This guard, which we will call DLR for short, has immense use in BJJ because it\u2019s hard to pass and allows for many unbalancing options and a variety of sweeps and back takes. While there are a lot of advanced uses for the DLR, even white belts can find great utility in it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>De La Riva Guard Brief History<\/h2>\n\n\n\nJust like with most techniques, the outside hook with the leg has been used in judo long before it became popular in BJJ. But the man who popularized its usage was Ricardo De La Riva. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
He was training at the Carlson Gracie Academy in the 1980s, which was full of powerhouse competitors against whom the slender-framed Ricardo had to find a way to grapple effectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The guard he used initially for the purpose had a different name. Still, after he defeated the previously unbeaten Royler Gracie in competition by applying it effectively, the position was named after De La Riva.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The De La Riva guard is not easily passed and has been used effectively as a defensive move and sweeping position. But in the modern era, its evolution includes the berimbolo, a natural progression from the guard. Then there is also the reverse De La Riva guard and many lapel guards that start from the basic position.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
De La Riva Guard Fundamentals<\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"De](\"https:\/\/rollingaroundbjj.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/De-La-Riva.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe de la Riva guard is an open guard in jiu-jitsu established from a supine position by wrapping a leg on the outside of the lead leg of a standing opponent. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The foot of the wrapped leg sticks to the inside of the thigh or hip of the opponent and is known as the de la Riva hook. You must hold the same leg by the heel, ankle, or pants for a full re la Riva guard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Like every other BJJ guard, the legs play a crucial role. The hooked leg is called the passive, and the hook can be shallow or deep. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The shallow hook is the most common de la Riva position, in which your foot is wrapped on the thigh or hip of the near leg. The higher your foot can go, the more control you will have. The full deep hook is when the foot reaches the opponent’s rear leg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While the de la Riva hook and the leg grip are a must for the De La Riva guard, the other leg and hand can be in many different positions and are the active parts of the guard, forcing the opponent to react or unbalance him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The active arm will look for the opponent\u2019s sleeve or wrist in no-gi or his lapel, while the free leg is often on his hips or biceps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The body position is also vital for good control with the De La Riva. If you stay square against the opponent, the hook will not be tight enough, and they can pull the leg out. Instead, you should aim to angle towards the leg you are controlling. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
It is also wise to have some distance and have your hips mobile because the hook will be hard to use if you are too close to them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here is a detailed overview of the different grips you can get in the De La Riva guard:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe de la Riva guard is an open guard in jiu-jitsu established from a supine position by wrapping a leg on the outside of the lead leg of a standing opponent. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The foot of the wrapped leg sticks to the inside of the thigh or hip of the opponent and is known as the de la Riva hook. You must hold the same leg by the heel, ankle, or pants for a full re la Riva guard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Like every other BJJ guard, the legs play a crucial role. The hooked leg is called the passive, and the hook can be shallow or deep. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The shallow hook is the most common de la Riva position, in which your foot is wrapped on the thigh or hip of the near leg. The higher your foot can go, the more control you will have. The full deep hook is when the foot reaches the opponent’s rear leg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While the de la Riva hook and the leg grip are a must for the De La Riva guard, the other leg and hand can be in many different positions and are the active parts of the guard, forcing the opponent to react or unbalance him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The active arm will look for the opponent\u2019s sleeve or wrist in no-gi or his lapel, while the free leg is often on his hips or biceps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The body position is also vital for good control with the De La Riva. If you stay square against the opponent, the hook will not be tight enough, and they can pull the leg out. Instead, you should aim to angle towards the leg you are controlling. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
It is also wise to have some distance and have your hips mobile because the hook will be hard to use if you are too close to them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here is a detailed overview of the different grips you can get in the De La Riva guard:<\/p>\n\n\n\n