Berimbolo is a advanced difficulty Attack System system. Integrates 4 components.
System ID: System Type: Attack System Difficulty Level: Advanced
What is Berimbolo?
The Berimbolo is a revolutionary guard retention and back-taking system that fundamentally changed modern BJJ competition. Developed and popularized by the Mendes brothers and refined by competitors like Mikey Musumeci, this system uses dynamic inversion, grip control, and precise timing to transform defensive guard positions into dominant back control. The Berimbolo capitalizes on the opponent’s forward pressure and base vulnerabilities, using rotational movement to circle underneath and behind them. What makes this system particularly powerful is its ability to retain guard under heavy pressure while simultaneously creating back-taking opportunities. The practitioner uses their legs and hips as both barriers and levers, controlling distance while inverting to attack the opponent’s back. This represents a shift from static guard retention to dynamic, offensive guard work that forces opponents into constant defensive adjustments. The system integrates seamlessly with De La Riva guard, X-Guard, and single leg X positions, creating a cohesive framework for modern guard players.
Core Principles
- Dynamic inversion - use rotation and hip movement to create angles and attack the back
- Grip dependency - collar and pant grips control opponent posture and enable rotational entries
- Base disruption - off-balance opponent while inverted to prevent counter-pressure
- Sequential control - transition through body lock, seat belt, and back control progressively
- Energy efficiency - use opponent’s forward pressure to fuel rotational momentum
- Flexibility requirement - hip and spine mobility essential for safe inversion mechanics
- Timing precision - coordinate grip releases and hip rotation to maintain control throughout
Key Components
De La Riva Hook Control (Establish foundational control and create the mechanical leverage needed for inversion) The De La Riva hook serves as the primary control and launching point for Berimbolo entries. By threading the inside leg behind the opponent’s near leg and controlling the far ankle with the other foot, you create a leverage system that prevents the opponent from passing while setting up inversion angles. The hook maintains distance while the collar and pant grips control posture, creating the essential tension needed for rotational entries.
Inversion Mechanics (Generate the rotational angle needed to access opponent’s back from bottom position) The inversion is the core technical movement where you rotate your hips underneath your own body while maintaining control of the opponent. This requires coordinated grip control, core engagement, and precise timing to circle underneath the opponent’s base. The inversion creates the angle necessary to access the opponent’s back while their weight commitment prevents them from following your rotation. Proper inversion mechanics involve shoulder rolls, not neck pressure, and require significant flexibility development.
Body Triangle or Body Lock Control (Secure transitional control during the rotation phase before establishing back control) As you invert and begin circling behind the opponent, you transition grip control to a body lock or body triangle around their hips and torso. This intermediate control point prevents the opponent from turning to face you while you complete the back take. The body lock serves as a transitional control that bridges the gap between De La Riva control and full back control with hooks. Maintaining tight connection during this phase is critical to prevent the opponent from escaping or countering.
Back Take Completion (Convert transitional control into dominant back control position with full point scoring) The final phase involves inserting hooks and establishing seat belt or harness control as you complete the rotation to the opponent’s back. This requires precise sequencing - typically inserting the near hook first while maintaining body lock pressure, then transitioning to seat belt grip control, and finally inserting the far hook for full back control. The completion must be deliberate and controlled to prevent the opponent from rolling or escaping during the transition from body lock to back control with hooks.
Implementation Sequence
- Entry and Grip Establishment: Begin from De La Riva guard position with inside leg hooked behind opponent’s near leg and outside foot controlling their far ankle. Establish collar grip with same-side hand and pant grip on near leg with opposite hand. Create tension by extending legs to break opponent’s posture forward while maintaining distance control. Key points:
- Deep collar grip with thumb inside for maximum control
- Pant grip should be on the knee or upper shin for leverage
- Extend hooks to create distance and prevent immediate passing
- Maintain hip mobility and readiness to invert
- Off-Balancing and Inversion Initiation: Use the De La Riva hook to pull opponent’s near leg toward their centerline while simultaneously pulling on the collar grip to break their base forward. As they post their hands to prevent falling, release the pant grip and begin rotating your hips underneath your own body, initiating the inversion. Your outside leg releases ankle control and begins circling toward the opponent’s back. Key points:
- Pull opponent’s leg inward to compromise base width
- Time inversion with their forward weight commitment
- Roll over your shoulder, not your neck, during inversion
- Keep collar grip throughout rotation for control
- Rotational Movement and Body Lock: Continue rotating underneath while maintaining collar control, using your legs to circle behind the opponent’s hips. As you complete approximately 180 degrees of rotation, transition from collar grip to body lock around their waist and hips. Your bottom leg (the one that was the De La Riva hook) should thread between their legs while your top leg locks over their hip or lower back. Key points:
- Maintain constant pressure during rotation
- Body lock should be tight around waist, not loose
- Keep your hips mobile and ready to adjust position
- Prevent opponent from turning to face you during rotation
- Hook Insertion and Seat Belt Control: From the body lock position behind the opponent, begin establishing back control by first inserting your near-side hook (bottom leg) inside their near thigh. Simultaneously transition your grip from body lock to seat belt control - one arm over the shoulder, one arm under the armpit, hands connected. Use the seat belt to pull yourself tight to their back while preparing the second hook. Key points:
- Near hook should be deep, with your heel pulling toward their centerline
- Seat belt should be tight with your chest connected to their back
- Control their posture by pulling on seat belt grips
- Don’t rush the second hook - maintain control first
- Back Control Consolidation: Complete the back take by inserting your far-side hook while maintaining seat belt control and preventing the opponent from rolling or turning. Both hooks should be deep with heels pulling toward their centerline to stretch them out and prevent escape. Establish strong chest-to-back connection and begin working toward submission attacks or maintaining positional dominance for points. Key points:
- Both hooks deep with active heel pressure
- Chest stays connected to prevent space creation
- Head positioning controls their upper body rotation
- Transition to submission attacks once position is secure
- Retention and Re-Entry: If the opponent begins to defend or counter the Berimbolo, be prepared to return to guard positions and re-initiate the sequence. Common defensive scenarios include opponent sitting back, sprawling, or attempting to circle away from the rotation. Develop the ability to flow back to De La Riva, X-Guard, or Reverse De La Riva and restart the attack sequence based on their defensive reactions. Key points:
- Don’t force completion if opponent has strong defensive base
- Maintain guard retention priorities over forcing back takes
- Use failed attempts to set up alternative sweeps or attacks
- Chain Berimbolo with other guard attacks for unpredictability
How to Measure Your Progress
Entry Success Rate: Percentage of attempted Berimbolo entries that successfully initiate the rotation phase with maintained control. This metric tracks ability to establish proper grips, create off-balancing, and begin inversion without opponent countering or escaping. Proficiency indicators:
- Beginner: 20-30% entry success against similar skill opponents
- Intermediate: 40-60% entry success with improved timing and grip control
- Advanced: 70%+ entry success with ability to read opponent reactions and chain attacks
Completion to Back Control: Percentage of initiated Berimbolos that result in established back control with both hooks and seat belt control. Measures ability to maintain control throughout rotation and successfully transition through body lock phase to full back control. Proficiency indicators:
- Beginner: 30-40% completion rate after successful entry
- Intermediate: 50-70% completion with better body lock control and hook insertion timing
- Advanced: 80%+ completion with smooth transitions and adaptability to defensive reactions
Inversion Safety and Efficiency: Quality of inversion mechanics focusing on shoulder roll technique, neck safety, rotational speed, and energy expenditure. Assesses whether practitioner can perform multiple inversions in training or competition without injury or excessive fatigue. Proficiency indicators:
- Beginner: Slow, deliberate inversions with occasional neck strain or improper mechanics
- Intermediate: Consistent shoulder-based inversions with good speed and minimal energy cost
- Advanced: Explosive, efficient inversions with perfect mechanics under pressure, sustainable throughout entire match
System Integration and Chaining: Ability to chain Berimbolo with other guard attacks and retention techniques. Measures how well the system integrates with X-Guard, De La Riva sweeps, and back attack sequences to create comprehensive offensive threats from bottom position. Proficiency indicators:
- Beginner: Isolated Berimbolo attempts without effective backup options
- Intermediate: Basic chains to X-Guard sweeps or De La Riva attacks when Berimbolo is defended
- Advanced: Seamless integration creating multiple attack dilemmas, forcing opponent errors regardless of defensive choice
Expert Insights
- John Danaher: The Berimbolo represents a paradigm shift in our understanding of guard retention and offensive guard work. Traditionally, guard players focused on static control and waited for passing attempts to initiate sweeps or submissions. The Berimbolo inverts this logic - it transforms the opponent’s passing pressure into the very fuel for offensive back-taking sequences. The mechanical efficiency is remarkable: you’re using rotational movement, which requires relatively little muscular strength, to overcome the opponent’s forward pressure and linear base. The key technical elements are grip dependency and timing precision. Without proper collar and pant control, the rotation becomes unstable and easily countered. The collar grip prevents the opponent from pulling away during inversion, while the pant grip on the near leg creates the leverage point for off-balancing. Timing must be exact - you must invert precisely when the opponent’s weight is committed forward and their hands are posted, leaving their back temporarily exposed. The system’s true sophistication lies in how it creates positional dilemmas: if the opponent maintains forward pressure to pass, they’re vulnerable to Berimbolo; if they sit back to defend it, they’re vulnerable to X-Guard and De La Riva sweeps. This forces them into making defensive decisions, each of which opens different offensive pathways for the guard player.
- Gordon Ryan: In competition, the Berimbolo is a game-changer because it turns bottom position into an attacking position where you’re hunting for the back, which is four points plus submission opportunities. Most guard passers are trained to pressure forward and smash through the legs, which is exactly what sets up the Berimbolo perfectly. I’ve scored countless competition wins by threatening Berimbolo to force opponents to sit back, then sweeping them with X-Guard or Single Leg X. The key to making it work at the highest levels is commitment and confidence - you have to invert explosively without hesitation because any delay gives the opponent time to adjust their base or release your grips. The competition application requires developing chains: Berimbolo to kiss of the dragon, Berimbolo to X-Guard sweep, Berimbolo to deep half. You’re creating scenarios where every defensive option they choose gives you a different attacking opportunity. One thing people underestimate is the conditioning requirement - you need serious core strength and hip flexibility to hit multiple Berimbolos in a single match without getting exhausted. I typically limit my Berimbolo attempts to high-percentage moments when I have strong collar control and the opponent is heavily committed forward. Against skilled opponents who defend it well, I use Berimbolo threats to manipulate their base and create sweep opportunities rather than forcing completion every time. That strategic flexibility is what separates competition-effective Berimbolo from just drilling the technique.
- Eddie Bravo: The Berimbolo is one of those techniques that completely changed what’s possible from bottom position, and it shows how innovation can revolutionize the game. What I love about it is the creativity - someone looked at the guard and said, ‘What if instead of trying to sweep them forward or to the side, I just rotate underneath them and take their back?’ That kind of thinking is what progresses the art. From a 10th Planet perspective, we’ve integrated Berimbolo concepts with our system by connecting it to the truck position and twister attacks. If you’re inverting for Berimbolo and the opponent defends by sprawling or turning, you can catch the lockdown and transition to truck or calf slicer setups. It’s about seeing the connections between systems. The other thing that’s crucial is developing the flexibility and movement patterns through consistent drilling - you can’t just watch YouTube videos and expect to hit Berimbolos in competition. You need to build the muscle memory and body awareness through hundreds of reps, starting slow and controlled, then gradually adding speed and resistance. I also think Berimbolo works incredibly well in no-gi because the grips translate to collar ties and overhooks, and the rotational mechanics are actually smoother without gi friction. For practitioners developing their game, I’d say embrace the Berimbolo as part of a complete guard system, not as an isolated move. Use it with your other guard attacks to create unpredictability and keep opponents guessing about what’s coming next.