Half Guard: Using your opponents far lapel

Whether from the traditional half guard or the more open knee shield variety, using your opponent's gi lapel against them is always a viable extra tool in your arsenal. Today we looked at three quite different scenarios but all relying on the far lapel to assist with the finish:

1. Back take using the gi lapel around your opponent's back and cross grip. This is a very strong position.

2. The far gi lapel might be your onw option from the smashed bottom half guard, using your leg to shift your opponent's base will hopefully allow you to recover full guard.

3. The shaolin sweep can also be done a little more securely with a gi lapel grip underneath your opponent's far leg. It is also a good launch for the kneebar.