Sensei Xande explains DLR

Today at Six Blades Jiu-Jitsu Austin

DLR: De La Riva hook

To better understand this video and the techniques involving De la Riva hook, Sensei Xande offered a couple of anecdotes, tips and tricks about it.

Where it comes from

De la Riva was named after Ricardo De La Riva. Originally, this hook was called Gancho Pudim (Flan Hook). De La Riva is not the name of a guard but of the hook. The hook can also be used when you’re doing classic or spider guard, or any guard where the opponent stands up.

What the most important part about DLR is

With this hook the athlete can keep their opponent close to them. When the person on top is running around and you can’t control them with the foot on the hip it's essential to use the De La Riva hook in order to be able to dominate the front leg. Positioning yourself correctly in relation to your opponent is going to be fundamental to keep control of them.

What most people get wrong

Positioning their hips. Depending on your leg structure it’s important to keep an active toe and pull your heel towards your body, like a grapevine, pulling the front leg inward.

Common misconceptions

People sometimes think this hook is only meant for people with long legs. Anyone can do DLR hook. Long legged people will have a little bit of an advantage. When you have short legs against a long legged person you’re just gonna have to adapt. When 2 people of the same stature fight, all the variations are possible.