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What is Worm Guard In BJJ?
Worm Guard is a modern position invented by veteran Keenan Cornelius. Known for his innovative styles, Cornelius created the guard as a way to slow down opponents who favor explosive passing methods. The Worm guard involves using the opponent’s lapel against them. This is done by threading the lapel through your own leg and the opponent’s leg at the same time. The result anchors the two legs together and slows the passer down.
With this in mind, it is specifically made for competition in the Gi and does not function in Nogi or MMA.
General details of the Worm Guard
Cornelius has gone on to make various lapel guards. These include the Squid guard, Reverse De La Worm (a variant) and even Crab guard which is not lapel specific. Not only this but he also released a compendium of lapel techniques called the Lapel Encyclopedia which heavily features the Worm position.
The Worm is commonly entered from the De La Riva guard and requires the opponent to be standing to set up the position. Firstly, the Worm player must undo the opponent’s lapel from their belt as much as possible. They then grab the lapel and thread their own foot into the lapel. The next step is putting the lapel underneath the opponent’s far leg. Finally, the lapel is then passed to the other hand. With regular Worm guard the grip used is palm down as it generates tension.
More recently, Cornelius delved into the Reverse De La Worm which is similar but arguably a more powerful method of control. It features the same set up but instead requires using your other hand to hold the lapel. This is accessed via inverting to get the grip. Often this results in a tighter, more controlled position to the traditional Worm. A key user of this method is Andris Brunovskis who is a fellow teammate of Keenan’s.
Submissions and sweeps using the Worm Guard
The Worm position offers a variety of sweeps and submissions. Once Worm is set up, you can do a basic sickle sweep. Much like the traditional method, the idea is to kick the opponent’s far heel and put them to the ground. This is done by positioning to the side of the opponent. Importantly, your knee line must be higher than the opponents for the sweep. If not, you may land in top Single Leg X. Whereas having a higher knee will finish in mount which is a much better position.
In Reverse De La Worm, the Omoplata sweep can also be accessed. This involves inverting into your opponent and kicking the wrapped leg forward. Due to the connection between the Worm and passing player, this will throw them forwards. Mechanically this is similar to the closed guard Omoplata sweep but has the connection of the lapel. Due to this, some call the position the Lapeloplata.
Another key part of the Worm guard is taking the back. When set up, the opponent is vulnerable to this option. Again, this involves being out to the side of the opponent. Whilst there you can snake out to create an angle. The next step is to grab the back of the opponent’s pants to stop them from escaping. You can then put your leg under their knee, take out the other leg and do the same. This will land you in the Crab ride position so you need to then kick forward to secure the back.
Sometimes the opponent will counter by posting their arm on you to stop the back entry. Keenan has countered this in the past by shooting his outside leg over their head and creating an Armbar in the process. Because of the position he calls this the Wormbar.
How Do You Beat Worm Guard?
The Worm guard can be passed through multiple channels. The first option is to immediately sit and cradle the opponent whilst they set the move up. Because of the pressure, the cradle creates, the opponent will eventually run out of energy and their grip will break. To add to this you can start sprawling to add further pressure to their grip. This means the Worm player must stop getting squashed when starting the entry otherwise they can suffer.
Another passing option is by freeing the wrapped leg. If you are able to post onto the opponent and kick the leg out of the wrap then again the Worm player will end up in a bad position. To do this you have to make sure your weight is distributed correctly though as it may result in a sweep if you try to pass without setting up the post correctly, to begin with.
If you’re really stuck in the Worm guard, then you can always drop back for a foot lock. Of course, trying to pass should always be your first goal. However, if you’re stuck in a competition and down on points yet need to win then grabbing an ankle and falling back is always a possibility. Usually, achilles locks or toe holds can be attacked when dropping back. Just make sure you get a leg entanglement as you do this otherwise your attack will lack control.
Final thoughts on the Worm Guard
The Worm guard is a very effective position and is incredibly frustrating for those against it. It can be used to slow down bigger players or athletic passing styles as it creates a connection. Not only this but there are a number of high percentage sweeps and back takes when established.
The main criticism of the guard is that it doesn’t work in Nogi in MMA, but this is to be expected with a position specifically designed for sport BJJ. Overall it is a good move to learn, but should not be taught to beginners as the mechanics may be too advanced for a newcomer to understand.
