π De La Riva Guard Fundamentals
Master the de la riva guard in BJJ: hook placement, grips, sweeps, berimbolo entries, and back takes from DLR guard.
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What Is De La Riva Guard?
De La Riva (DLR) is an open guard position where the bottom player hooks the outside of the opponent's lead leg with their inside leg. Created by Ricardo De La Riva in the 1980s, it's one of the most versatile and widely used guards in gi BJJ.
DLR Hook and Grip Setup
- DLR hook: Inner leg hooks around the outside of their lead leg (ankle to knee area)
- Standard grips: Sleeve or wrist control on the far arm + pants grip on the near leg
- Extended DLR: Post your free foot on their hip to control distance
Core Sweeps from DLR
| Sweep | Direction | Setup |
|---|---|---|
| Sit-Up Sweep | Toward them (roll through) | Break their posture, sit up to underhook |
| Overhead Sweep | Over their head | Free foot on hip, lift and roll overhead |
| Kiss of the Dragon | Invert to back take | Deep DLR + far sleeve β spin to back |
DLR to Berimbolo
Frequently Asked Questions
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Get Free Access βMore Questions
What is the main goal of De La Riva guard?
The primary goal of De La Riva guard is to control your opponent's base and mobility, creating opportunities to attack their legs or sweep them. It emphasizes off-balancing and creating angles for submissions.
How do I prevent my opponent from passing my De La Riva guard?
To prevent passes, focus on maintaining hip connection, keeping your framing active, and using your free leg to push or hook your opponent's leg. Continuously adjust your angles and be ready to transition to other guards or sweeps.
What are the basic grips for De La Riva guard?
Common grips include a cross-collar grip and a sleeve grip on the same side as your De La Riva hook. You can also use an over-under grip or grip the opponent's pants for more control.