We ranked the most useful lapel guard instructionals on BJJ Fanatics for gi players. Evidence-driven picks with Reddit sentiment, instructor pedigree, and how each system fits your game.
Mastering The Lapel Guard Vol. 1: Introduction To The Galaxy Guard
A proven lapel guard framework that turns lapel feeds into predictable sweeps and back takes.
The Lapel Guard Blue Print
A practical lapel guard roadmap that links entries to immediate sweeps and finishes.
Modern Lapel Guards Made Easy
Beginner-friendly lapel entries that plug into your existing guards.
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🥋 #1 Mastering The Lapel Guard Vol. 1: Introduction To The Galaxy Guard by Braulio Estima
Instructor: Braulio Estima
Style: System Based, Conceptual
Best for: All Levels
Format: Gi
Runtime: 1 hour and 25 minutes
Volumes: 4
Biggest takeaway: Make lapel feeds automatic
Techniques: Galaxy Guard, Back Takes, Lapel Chokes
- Mastering The Lapel Guard Vol. 3: Galaxy Guard Advanced – Go deeper on advanced Galaxy Guard chains once basics land.
- Mastering The Lapel Guard Vol. 4: Worm Guards – Branch into worm, reverse-de-la-worm, and squid integrations.
- Precision Lapel Guard Escapes – Study the counters to strengthen your Galaxy Guard timing.
You will learn a structured lapel open guard with repeatable entries and reactions. You will build sweeps and back takes that work on standing or kneeling passers. You will not get a scattered move dump or unrelated techniques.
✅ Pros
- The system links grips to predictable off-balances and finishes.
- Instruction is concise and concept-first, suiting busy hobbyists.
- Four volumes cover common passer reactions at multiple stances.
⚠️ Cons
- It is not a giant encyclopedia of every lapel variant.
- White belts may need extra drilling before live success.
- It focuses on bottom play rather than lapel-based passing.
💡 I found Galaxy Guard easiest for students to apply live because entries start from familiar collar-sleeve and instantly create kuzushi with the lapel anchor. Recommendation: Buy it now.
🥋 #2 The Lapel Guard Blue Print by Alex Huddleston
Instructor: Alex Huddleston
Style: System Based, Conceptual
Best for: Intermediate
Format: Gi
Runtime: 2 hours and 14 minutes
Biggest takeaway: Sequence, not tricks
Techniques: Lapel Entries, Lapel Sweeps, Gi Chokes
- Modern Lapel Guards Made Easy - More variations and a slightly broader lapel menu.
- Lapel Art - Add lapel-based submissions when posture is broken.
You will learn a simple lapel plan from closed and open guard. You will connect lapel entries to sweeps and chokes without memorizing hundreds of variants. You will not get a worm-only deep dive.
✅ Pros
- High signal-to-noise instruction for busy athletes.
- Closed-guard lapel feeds that scale to bigger frames.
- Clear progressions that are easy to coach as a curriculum.
⚠️ Cons
- Less community hype compared to celebrity instructors.
- No deep encyclopedia on worm sub-branches.
- Requires lapel-feeding reps for timing.
💡 I like how Huddleston starts from closed guard grips many players already use, making lapel transitions feel natural from day one. Recommendation: Buy it now.
🥋 #3 Modern Lapel Guards Made Easy by Kauan Barboza
Instructor: Kauan Barboza
Style: System Based, Technique Collection
Best for: All Levels
Format: Gi
Runtime: 2 hours and 16 minutes
Volumes: 4
Biggest takeaway: Start lapel the easy way
Techniques: Lapel Entries, Squid Guard, Omoplata
- Precision Lapel Guard Escapes - Study what beats your lapel to sharpen decision making.
- The Lapel Guard Blue Print - More structured curriculum if you prefer fewer options.
You will learn lapel guards from closed guard, DLR, and spider. You will see easy sweeps and submissions with clear setups. You will not get a worm-only specialization.
✅ Pros
- Great on-ramp to lapel play via familiar positions.
- Balanced mix of sweeps and submissions for immediate use.
- Four-part structure keeps learning paced and incremental.
⚠️ Cons
- Advanced players may outgrow parts quickly.
- Not a deep dive on every lapel branch.
- Grip fighting demands extra reps outside class.
💡 I recommend this first to new lapel players because entries start where people already succeed, so confidence builds fast. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #4 Lapel Guards I Shamelessly Stole by Maksym Witkowski
Instructor: Maksym Witkowski
Style: Technique Collection, System Based
Best for: Intermediate
Format: Gi
Runtime: 2 hours and 6 minutes
Volumes: 4
Biggest takeaway: Friction beats force
Techniques: Squid Guard, Worm Guard, Lapel Chokes
- The Lapel Guard Blue Print - Choose if you want a more linear plan.
- Mastering The Lapel Guard Vol. 4: Worm Guards - Pick for a focused worm lineage after sampling.
You will learn multiple lapel guards with shared control principles. You will get entries, sweeps, and chokes that force slow, sticky exchanges. You will not get a single rigid system only.
✅ Pros
- Wide coverage across squid, worm, lapel half, and more.
- Good options for smaller athletes versus pressure passers.
- Encourages transitions between lapel families mid-roll.
⚠️ Cons
- Less step-by-step than a one-guard curriculum.
- Could be overwhelming without a base lapel guard.
- Situational grips require patience to master.
💡 I like this as a second purchase once you have a base lapel, because it multiplies answers without boxing you into one tree. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #5 Lapel Art by Rich Sab
Instructor: Rich Sab
Style: Technique Collection, Drill Heavy
Best for: Beginner
Format: Gi
Runtime: 1 hour and 42 minutes
Volumes: 4
Biggest takeaway: Break posture, finish fast
Techniques: Lapel Chokes, Arm Trap Series, Lapel Sweeps
- The Lapel Guard Blue Print - Pair submissions with a structured sweeping base.
You will learn lapel-based posture breaks into chokes, arm locks, and omoplatas. You will get drill chains for timing. You will not get deep worm or squid branches.
✅ Pros
- Accessible submissions once posture breaks are understood.
- Includes drills to build lapel grip timing.
- Complements sweep-heavy lapel systems nicely.
⚠️ Cons
- Not a comprehensive lapel guard encyclopedia.
- Less emphasis on guard retention.
- Some techniques are position-specific.
💡 I like this as a finishing add-on for lapel players who already tilt opponents with sweeps. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #6 The Worm Guard by Florian Bayili
Instructor: Florian Bayili
Style: System Based
Best for: Advanced
Format: Gi
Runtime: 47 hours
Volumes: 3
Biggest takeaway: Specialize to win exchanges
Techniques: Worm Guard, Reverse De La Worm, Lapel Chokes
- Mastering The Lapel Guard Vol. 4: Worm Guards - A champion’s take on the same family with extras like worm anaconda.
- Modern Lapel Guards Made Easy - If you want breadth before committing to worm.
You will learn worm guard entries, core sweeps, and back takes. You will add reverse and squid branches with lapel chokes. You will not get a general lapel sampler for beginners.
✅ Pros
- Three-volume focus keeps worm learning tight.
- Includes reverse and squid links for continuity.
- Affordable way to test worm commitment.
⚠️ Cons
- Niche focus limits transfer if you abandon worm.
- Setup time punishes late grips in scrambles.
- Less beginner-friendly than broader courses.
💡 I see fastest gains when players dedicate a block to worm-specific reps before adding other lapel branches. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #7 Seated Lapel Guard System by Alessandro Botelo
Instructor: Alessandro Botelo
Style: System Based
Best for: Intermediate
Format: Gi
Runtime: 1 hour and 22 minutes
Volumes: 3
Biggest takeaway: Sit up and attach lapels
Techniques: De La Riva Entries, Knee Slice Counters, Back Takes
- The Lapel Guard Blue Print - More closed-guard lapel foundations if you rarely sit up.
- Modern Lapel Guards Made Easy - Broader lapel coverage if you want variety.
You will learn to attach lapels to your sit-up guard. You will counter knee slices and backstep passes into sweeps or back takes. You will not study worm or squid depth.
✅ Pros
- Maps directly to common sit-up guard exchanges.
- Strong anti-knee-slice options for points and control.
- Three-volume format is easy to teach over weeks.
⚠️ Cons
- Narrower lapel focus than encyclopedic sets.
- Deep half detours may split attention.
- Not for players who avoid seated guards.
💡 I like this for athletes who already win collar-sleeve hand fights from seated and want lapel upgrades without changing base game. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #8 The Lapel Game Upgraded by David Cartwright
Instructor: David Cartwright
Style: Conceptual, System Based
Best for: Intermediate
Format: Gi
Runtime: 2 hours and 17 minutes
Biggest takeaway: Structure beats scrambles
Techniques: Lapel Structure, Lapel Sweeps
- The Lapel Guard Blue Print - If you want a more established curriculum.
- Modern Lapel Guards Made Easy - If you prefer breadth before structure specialization.
You will learn to build lapel frames that slow top pressure. You will connect that control to high-percentage sweeps. You will not dive deep into worm or squid specifics.
✅ Pros
- Concept-first lens suits fundamentals-focused gyms.
- Affordable way to upgrade control without learning everything.
- Pairs nicely with collar-sleeve basics.
⚠️ Cons
- New; limited community validation yet.
- Light on worm/squid micro-branches.
- Requires grip endurance you must build separately.
💡 I view this as a control upgrade for players who want lapel benefits without committing to a complex new guard family. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #9 The Barbelt Guard by Lucas Barbosa
Instructor: Lucas Barbosa
Style: System Based
Best for: Intermediate
Format: Gi
Runtime: 2 hours and 22 minutes
Volumes: 4
Biggest takeaway: Control hips, not hands
Techniques: Barbelt Guard, X Guard Entries, Arm Drag
- Lapel Art - If your gym emphasizes classic lapel chokes over belt plays.
- The Lapel Guard Blue Print - Pick for lapel-first control with broad transfer.
You will learn to use belt grips to control hips and create sweeps. You will connect to X and 50/50 without complex lapel wrapping. You will not study worm or squid depth.
✅ Pros
- Fast entries and surprising control for points or sweeps.
- Bridges traditional open guard with lapel concepts.
- Champion instructor with strong credentials.
⚠️ Cons
- Not a lapel guard per se; belt-centric.
- Some academies restrict belt grips in training.
- Less direct relevance to worm/squid study.
💡 I include this as a wildcard for gi players who struggle with lapel wrapping but love structured hip control. Recommendation: Skip.
Should you even learn lapel guard in 2025?
Yes, if you train gi and face modern passers. Reddit consensus is that lapel guards remain effective but are now one tool among many, not the meta itself. Focus on a simple lapel plan first, then add worm or squid as needed. Also study the counters, because serious passers prep specifically for lapels. Finally, buy on sale; many practitioners wait for daily deals instead of paying full price.
Worm vs. Galaxy vs. Squid: which first?
If you are new to lapels, start with a structured system like Galaxy or a blueprint course that maps lapel feeds to predictable sweeps. Choose worm when you want tighter entanglement and defined pathways into 50/50. Add squid later for alternative angles and back takes. Drill counters weekly to keep your timing sharp.
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