Purple
The Berimbolo BJJ Technique: Unraveling the Dynamic Back Take from Guard
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
Related Video
Elite Athletes Who Use This Technique
Blue Belt Technique
๐ See Full Guide โ Blue Belt BJJ Guide
โ๏ธ Training Safety & Performance
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.
๐ Track Your Progress
Mark this technique as learned in your BJJ Skill Tree
๐ฑ Track This Technique in BJJ App
Log sessions, track techniques, and build streaks โ free.
Start Tracking Free โ๐ฌ Contact Us
Found an error? Have additional info or a collaboration idea? Let us know.