Reverse De La Riva Guard

The BJJ Reverse De La Riva Guard is a dynamic and highly effective open guard variation that offers excellent control and attack opportunities. While it shares similarities with the traditional De La Riva Guard, it positions the hook on the inside of the opponent’s leg, allowing for unique angles to off-balance, sweep, or transition to submissions. Whether you’re a beginner exploring guard variations or an advanced practitioner refining your techniques, mastering the Reverse De La Riva Guard is a game-changer for your Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. This guide will walk you through the fundamentals, techniques, common mistakes, and drills to elevate your guard game.

What is the BJJ Reverse De La Riva Guard?

The Reverse De La Riva Guard is an open guard where the practitioner on the bottom uses their inside leg to hook around the opponent’s leg while maintaining grips for control. The position emphasizes angles and leverage, making it particularly effective against standing or kneeling opponents.

Key Features:

1. Inside Hook Control: The inside leg hook is pivotal for controlling the opponent’s base and movement.
2. Grip Engagement: Strong grips on the opponent’s pants or collar enhance control and set up sweeps and submissions.
3. Versatile Offense: Offers multiple attacking options, including sweeps, leg entanglements, and back takes.

This guard is widely used in competition and can seamlessly transition into advanced positions like the X-Guard or Single-Leg X-Guard.

Why is the BJJ Reverse De La Riva Guard Important?

The Reverse De La Riva Guard is crucial for its strategic advantages:

• Broad Applicability: It works effectively in both gi and no-gi settings, making it versatile for various styles of training and competition
• Neutralizes Aggressive Passers: The inside hook disrupts the opponent’s base, making it difficult for them to pressure pass.
• Creates Angles for Attacks: By manipulating the opponent’s posture and balance, this guard allows for sweeps, submissions, and transitions.
• Enhances Guard Retention: This Guard teaches critical concepts like distance management, control, and adaptability.

Step-by-Step Guide to the BJJ Reverse De La Riva Guard

Step 1: Establish the Inside Hook

• Use your inside leg to hook around the opponent’s lead leg, ensuring your foot is firmly anchored on their thigh or hip.
• Keep the hook active by pressing against their leg to maintain control.

Step 2: Secure Grips

• Grip the opponent’s pants at the ankle or shin with one hand.
• Use your other hand to grip their collar or sleeve, creating additional leverage and control.

Step 3: Position Your Free Leg

• Place your free leg on the opponent’s opposite hip or thigh to manage distance and enhance control.
• Adjust its position as needed to maintain balance and counter their movements.

Step 4: Execute Sweeps or Submissions

• Sweep Options: Use the inside hook and grips to off-balance your opponent and execute sweeps like the reverse tripod sweep.
• Submission Opportunities: Transition into leg entanglements such as Ashi Garami or attack with triangle setups.

Step 5: Transition When Necessary

• If the opponent counters, transition to complementary guards like the X-Guard, Single-Leg X-Guard, or Butterfly Guard for continued control.

Common Mistakes in the BJJ Reverse De La Riva Guard

Mistakes in the Reverse De La Riva Guard can leave you vulnerable to counterattacks or guard passes. Here’s what to avoid:

1. Inactive Hook
   • Problem: A loose or inactive hook allows the opponent to disengage or pressure pass.
   • Solution: Keep your inside hook tight and actively press against their leg to disrupt their balance.
2. Poor Grip Management
   • Problem: Losing your grips makes it difficult to maintain control or execute sweeps.
   • Solution: Focus on maintaining strong grips on the opponent’s pants, ankle, or collar.
3. Static Hips
   • Problem: Failing to move your hips limits your ability to adjust angles or create leverage.
   • Solution: Stay mobile with your hips to maintain control and open up offensive opportunities.
4. Overcommitting to Sweeps
   • Problem: Attempting sweeps without proper setup can lead to counters or passes.
   • Solution: Ensure you’ve off-balanced your opponent before committing to a sweep.

Drills to Improve Your Reverse De La Riva Guard

Incorporating these drills into your training routine will help you refine your Reverse De La Riva Guard:

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How the Reverse De La Riva Guard Fits Into Your Game

The Reverse De La Riva Guard is a versatile position that enhances your overall guard game. Its ability to neutralize aggressive passers, create angles, and set up sweeps and submissions makes it a critical addition to your BJJ repertoire.

Complementary Guards:

• X-Guard: Transition for advanced sweeps and leg locks.
• Butterfly Guard: Use hip mobility to transition seamlessly between these guards.
• Single-Leg X-Guard: Ideal for attacking the legs from the Reverse De La Riva position.

Conclusion

The BJJ Reverse De La Riva Guard is an essential position for practitioners looking to expand their open guard arsenal. Its dynamic nature allows for incredible control, versatile attacks, and seamless transitions. By understanding its mechanics, avoiding common mistakes, and incorporating focused drills into your training, you can turn the Reverse De La Riva Guard into a powerful weapon.

Ready to take your game to the next level? Check out our other guides on advanced guard techniques. Happy training!