### **Berimbolo Technique** The Berimbolo is a dynamic sweeping and back-taking maneuver that is commonly used in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), particularly in sport and competition settings. Developed and popularized by the Mendes brothers, this technique is often executed from the **De La Riva Guard** and is particularly effective in a Gi (uniform) setting due to the grip advantages. The Berimbolo requires agility and precision, and it is a technique that seamlessly transitions from a sweep to a back-take. Here’s a detailed guide to executing the Berimbolo: --- ### **Step-by-Step Instructions:** #### **Starting from the De La Riva Guard** 1. **Secure the De La Riva Guard:** - Lie on your back and wrap your right leg around your opponent's right leg, ensuring your shin is behind their thigh. - Hook your right foot around their hip, keeping your knee flared out. - Grab your opponent's right ankle with your right hand for control. - With your left hand, hold their lapel or collar. 2. **Unbalance Your Opponent:** - Use the grip on the ankle and lapel to pull your opponent forward or sideways. - Simultaneously, use your left leg (unhooked leg) to push against their knee to destabilize them. 3. **Invert Underneath:** - As your opponent loses balance, use the momentum to invert (roll) underneath them. - Roll over your right shoulder, keeping the De La Riva hook in place. 4. **Reach for their Belt and Loading their Hips:** - As you invert, aim to grab your opponent's belt (or the back of their pants) with your left hand. - Load their hips onto your right shin or thigh. 5. **Off-Balancing and Rolling:** - Continue your roll, using your right hand to control their ankle and your left hand to manipulate the belt for balance. - Your opponent's hips should now be lifted over your chest while you complete your roll. 6. **Switching Hooks and Establishing Control:** - As you come around to your opponent's back, switch the hook of your left leg over their thigh or hip. - Maintain control of their back with your hands. - Control both of your opponent’s hips with both feet, resembling a seatbelt grip. 7. **Taking the Back:** - Flatten your opponent down to expose their back. - Swim your left hand under their armpit while your right arm goes over their shoulder, establishing a seat belt grip. - Secure your hooks (feet) across their waist. 8. **Maintain Back Control:** - Solidify your position and look to maintain control, potentially setting up a submission such as a choke. --- ### **Considerations & Tips:** - **Flexibility:** It’s crucial to maintain flexibility in your hips and shoulders for effective inversion. - **Grips:** Be mindful of maintaining your grips throughout to prevent your opponent from escaping. - **Practice:** Understanding and practicing the mechanics of the roll and hook-switching is essential. ### **Common Position for the Technique** - **Open Guard** - specifically De La Riva Guard --- The Berimbolo is celebrated for its ability to out-maneuver opponents and take dominant positions, heightening the tactical depth of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. ### **Japanese Name:** - N/A (The Berimbolo is primarily a technique developed within BJJ without direct roots in traditional Japanese Jiu-Jitsu)