Lapel Tie-Down: Control Concepts

This technique focuses on the Lapel Tie-Down from the closed guard position, and how to use it to control your opponent and set up submissions.

1. Start in a closed guard position with a deep grip on your opponent's lapel, pulling them close to you. This position doesn't require much strength to maintain.
2. Use the grip to control your opponent's movement. If they try to move, you can shift them diagonally, using a 45-degree angle to your advantage.
3. If your opponent tries to create space by posting on the floor, you can immediately fish for their arm and set up a submission, as shown in the first DVD.
4. If your opponent tries to defend with their left hand, keep breaking them down to prevent them from reaching. If they try to use their right hand, be aware, push on their elbow, and transition into a back attack, also shown in the first DVD.
5. If your opponent tries to create space, push on their tricep, use the lapel grip as a deep collar grip, and take their back easily.
6. Always keep the lapel grip. If your opponent comes back up, you can set up a choke. If you transition to mount, you can also set up a choke.
7. Remember that all these techniques work together as part of a bigger skill. Experiment with them and discover your own positions.

Finally, the technique is demonstrated again. The opponent tries to create space, you push across, trap them, and offset them. A hip escape makes it even easier to take their back. All of this is possible by using physics correctly, discovering the direction in which to pull or push to get where you want with the least amount of effort.