The De La Riva guard is a form of open guard that can be used in both Gi and Nogi. It has also been used at times in MMA and is considered as one of the first forms of open guard that most BJJ students learn. Because of this, the De La Riva (sometimes shortened to DLR) is an important position to learn. The meaning of De La Riva comes after its namesake. Veteran practitioner Ricardo De La Riva is thought to have created the position, hence the name.
As well as this, the De La Riva guard system has a number of positional variations. One example of this is Reverse De La Riva which is a similar form of open guard with different leg placement. Another example is the De La Riva X guard. This involves crossing the legs like an ‘X’ under the opponent’s far leg and is mechanically similar to X guard.
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Mechanics of the De La Riva guard
Specifically, the De La Riva guard begins by controlling an ankle or the bottom of the sleeve leg in the Gi. This should be done on the forward leg. On the same side, the next step is to create a hook with your leg. Here you should wrap your own leg underneath the near thigh. This creates a strong connection with the opponent’s nearside leg.
The next step is to either grab their collar or sleeve in the Gi or wrist control in Nogi. Your far foot should be posted on their far hip to provide distance when needed. Remember that generally whilst in De La Riva the idea is to be on your side and not flat on your back. You want to create an angle by leaning away from the opponent’s near leg which can open up attacks and back takes easier.
With this in place, you can start looking for sweeps and submissions, as well as transitioning into other positions if needed. An important part of the De La Riva position is the push and pull mechanics. This means you can try to off-balance the opponent to make it harder for them to pass.
How to enter the De La Riva guard
Typically the De La Riva can be set up from most open guard positions. For instance, when seated whilst your opponent is standing you may opt to start by grabbing their heel. You can build from there, next choosing to hook the same side leg and then go onward to complete the position.
Another entry to the De La Riva is from closed guard being opened. This is a key move for all beginners to use as it will help with guard retention. If the passer opens the guard from standing then you must move onto the next position as otherwise you will get passed. Here De La Riva is a good option as you’re already close to the opponent. The next step is to grab the ankle and pummel your far leg inside their legs to avoid the stack pass. At this point, you can enter the De La Riva guard.
Sweeps and submissions from the De La Riva guard
The De La Riva offers many sweeps and submissions. One example of this is the back take. Famously used by the Mendes brothers, the De La Riva has accessibility to Berimbolos. This involves creating an angle, sweeping the opponent and then inverting under their hips whilst maintaining the original DLR grips. This can either be used to sweep or take the back, so it’s a powerful position.
The De La Riva also has more simplistic sweeps suitable for beginners. For instance, the tripod sweep is an easy option here. Starting by grabbing a wrist, you then move your hooked leg onto their near hip. Next, you put your far hip from the hip behind their leg.
This generates a push, pull motion which is key for sweeping. You can then kick away with the foot on the hip whilst pulling their near heel towards you. Whilst doing this you should use the now hooked leg to pull towards you. With two limbs pulling and one pushing, it sweeps the opponent backward. Due to holding their wrist it stops them from scrambling up. Here you can get up and start the pass.
The De La Riva is also good for submissions. One submission is a footlock which is also known as the Caio Terra lock. This is because Caio Terra popularised the move from the position. Here, Terra would start from regular De La Riva. Next, he would turn his angle to face the opponent. In doing this it enables an easier grip on the ankle.
With this, you can then turn the heel grip to a regular footlock grip. The far leg should now be hooked inside their leg as if doing a tripod sweep; this means the opponent cannot leg drag the far leg either. To complete the sweep you must then bring the original hooked leg over the opponent’s knee or shin. Forcing this leg downwards, it puts immense pressure on the opponent’s leg.
This generates the sweep and can sometimes even submit the opponent from standing. This is rare from a straight ankle lock which cannot be done from the Single Leg X position. When on the floor, the idea is to finish like a typical footlock whilst keeping the pressure on the leg with the hook. It should be noted the Caio Terra lock involves a lot of intricacies so it may be difficult for beginners.
How to pass the De La Riva guard
Like all guards, the De La Riva is not invincible. One way to pass the guard is by removing the foot on the far leg and entering a leg drag. From the leg drag position, you can then crush the opponent down and pressure towards side control. However, a good DLR player will often be conscious of this and protect the far leg.
Another passing method is using the Lovato Jr method to enter the headquarters position. This involves pushing away the near hook and squatting over the far leg. From here various passes are options such as the folding pass and also entering half guard to pass via different methods. Once again this highlights the importance of protecting the legs whilst playing De La Riva as it can be nullified when the legs are compromised.
Final thoughts on the De La Riva guard
The De La Riva is a key guard and should be taught immediately and drilled regularly by all. This is because it helps massively with retention and provides the framework for having a good open guard. Not only this but as a transitional position it is excellent as it flows from various guards.
Further, the sheer number of sweeps and submissions from the position are numerous as well. With this in mind, it’s an essential guard to learn and can elevate the success of any student who puts the time in to learn the position.
