BJJ Berimbolo: How to Invert and Take the Back | BJJ App Wiki
☰Contents
- What is the Berimbolo?
- Berimbolo Step by Step
- Berimbolo vs. Back Take Direct
- Frequently Asked Questions
- 📬 BJJ Wiki Newsletter
- 🥋 Related Techniques
- Common Mistakes in Berimbolo
- Rushing the Setup
- Using Strength Over Technique
- Skipping Drilling
- Ignoring Defensive Reactions
- Training Tips for Berimbolo
- Shadow Drill at Full Speed
Learn the BJJ berimbolo: inversion mechanics, de la Riva grips and back take sequences.
Inversion mechanics, de la Riva grips and back take sequences for the berimbolo.
📱 Track every roll like the pros
Free forever — heatmap, technique progress, streaks.
What is the Berimbolo?
The berimbolo is a back-taking technique developed and popularized by the Miyao brothers and Cobrinha. It involves inverting from de la Riva guard to get underneath your opponent and emerge with their back.
Berimbolo Step by Step
- Establish de la Riva guard with far ankle grip
- Pull their foot across your centerline
- Create space, then invert toward your inside shoulder
- Roll under them as they rotate to defend
- Come up on their back with hooks in
Berimbolo vs. Back Take Direct
| Approach | When to Use | Risk |
|---|---|---|
| Berimbolo | Opponent is base-heavy, doesn't move | Requires flexibility, vulnerable to leg locks |
| Direct Back Take | Opponent stands or steps away | Easier to counter if timed wrong |
Frequently Asked Questions
📬 BJJ Wiki Newsletter
Weekly techniques, tips and updates
Common Mistakes in Berimbolo
Rushing the Setup
Attempting to finish before proper mechanics are in place results in failed attempts and positional loss. Prioritize position before submission.
Using Strength Over Technique
Muscling through setups creates bad habits and fails against stronger or more skilled opponents. Focus on leverage and angles.
Skipping Drilling
Techniques only become available in live rolling after extensive drilling. Regular repetition builds the muscle memory needed for execution under pressure.
Ignoring Defensive Reactions
Every technique has common counters. Learn the most frequent defensive reactions and have follow-up attacks ready.
Training Tips for Berimbolo
Shadow Drill at Full Speed
Perform the technique slowly, then progressively increase to competition speed while maintaining crisp mechanics. Video yourself to catch form breakdowns.
Use a Skilled Partner
Training with a partner who can give realistic resistance and honest feedback accelerates technical development more than repetitions with a passive uke.
Isolate Weak Phases
Break the technique into phases and identify which phase breaks down under pressure. Spend disproportionate drilling time on that specific phase.
Compete in Tournaments
Competition reveals real weaknesses that controlled training obscures. Even white belts benefit from early competitive experience.
Related Video
More Questions
How do I transition from the Berimbolo to a back take?
The key is to maintain hip connection and use your legs to hook your opponent's hips. Once you have good control, you can often transition to a body triangle or secure hooks for a rear-naked choke.
What are the most common counters to the Berimbolo?
Opponents often try to spin out, flatten you, or stack you. Learning to anticipate these reactions and adjust your grip and body position is crucial for success.
When is the Berimbolo a good option in a roll?
The Berimbolo is most effective when your opponent is postured up or trying to pass your guard from a standing or semi-standing position. It's less effective against someone who is already low and heavy in your guard.