The cradle is a move that originates from wrestling and has also featured in BJJ over the years. It was popularised in Nogi by Robert Drysdale who used it to pass his opponent’s guards mostly from Z-Guard. Because of this, it is primarily thought of as a Nogi position, especially due to its origins in wrestling. However, it can also be used in the Gi.
This position is used by innovator Braulio Estima and is one of the most brutal forms of pressure passing. Unlike previous methods, Estima’s version relies exclusively on the lapel to trap the body of the opponent and allow for the pass to begin. This differs from Drysdale’s methods which are primarily nogi and do not use any lapels whatsoever.
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Entry Into the Lapel Cradle
The Lapel Cradle pass is often entered from the top Z guard position. This is similar to the cradle pass used by Drysdale but it involves the Gi. Like the original cradle, the idea is to put your arm under the opponent’s knee shield. However, instead of trying to link hands together with your other arm around their head, you can simply hold the opponent’s lapel. Because of this, the lapel cradle pass can be considered easier to enter compared to the Nogi version. This is because the Nogi version needs the leg weave and the opponent in a headlock at the same time. However, the lapel cradle only needs the initial grip underneath the leg, to begin with.
With this achieved you are now anchored to your opponent and their leg is immobilized, due to the grip. The next step is a similar movement to a back step pass. This brings your body to the side of your opponent instead of being on top of them. It’s very important here to control their head and keep it still whilst doing this.
This is because it keeps the opponent from getting up. You can either cross face your opponent or push your elbow into the back of their head. This, combined with the lapel grip effectively puts the opponent in a cradle position. Like the wrestling cradle, their leg is pinned by your arm and their head cannot move either.
Finishing the pass
With the lapel cradle pass, the hard work is creating the entry. However, from here the pass is very easy to finish. One option is to go to side control. Here, you want to step over their leg which your arm is under. This is almost like a flattened leg drag position. From here you can bring your other leg inside and then stretch the opponent’s legs out. This is uncomfortable for the opponent but also allows an easy transition to side control. The next step is to “wind screen wipe” your shins over the opponent’s shins into side control. At this point, you can let go of the lapel and have secured the pass.
An alternative is to get to mount. It has a similar setup to the side control entry. However, instead of stretching the legs out and going for side control you instead walk up the body instead of the side. To do this you keep the lapel grip and then start cross facing the opponent’s head away from you. This opens up their body and puts massive pressure on the spine. Because of this it opens up their upper body and allows for an easy mount. Regarding this, the lapel cradle formula is effective because it opens up to mount and side control together.
Concepts about how to make the pass easier
This may sound obvious, but in BJJ practice makes perfect. Basically, to enhance this particular pass you want to drill and use it in sparring as much as possible. In short, this is a form of pressure passing. Like all methods of pressure passing you need to use a few things. The first is body weight distribution. Make sure your weight is put on the right spots such as crushing the hips down. If your body is angled slightly off then it may allow the opponent to free their hips and legs, allowing to recover the guard.
Similarly, you want to keep things as tight as possible. One concept Estima is big on is ‘climbing the rope’ which means slowly but surely enhancing the position. By this, when you move your hand from the hip, replace it with your knee. Basically, keep everything controlled and don’t allow the opponent any pressure to escape from the pin otherwise it may undo the bulk of your hard work. With correct weight distribution and tightness, you should be able to control the opponent much easier in comparison to being sloppy in these two areas.
Final Thoughts
The lapel cradle pass is one of the most punishing moves in BJJ. Not only does it force a pass but it drains the energy from the opponent whilst getting there. Another positive of the move is that it also requires little energy and is low risk. Once solidified, the pass is quite easy as well. Due to this, there is always the possibility to cook the opponent with this method if you are feeling particularly nasty.
However, the one most common failure of the pass can be seen when the passer hip switches to the side. Newer students trying the pass will often control the head badly which allows the opponent to come up and create a sweep. Because of this it’s of vital importance to control the head at all times once the lapel grip has been finalized. With this in mind the pass is a fantastic move but must be done correctly to work.
For more information on the lapel cradle pass, you can check out Braulio’s instructional DVD here.
