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De La Riva Guard

Quick Introduction​

De La Riva guard hooks your leg behind their knee while controlling their opposite sleeve. Named after Ricardo De la Riva, this guard offers exceptional sweeping power and direct paths to back control. The standard open guard for gi — works against standing opponents by destroying their base.

Position Overview​

From: Closed guard opening, spider guard transitions, opponent standing to pass | Leads to: Sweeps to top, back takes, berimbolo entries, transitions to X-guard

Classic De La Riva (Standard)​

  1. Opponent standing or one knee up
  2. Hook leg behind their knee (outside position, deep)
  3. Control opposite sleeve
  4. Other foot on hip or bicep
  5. Pull sleeve while pushing with hip foot to break base

Key detail: They cannot step back with the hooked leg. Competition standard.

Reverse De La Riva (RDLR)​

  1. Hook behind knee on same side as your grip (opposite of classic)
  2. Other leg frames on their opposite hip
  3. Creates different angle — defends knee slice passes
  4. Sets up berimbolo, waiter sweep, and back takes

Key detail: Modern competition essential. Different angle confuses opponent.

Collar-Sleeve DLR​

  1. DLR hook behind knee
  2. Grab collar with DLR-side hand (instead of just sleeve)
  3. Other hand controls opposite sleeve
  4. Pull collar to break posture forward

Key detail: Better posture control and triangle setups. Gi-specific advantage.

Sit-Up DLR (Active)​

  1. DLR hook behind knee
  2. Sit up toward them (active posture)
  3. Free hand reaches for collar or underhook
  4. Climb for back take or sweep from sit-up

Key detail: Direct path to back. More aggressive. Modern competition favorite.

Essential Sweeps​

Classic DLR Sweep (Overhead)​

  1. DLR hook deep, opposite sleeve controlled, foot on hip
  2. Extend DLR hook leg (push them up)
  3. Pull sleeve while pushing hip
  4. They flip over your hook
  5. Come to top or take back

Key detail: Hook extension provides lift. Time with their forward weight.

Berimbolo to Back​

  1. DLR hook established
  2. Invert underneath them (roll to shoulder)
  3. Hook remains behind knee throughout rotation
  4. Come up to their back — secure hooks

Key detail: Requires flexibility and drilling. Direct 4-point back take. Competition game-changer (purple belt+).

Balloon Sweep​

  1. DLR hook + collar grip + foot on hip
  2. Pull collar while extending both legs
  3. They fly over you
  4. Land in mount or top position

Key detail: Both legs extend simultaneously. Strong collar pull needed. High percentage in gi.

Core Principles​

  1. Hook is sacred — DLR hook controls their entire base
  2. Opposite sleeve essential — Cross-control creates diagonal imbalance
  3. Hip foot frames — Other foot on hip pushes and creates angle
  4. Active hook adjustment — Constantly reposition hook deeper
  5. Back take is always available — Sit-up DLR and berimbolo threaten back constantly

Common Mistakes​

MistakeFix
Shallow hookHook deep behind knee with shin, not just foot
Wrong sleeveMust control OPPOSITE sleeve (cross-control)
Static hookConstantly adjust depth and angle
Flat on backStay on side or sit up
No hip footOther foot must push on hip for framing

Next Steps​

  1. Back Mount - Primary destination from DLR
  2. X-Guard - Natural transition from DLR
  3. Spider Guard - Complementary distance guard