Over-the-Back Lapel Grip

The Over-the-Back Lapel Grip is a versatile and powerful grip in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu where you use one hand to grab your opponent's lapel from over their back. This grip provides excellent control over their posture, Center of Gravity, and upper body, making it an effective tool for breaking posture, setting up sweeps, submissions, and transitions. It is most commonly used in gi situations, where the lapel grip adds significant friction and leverage.

Key Features of the Over-the-Back Lapel Grip

Hand Placement

Reach over your opponent’s back and grip their far-side lapel.
The fingers go inside the lapel with the thumb outside, ensuring a strong grip.

Leverage and Pressure

The grip allows you to apply downward pressure on their upper body, breaking their Posture and controlling their movement.

Connection

Creates a strong connection between your upper body and your opponent’s, enabling better control and transitions.

Uses in BJJ

Posture Control

From Closed Guard or Butterfly Guard, the grip can pull your opponent forward, disrupting their posture and limiting their ability to attack or pass.

Sweeps

Combines well with sweeps like the Flower Sweep, Scissor Sweep, or Butterfly Sweep, as the grip allows you to control their upper body and redirect their balance.

Submissions

Sets up lapel-based chokes like the Loop Choke, Cross Collar Choke, or variations of gi chokes.
Can also help isolate an arm for submissions like the Armbar or Triangle Choke.

Standing Control

In standing exchanges, the grip can help manage Distance Management and posture while setting up takedowns or throws.

Guard Retention and Defense

Prevents your opponent from posturing up or effectively passing your guard by controlling their torso and balance.

Advantages

Provides strong control over the opponent’s upper body and posture.
Limits their ability to move freely or generate offensive attacks.
Opens up high-percentage sweeps, submissions, and transitions.
Versatile in both offensive and defensive scenarios.

Tips for Effective Use

Deep Grip

Grip deeply into the lapel to maximize control and make it harder for your opponent to strip the grip.

Combine with Movement

Use Hip Movement, Frames, and Angles to complement the grip and off-balance your opponent.

Maintain Tightness

Keep your arm and grip snug to their back to prevent escapes and create constant pressure.

Transition Ready

Be prepared to switch to other grips or techniques if your opponent counters or escapes.

Common Mistakes

Shallow Grip

A loose or shallow grip reduces control and allows your opponent to break the connection easily.

Overcommitting

Relying too heavily on the grip without advancing position can lead to stalling or counters.

Ignoring Angles

Failing to create Angles or adjust your body can limit the effectiveness of the grip.

Grip Fatigue

Over-squeezing or holding the grip too tightly can tire your hand during prolonged exchanges.

Variations and Combinations

Over-the-Back Lapel Grip to Loop Choke

Use the grip to transition into a Loop Choke by feeding the lapel over their head.

Over-the-Back Lapel Grip with Sleeve Control

Combine with a C-Grip Sleeve Grip to enhance control and set up sweeps or submissions.

Over-the-Back Lapel Grip for Back Takes

Use the grip to manipulate their posture while transitioning to Back Control.

Over-the-Back Lapel Grip in Guard

Pair with leg positioning (e.g., De La Riva or Butterfly Guard) to execute sweeps or submissions.

The Over-the-Back Lapel Grip is a powerful and versatile tool in gi-based Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu that emphasizes Control, Pressure, and Angles. Mastering this grip allows you to dominate your opponent’s posture, disrupt their Base, and set up effective sweeps, submissions, and positional advancements.