A belt-control open guard that borrows lapel ideas for fast off-balances.
The Bottom Line
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.
⚡️ Quick facts
Best for: Creative gi explorers
Skip if: You want pure lapel
Tech focus: Barbelt Guard, X Guard Entries, Arm Drag
Biggest takeaway: Control hips, not hands
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What You'll Learn
A belt-control open guard that overlaps with modern lapel guard principles. Emphasizes hip control via the belt for sweeps, arm drags, and transitions into X and 50/50.
A creative option for lapel-curious players.
Primary Techniques You'll Drill
- Barbelt Guard
- Belt Grips
- Arm Drag
- X Guard Entries
- 50/50 Entries
- Lapel Guard Integration
Format & Level
- Instructional style: System Based
- Skill level: Intermediate
- Format: Gi
- Runtime: 2 hours and 22 minutes
- Volumes: 4
Should You Buy It?
Skip. I include this as a wildcard for gi players who struggle with lapel wrapping but love structured hip control.
Why Lucas Barbosa?
Lucas “Hulk” Barbosa is an IBJJF world champion and ADCC medalist from Atos HQ, known for aggressive guard and passing systems.
Community feedback
Here’s a summary of common feedback from platforms like Reddit’s r/bjj.
😍 Why People Love It
- Simple entries make control feel immediate.
- Transfers to X and 50/50 cleanly.
- Good surprise factor against experienced passers.
🤔 Common Criticisms
- Not strictly lapel; belt-specific grip rules some gyms discourage.
- Less direct overlap with worm/squid study.
- Opponents can deny belt access in early phases.
Smart Alternatives
- Lapel Art – If your gym emphasizes classic lapel chokes over belt plays. (Price: $79.00, 4 vols)
- The Lapel Guard Blue Print – Pick for lapel-first control with broad transfer. (Price: $79.00)
Sources & References
Official listing: View The Barbelt Guard on BJJ Fanatics
Additional References
Your next step
You have the breakdown, community feedback, and my final thoughts. Now it’s your move.
