Creating a Web: Proactive Thinking and Setting the Trap

Once you get introduced to the lapel game, the possibilities begin to quickly multiply. Original movements become diversified, controls and footholds began to appear where they previously were not, and new ideas seem to pop up at a never-ending rate. Regardless of all the possibilities that may arise with the new love interest of the lapel game, nothing will work automatically on its own. Just like any other aspect of the game of jiu jitsu, it is important to practice your set ups and begin to research your opponent's reactions based on what you do. 

 First let's start with the idea of wanting to use the lapel in your match/roll. 

Now at any point I could hope for it to become undone from their belt during the match, yet there is no guarantee that it will happen without physically opening the gi/lapel. With this in mind, an experienced jiu jitsu player is going to notice when you start playing with their lapel. Taking the time to strategically set up the lapel to be used during your match can lead to greater success further into the round. Think of it like a sleight of hand trick; if you can distract your opponent with something else to take their mind off the lapel, you will avoid being caught red-handed when the lapel pops loose and continues to be controlled.

Take a look at the set up below for the lapel removal...

 I am attempting to sweep my partner who reacts by posting out their hand as an attempt to keep a solid base. When this occurs I take the opportunity to pull the lapel out of their belt in the same direction of the sweep. Being distracted from the impact of the bump and the post, it is easy to conceal the intent of the lapel removal. Now it's time to set up the grips for the sweep. Now I'm not saying you always have to stick with your original plan by any means, but having a general idea of what you plan to do can keep things rolling smoothly. I like to try to have a back up plan or two with a particular grip set in the case that my original move becomes blocked or countered.

Below we will see a three options of attacking; Options #1, #2 and #3 respectively. 

So in Option #1, I am planning to sweep to the same side that I originally bumped my opponent to. The plan is to feed the lapel behind their back to my opposite hand and put the same side foot into the tail of the lapel. The amount of pressure that gets put on their shoulder is tremendous and you can clearly see a huge rotation take effect. This rotation drastically increases the success of finishing the sweep in this direction. How you actually finish or keep control of the opponent can vary, but the idea remains the same throughout: poor posture and base equal a successful sweep.

Option #2 is a bit different, but the concept is the same. Take away their ability to post and maintaining their posture and a solid base is extremely difficult. By trapping the same side arm in the lapel, your opponent lacks a posting option to stop the sweep. The rest is up to you in your preference in grips. Start your sweep in the direction of the removed post and you have yourself a successful sweep When it comes to submissions, the same rules apply: stay sneaky and use the push-pull concept to you advantage. To increase your likelihood of any attack, whether that be a submission or sweep/takedown, by using a push-pull motion on our opponent, you increase the effect of rotation. In terms of a rotating circle, the closer to the center of the circle, the faster the rotation is at a shorter distance. The further away you are from the center of that rotation, the greater the distance is being covered. So think of the push-pull concept as a way to increase the distance your opponent needs to cover to prevent the movement from off-balancing them. If they fail to prevent the rotation, they get swept/taken down. If they manage to prevent the rotation, they are now in jeopardy of a counter attack based on their body positioning. This is where our reactionary-based counters come into play.

In Option #3, you can see that based upon my opponent's reaction they have successfully beaten my attempt to sweep them, however this sets up my opportunity to go for a Baseball Bat Choke. This is where I disengage my foot from the lapel and rotate away from my opponent to cinch up the choke. Remember though that every move has its counter(s) that must be considered or you will pay the price when your timing is off. For example, in this submission attempt you could receive an armbar or give up position with a failed movement and a sharp opponent.

When a spider creates their web, they rely on their prey to fall into a system that they created. The careful planning put into how they intend to catch a fly or other form of sustenance is no different than the web we weave with our lapels. Our attacks are our nourishment that we earn through deception and careful preparation. We are not only controlling our opponent, but build a set of pre-determined choices for them to make that lead into our striking range. The strategy involved adds more depth to familiar positions, but also simplifies a form of security of control of your opponent. At the end of it all, you are taking away options of normal defensive tactics to maximize your chances of your end-goal coming to fruition. Don't sleep on the lapel game or they may just put your to sleep.