Introduction to the Bravo Grip from Full Guard

This lesson builds upon the previously demonstrated Bravo choke from side control, translating the same grip mechanics to full guard positioning. The instructor will show how to establish control over the opponent's posture and chain submissions using the lapel grip as a foundation.

Opening the Gi and Establishing the Lapel Grip

The practitioner should break the opponent's posture while maintaining control of their upper body. Using an underhook, the defender opens the gi fabric and pulls the lapel across the opponent's neck, creating a strong grip that extends across the back rather than just the collar.

Grip Mechanics and Postural Control

The Bravo grip is superior to a traditional cross-collar grip for maintaining control because it travels across the opponent's back, making it extremely difficult to posture up or break. This grip can be defeated using specific techniques like the tentacle grip, but remains one of the strongest control mechanisms available from full guard.

Baiting the X Choke Defense

The instructor initiates an X choke attack to force the opponent's defensive reaction. Once the opponent's hands rise to defend, the practitioner immediately grabs the sleeve and pulls it across, setting up the positional transition.

Hip Escape and Side Positioning

After stripping the sleeve across the opponent's body, the defender performs a hip escape (shrimp) to shift to a more advantageous angle. This lateral movement creates the necessary positioning to secure the finish.

Scooping the Head and Securing the Arm

Immediately after achieving the side position, the practitioner scoops the opponent's head while ensuring the controlling arm maintains connection. The bicep must press against the opponent's tricep and shoulder to prevent the arm from being extracted and readjusted.

Finishing the Choke with Proper Pressure

The final submission applies pressure by pulling everything inward to eliminate space, pushing the shoulder into the carotid artery. The wrist flexion into the neck combined with this shoulder pressure creates a powerful collar choke that requires minimal brute force when executed correctly.

Grip Depth and Hand Positioning

To maximize grip depth, the hand holding the lapel should slide down to the very tip rather than remain higher on the collar. This adjustment ensures the strongest possible grip while avoiding interference that could compromise the submission's effectiveness.

Complete Sequence Demonstration

The instructor performs the full technique from setup through finish: establishing the Bravo grip, attacking the X choke, defending with a sleeve grab and hip escape, and securing the side control finish. This clean sequence can be practiced immediately in training sessions.

Versatility of the Bravo Grip

The Bravo grip serves as a platform for multiple submissions and provides exceptional posture control—perhaps the most critical element of effective full guard play. Beyond the demonstrated choke, this grip opens numerous submission options and is equally effective from side control, making it a fundamental technique worth mastering.

Lapel Grip in Full Guard for Breaking Posture and Setting Up Submissions

Chewjitsu
3 min read·10 key moments·PT5M4S video

Key Takeaways

  • Introduction to the Bravo Grip from Full Guard
  • Opening the Gi and Establishing the Lapel Grip
  • Grip Mechanics and Postural Control
  • Baiting the X Choke Defense

Today's BJJ technique video will show you a nasty, but simple, lapel grip you can use to break someone's posture and setup a Brabo Choke. We looked at the Brabo Choke last week on the channel here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EgJgaUQXw_8 And this technique is basically the same thing just done from a different position. What I like about the choke and the grip combo is that in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, controlling posture from your full guard is important. It's hard for someone to break and pass your guard if their posture is broken down. So the lapel locked them down and allows you to prevent that and then setup the submission. Give it a try the next time you're rolling and using full guard. -Chewy ----------------- Free Ebook: http://www.chewjitsu.net/focused-jiu-jitsu-13-page-ebook/ Video Courses and Products: http://www.chewjitsu.net/products T shirts: http://www.chewjitsu.net/shop/ http://www.Facebook.com/Chewjitsu http://www.instagram.com/Chewjitsu http://www.twitter.com/Chewjitsu Intro/Outtro Music : https://bknapp.bandcamp.com If you’d ever like to train with the team and I. Check out my gym Derby City MMA in Louisville,KY.

Related Techniques

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this video teach about loop from guard?

This video covers introduction to the bravo grip from full guard, opening the gi and establishing the lapel grip, grip mechanics and postural control. It provides detailed instruction from Chewjitsu.

How long does it take to learn loop from guard?

The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 10-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.

What are the key details for finishing loop from guard?

The instructor performs the full technique from setup through finish: establishing the Bravo grip, attacking the X choke, defending with a sleeve grab and hip escape, and securing the side control finish. This clean sequence can be practiced immediately in training sessions.