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IntermediateDe La Riva Guard Pull
De La Riva Gādo Zuri
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About This Technique
Introduction
The De La Riva Guard Pull is a popular technique named after Ricardo de la Riva, who innovated this guard position. It is primarily used in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as a means of pulling an opponent into the guard when beginning from a standing position. This technique is often favored for its ability to disrupt an opponent's base, offering numerous options for attacks and sweeps.
Position
- Position: Open Guard
- Top/Bottom: Bottom
Step-by-Step Instructions
Starting from a Standing Position
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Grip Establishment:
- Stand facing your opponent.
- Secure a sleeve grip on your opponent's right wrist with your left hand.
- Simultaneously, use your right hand to grab either the ankle or pants at the base of your opponent’s right leg.
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Initial Pull:
- Use your grips to off-balance your opponent slightly towards you.
- Begin to sit back with bent knees while still maintaining the grips.
-
Foot Placement (Standing Leg):
- As you sit back, place your left foot on your opponent’s right hip, helping to create a frame and avoid a sudden pass attempt.
Establishing the De La Riva Guard
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Wrap:
- Slide your right leg around your opponent’s standing right leg, hooking the back of their thigh or knee with your right foot.
- This hook is essential for control and to begin disrupting your opponent’s balance further.
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Frame Adjustments:
- Adjust your left foot’s placement by stepping on their hip more firmly or pivoting to the inside of their thigh.
- Keep your left knee pointing outward to create a shield-like guard while maintaining a pulling tension with your grips.
-
Complete Guard Pull:
- Angle your body slightly to your right side, generating movement that makes their right leg light.
- Lean backward, curling your body to bring your opponent closer while maintaining tension and control with your grips and hooks.
-
Prepare to Attack:
- From this position, you can transition to a myriad of attacks such as sweeps, submissions, or transitions to deep DLR or X-guard.
Key Points to Remember
- Always keep a strong grip on the sleeve and ankle to avoid losing control.
- Use the leg hook around the opponent’s knee or thigh to prevent them from stepping back or steadfastly attacking.
- Maintain constant tension using your grips and hooks; avoid being flat on your back.
Conclusion
The De La Riva Guard Pull, when executed efficiently, can become a formidable tool in disrupting an opponent's balance and initiating offensive attacks from the bottom. Mastery of this position will enhance your ability to control and transition during a match effectively.
How to Execute
# De La Riva Guard Pull from Open Guard
## Setup
- **Initial Position Details**: Begin in a seated open guard position facing your opponent, who is standing. Keep your hips mobile and maintain a straight back to allow for responsive movement.
- **Grips and Controls Needed**: Secure a grip on your opponent's ankle with your inside hand (the hand on the same side as the leg you will hook with your foot). Use your other hand to grip either the opponent’s sleeve, collar, or belt to establish additional control.
## Steps
1. **Create Distance**
Use your free leg (the leg not gripping the ankle) to push off the opponent’s hip or thigh. This creates space and allows you to adjust your position for the guard pull.
2. **Hook the Leg**
With the leg corresponding to the ankle you are gripping, thread your foot behind the opponent’s leg, wrapping your instep around their calf. This is your De La Riva hook.
3. **Secure the Opponent’s Balance**
Pull your opponent’s ankle towards you with your grip, disrupting their balance. Simultaneously, pull on your secondary grip (sleeve, collar, or belt) to help break their posture and bring them closer to you.
4. **Adjust Your Position**
Slide your hips slightly under the opponent to ensure you are not too far away, maintaining a close connection. This helps control their movement and prevents them from stepping out of your hook.
5. **Lock the Position**
Place your free foot on the opponent’s hip or thigh. Use this foot to manage distance and control their movement. Keep your knees active by maintaining pressure with your hooks and grips.
6. **Establish Guard Control**
From here, you can begin to work on sweeps, submissions, or transitions to other guard positions, depending on the openings your opponent gives you.
## Key Points
- **Important Details to Remember**:
- Keep your De La Riva hook tight around the opponent’s leg to control their movement.
- Use your grips to manipulate the opponent’s balance effectively, keeping them off-center.
- Stay active with your hips and legs to adjust and maintain the guard as necessary.
- **Common Mistakes to Avoid**:
- Do not allow your opponent too much space, as this can lead to them escaping your guard.
- Avoid being flat on your back; maintain a slight angle to have more control and mobility.
- Ensure your grips are secure; weak grips will make it easier for your opponent to break free and pass your guard.
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