📍 Positions

What is Worm Guard in BJJ?

Quick Definition

A lapel guard where the gi lapel wraps around the opponent's leg.

Full Explanation

Worm guard is a lapel-based guard invented by Keenan Cornelius. You feed your opponent's lapel around their leg and grip it while playing De La Riva guard. This "worm" grip creates powerful control and sweep opportunities. It revolutionized modern gi BJJ and led to entire lapel guard systems (squid guard, gubber guard, etc.). Worm guard is gi-specific and considered one of the most innovative developments in recent BJJ history.

Examples in Context

"His worm guard is nearly impossible to pass"

"Keenan invented the worm guard system"

Origin

Created by Keenan Cornelius around 2014

Related Terms

De La Riva Guard

An open guard hooking around the outside of your opponent's lead leg.

Lapel

The front fold of the gi jacket, used for grips and chokes.

Gi

The traditional uniform worn in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, consisting of a jacket, pants, and belt.

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