Berimbolo
Also known as bolo, berimbolinho
An inversion-based transition from De La Riva and related guards that follows the opponent's hip to expose the back or create a sweep.
At a glance
- Family
- Transition
- Format
- Gi
- Level
- Advanced
- Connections
- 4 techniques
Concept
What it is
The berimbolo is a family of rotations beneath and around the opponent's hips, most famously from De La Riva guard. Rather than sweeping the opponent away, the guard player stays connected to the waist and legs while moving into the space behind the hips.
Competition versions range from compact shoulder rolls to extended inversion exchanges. The defining idea is not the acrobatics; it is preserving control of the hip line while changing the relationship from in front of the opponent to behind them.
Core mechanics
Key principles
- Off-balance the opponent before inverting beneath the hips.
- Control the belt, waist, or far hip so the opponent cannot simply turn away.
- Keep the neck unloaded by rotating across the shoulders, not the head.
- Use the legs to separate or staple the opponent's knees during the climb.
System map
How it connects
Jiu-jitsu techniques work in sequences. These are common conceptual routes in, productive next steps, and the defensive priorities that shape the exchange.
Common entries
De La Riva
Sit the opponent toward the controlled side and rotate beneath the near hip.
Double guard pull
Win the upper hip position and begin the inversion as both players sit.
50/50 exchange
Unwind the entanglement while following the opponent's belt line.
Next actions
Back control
Climb above the hips and connect upper-body controls as the opponent turns.
Crab ride
Use hooks behind the knees or hips to keep the opponent suspended during the transition.
Leg drag
Come on top with the opponent's legs directed across the body.
Defensive priorities
Free the hip
Break belt or waist control before trying to spin out.
Square the knees
Prevent the guard player from separating the legs and climbing behind them.
Create distance
Stand or step away only after the controlling hooks are cleared.
Context
History and naming
The berimbolo became a defining feature of elite lighter-weight gi competition through the work of competitors including the Mendes and Miyao brothers.
Competition connections
Athletes associated with Berimbolo
Keep exploring
Related techniques
Guard
De La Riva Guard
An outside-hook open guard used to control a standing opponent's lead leg and create sweeps, back takes, and transitions.
Transition
Crab Ride
A rear-hip riding position that uses the feet behind the opponent's knees or thighs to elevate, steer, and expose the back.
Position
Back Control
A dominant rear position that controls the opponent's hips and upper body while exposing high-percentage choking attacks.
Pass
Leg-Drag Pass
A passing position that directs both of the guard player's knees across one hip, exposing the side and often the back.
Rules and reference sources
Rules evolve. The official organizer documents below are the source of truth for competition legality; the guide above explains the technique conceptually.