Breaking lapel grip iwith one hand

[judokan4life]

Besides the excellent explanations above, another technique for breaking the lapel grip on the same side (your opponent gripping with left hand on your right side, and you gripping his left side with your right hand, or vice-versa) is to position your elbow under his, place your fist (still gripping the gi) against his armpit, and extending your arm. Unless his has SIGNIFICANTLY longer arms that you, this can force him to let go.

[judokan4life]

I forgot to add: This works because your arm is straight, whereas his arm is bent an an arching angle.