Worm Guard Back Take

Transition Gi only

The Worm Guard Back Take is a gi-based transition where the bottom player uses the lapel wrap characteristic of worm guard to off-balance and rotate behind the opponent, arriving at back control. It is used when the top player attempts to posture or disengage from the worm guard, creating opportunities to circle underneath and secure the back.

Quick Reference

Key principles

  • · The wrapped lapel acts as a steering wheel—maintain constant tension to control the opponent's posture and limit their ability to face you.
  • · Use the lapel grip to pull the opponent's weight forward and over you, creating the space needed to invert or hip-escape behind them.
  • · Anticipate the opponent posting or stepping wide by timing your rotation to coincide with their weight shift.
  • · Secure a seatbelt or hook before releasing the lapel to avoid losing positional advantage during the transition.

Execution

  1. 1 From worm guard with the lapel threaded behind the opponent's leg and gripped, pull them forward to break their posture while angling your hips to the outside.
  2. 2 Use your free hand to grab their far collar or belt, then invert or granby roll underneath, threading your head and shoulders past their hip on the lapel-wrapped side.
  3. 3 As you rotate behind them, immediately insert your first hook on the near side while maintaining the lapel grip to prevent them from turning into you.
  4. 4 Release the lapel and establish the seatbelt grip, then insert the second hook to complete the transition to back control.

Common mistakes

  • × Releasing the lapel tension too early before securing hooks, allowing the opponent to turn and re-establish a facing position.
  • × Failing to angle the hips before inverting, resulting in getting stuck underneath the opponent instead of rotating cleanly to the back.
  • × Neglecting to control the far shoulder or collar during the rotation, which lets the opponent sprawl flat and crossface to prevent back exposure.

Do it from

Positions and situations where the Worm Guard Back Take shows up.

Worm Guard Bottom

Where it lands

The position you end up in.

Back Control Top