Unlock the secrets of the De La Riva Guard in BJJ. Learn step-by-step techniques, essential details, and common attacks from this powerful open guard position.
Guard
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The De La Riva Guard is a highly effective Open Guard position in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, named after its inventor, Ricardo De La Riva. It involves using one leg to hook behind an opponent's leg, creating leverage and control for sweeps and submissions. This versatile guard provides excellent opportunities to off-balance and attack your opponent.
Technique Map
graph LR
Guard["Guard"]:::catNode
Guard --> De_La_Riva_Guard
De_La_Riva_Guard["De La Riva Guard"]:::currentNode
De_La_Riva_Guard -.-> Closed_Guard["Closed Guard"]:::relNode
De_La_Riva_Guard -.-> Open_Guard["Open Guard"]:::relNode
De_La_Riva_Guard -.-> Half_Guard["Half Guard"]:::relNode
De_La_Riva_Guard -.-> Spider_Guard["Spider Guard"]:::relNode
De_La_Riva_Guard -.-> Berimbolo["Berimbolo"]:::relNode
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How to Execute
1
Establish Position: Start in open guard, placing one foot on your opponent's hip (opposite side of the leg you'll attack) to control distance.
2
DLR Hook: Thread your other leg around the outside of your opponent's thigh, hooking your instep behind their knee or calf.
3
Grip Control: Secure a strong grip on your opponent's ankle (same side as your DLR hook) and a sleeve grip on their opposite arm.
4
Create Angle & Off-Balance: Use your hip foot to push and your DLR hook to pull, creating an angle and disrupting their base.
5
Maintain Posture: Keep your core engaged and your head up, preventing your opponent from flattening you or disengaging.
Key Details & Tips
1
Hip Connection: Maintain constant pressure with your foot on the hip to control distance and create angles for attacks.
2
Shin-to-Shin: Ensure your DLR hook's shin is tight against their thigh, preventing them from easily stepping out or stripping your leg.
3
Grip Synergy: Your ankle and sleeve grips must work together with your hooks to break posture and off-balance, setting up sweeps and submissions.
4
Mobility: Don't be static; constantly adjust your hips and angle to keep your opponent reacting and prevent them from settling into a pass.
Variations
1
Reverse De La Riva Guard: Involves hooking the opponent's leg from the inside, often used for different sweep entries and back takes.
2
Spider-De La Riva Hybrid: Combines the DLR hook with a spider guard foot on the bicep for enhanced control and submission threats.
3
Berimbolo Entry: The De La Riva Guard is a fundamental entry point for the modern Berimbolo sweep, allowing you to invert and take the back.
When to Use
The De La Riva Guard works best when your opponent stands up in your open guard, especially if they try to pass by stepping forward. It's ideal for creating angles and distance to prevent strong pressure passing, and for setting up various sweeps like the tripod sweep, Ankle Pick, or omoplata.
Counters & Defenses
1
Leg Weave Pass: Opponent steps over your DLR hook leg, weaves their arm through to control your leg, and flattens you for the pass.
2
Knee Slice Pass: Opponent pushes your hip foot away, brings their knee through the middle, and drives forward to pass your guard.
3
Stripping Grips: Opponent focuses on breaking your ankle and sleeve grips to neutralize your primary control points and disengage.
Understanding De La Riva Guard
JonThomasBJJ
- 0:00Intro
- 0:09DLR Hook vs DLR Guard
- 1:19Why The DLR Hook is So Important
- 2:173 Types of DLR Hook
- 3:28What Makes A Strong DLR Hook
- 4:57Setting DLR Hook With Ankle
- 7:36DLR Hook in Collar Sleeve
- 8:49Leg Hug and Underhook DLR
- 9:40DLR Hook in Double Sleeve
- 10:39The DLR X
- 12:49Outro
Elite Athletes Who Use This Technique
βοΈ Training Safety & Performance
Q: What is the main difference between De La Riva and Reverse De La Riva Guard?
The De La Riva Guard hooks the opponent's leg from the outside, while the Reverse De La Riva Guard hooks from the inside. This fundamental difference changes the angle of attack, the primary sweeps and submissions available, and the defensive reactions from each position.
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