Master the Berimbolo BJJ Technique: A Comprehensive Guide
BJJBJJ App TeamΒ·β±οΈ 4 min readΒ·π Mar 31, 2026
β°Contents
Learn the Berimbolo BJJ technique with our step-by-step guide. Master this dynamic guard sweep, understand key details, common variations, and when to...
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The Berimbolo is a highly dynamic and effective BJJ technique primarily used from the guard to take an opponent's back. It involves a precise sequence of inversions, leg entanglements, and grip manipulation, making it a staple for many modern Jiu-Jitsu practitioners. This technique excels at disrupting an opponent's base and creating opportunities for dominant rear-Mount positions.
Technique Map
graph LR
Guard["Guard"]:::catNode
Guard --> Berimbolo
Berimbolo["Berimbolo"]:::currentNode
Berimbolo -.-> Open_Guard["Open Guard"]:::relNode
Berimbolo -.-> Half_Guard["Half Guard"]:::relNode
Berimbolo -.-> Spider_Guard["Spider Guard"]:::relNode
Berimbolo -.-> De_La_Riva_Guard["De La Riva Guard"]:::relNode
classDef currentNode fill:#3b82f6,stroke:#fff,color:#fff,font-weight:700
classDef relNode fill:#141926,stroke:#1f2840,color:#a78bfa
classDef catNode fill:#1f2840,stroke:#7c6af7,color:#7c6af7,font-style:italic
Contents
How to Execute
1
Establish Grips: From a De La Riva or Reverse De La Riva guard, secure a strong grip on your opponent's pants cuff on the leg you're attacking and their collar or sleeve on the opposite side.
2
Invert Underneath: Use your leg hooks and grips to off-balance your opponent, then invert your body underneath them, rolling over your shoulder towards the leg you're attacking.
3
Entangle the Leg: As you invert, use your free leg (the one not hooked on their DLR/RDLR side) to hook behind their knee or thigh, creating a "crab ride" like entanglement with both of their legs.
4
Rotate and Elevate: Continue the rotation, using your grips and leg hooks to elevate their hips and spin your body around, forcing them to turn away from you.
5
Transition to Back: As they turn, release your pant grip and transition to a seatbelt grip, securing the rear-mount position and establishing your hooks.
Key Details & Tips
1
Precise Grip Control: Maintain strong, active grips throughout the entire sequence; losing a grip can stall the technique or allow your opponent to recover.
2
Timing of the Inversion: The inversion must be timed perfectly with your opponent's reaction or movement, often when they try to stand or pull away.
3
Hip Mobility is Crucial: Developing good hip mobility is essential for smooth inversions and rotating your body effectively under your opponent.
4
Avoid Getting Stuck: Always keep your hips active and never let your opponent flatten you out once you're inverted; continuous motion is key.
Variations
1
Worm Guard Berimbolo: Utilizing the worm guard grip to initiate the Berimbolo, offering even greater control over the opponent's posture and balance.
2
Lasso Guard Berimbolo: Transitioning into the Berimbolo from a lasso guard, which provides excellent leverage and off-balancing opportunities.
3
Crab Ride Entry: While not a variation, the Berimbolo often leads directly into or utilizes the "crab ride" position as an intermediate step to secure the back.
When to Use
1
When your opponent is standing tall in your guard, particularly from a De La Riva or Reverse De La Riva position.
2
When your opponent is trying to disengage or pass your guard by stepping back or circling away.
3
Against opponents with good posture who are difficult to sweep conventionally from the guard.
Counters & Defenses
1
Maintain Posture and Base: Actively resist being pulled forward or having your hips elevated by maintaining a strong, wide base and good posture.
2
Prevent Grips: Don't allow your opponent to establish strong pants or collar grips, especially the DLR/RDLR hooks and subsequent pant grip.
3
Step Over the Leg: If an inversion starts, try to step over your opponent's head or leg to flatten them out or transition to a passing position.
4
Cross-Face Pressure: Apply strong cross-face pressure as they invert to disrupt their rotation and keep them pinned.
Video Timestamps
Step by Step Guide to Learn The Berimbolo
JonThomasBJJ
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Q: Is the Berimbolo effective in No-Gi BJJ?
While traditionally a gi-dependent technique due to the reliance on specific fabric grips, the principles of inversion and leg entanglements are highly effective in No-Gi. Practitioners adapt by using wrist, ankle, and neck grips to achieve similar leverage and control.
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