes it harder for them to posture, escape, or generate power.
• Better Guard Retention – Lapel grips can keep aggressive passers stuck in place, forcing them to work harder to break through your guard.
• Efficient Sweeps – The lapel creates leverage points that make sweeps easier and harder to counter.
• Unique Submissions – Lapel chokes and wraps provide finishing options that are nearly impossible in no-gi.

By integrating lapel techniques into your game, you gain more ways to dominate exchanges and keep your opponent reacting to your attacks.

Essential Lapel Grips and Control Setups

Before diving into submissions, you need to establish solid lapel grips that limit your opponent’s movement. Here are some of the most effective ways to control an opponent using the gi lapel:

1. Lapel Wrap from Guard

One of the easiest ways to set up lapel attacks is by feeding your opponent’s lapel under their arm or around their back while playing guard. This prevents them from posturing up and allows you to control their movement.

• From closed guard, Open their gi and feed the lapel behind their back to your opposite hand, trapping them in place.
• From half guard – Use the lapel to pull their weight forward and off-balance them for sweeps or back takes.
• From open guard, Lasso their lapel around their arm or leg to create entanglements that are difficult to escape.

2. Worm Guard and Lapel Lasso

Developed by Keenan Cornelius, Worm Guard is a system that traps your opponent’s leg using their lapel, limiting their ability to move.

• Control the far lapel and wrap it under your opponent’s leg.
• Use your feet to hook their legs, making it nearly impossible for them to pass.
• Transition to sweeps and back takes by pulling the lapel while extending your legs.

This setup forces your opponent into a defensive position, making it easier to attack.

3. Lapel Mount Control

When on top, you can use the lapel to secure your opponent in mount and make it nearly impossible for them to escape.

• Feed their lapel under their arm and trap it behind their back.
• Use a cross-lapel grip to control their upper body, preventing them from bridging or turning.
• Set up chokes or transitions while keeping them completely pinned.

This type of control makes it exhausting for your opponent to move, giving you time to work your attacks.

High-Percentage Lapel Submissions

Once you establish lapel control, you can transition into some of the most effective gi-specific submissions.

1. Loop Choke

The loop choke is one of BJJ's fastest and most effective lapel chokes. It uses the lapel to trap the opponent’s neck while pulling them into the choke.

• Start with a deep lapel grip on their collar.
• Pull their head down and loop your arm over their neck.
• Rotate your body and apply pressure to tighten the choke.

The loop choke is a high percentage and works well in scrambles when your opponent is trying to pass your guard.

2. Cross Collar Choke with Lapel Grip

A classic gi choke, the cross collar choke becomes even stronger when using the lapel for added control.

• Feed the lapel deep into your grip for a tighter choke.
• Use the opposite hand to reinforce the pressure.
• Pull the lapel across the throat while squeezing for the finish.

This is one of the most effective submissions from mount, closed guard, and back control.

3. Brabo Choke (Lapel D’Arce Choke)

The Brabo choke is similar to a no-gi D’Arce choke but uses the lapel to increase pressure.

• Feed your opponent’s lapel under their arm to your opposite hand.
• Thread your arm through and apply a tight squeeze.
• Drop your weight to cut off their airflow and finish the choke.

The lapel Brabo is especially useful from top side control and half guard, where your opponent has limited space to escape.

4. Bow and Arrow Choke

One of the most devastating lapel chokes, the bow and arrow choke uses the gi lapel to create immense torque on your opponent’s neck.

• Secure a strong collar grip from the back.
• Grab their pant leg and pull to stretch them out.
• Apply the choke by twisting your body while pulling their lapel across their neck.

This submission is one of the highest-percentage finishes in gi Jiu-Jitsu, particularly at the competitive level.

Conclusion

Mastering lapel control and submissions adds a new dimension to your gi Jiu-Jitsu game. Using the lapel, you can slow down aggressive opponents, limit their escapes, and set up powerful chokes and sweeps they won’t see coming.

At RollBliss, we understand that having the right gi matters when implementing lapel techniques. A well-designed gi with durable lapels makes grip fighting easier and allows for better control during training and competition.

Whether you’re refining your lapel game or looking to upgrade your gear, RollBliss provides high-quality gis designed for serious Jiu-Jitsu practitioners. Train smart, explore new techniques, and make the lapel a key part of your game.

FAQs

Is using the lapel in BJJ effective against all opponents?

Yes, lapel techniques work well against all levels, but they are especially useful against opponents who rely on speed and explosiveness, as they slow down movement and create strong control.

How do I prevent opponents from breaking my lapel grips?

Focus on deep, reinforced grips and keep constant tension. If your opponent tries to break your grip, adjust by re-gripping higher on the lapel to maintain control.

What is the best submission using the lapel?

The bow and arrow choke is one of the most effective lapel submissions, but other techniques like the loop choke and Brabo choke also work well, depending on your position.