Reverse De La Riva Guard: The Ultimate Defense Against Pressure Passing

By BJJ Sportswear Editorial Team
Reviewed by competitive black belts | Last Updated: February 1, 2026

The Reverse De La Riva (RDLR) is the shield that keeps you safe when the De La Riva Guard fails.

In modern Jiu-Jitsu, the most common way to pass the guard is the Knee Slice Pass. If you don’t have an answer for it, you will get passed. The Reverse De La Riva is that answer. It places a physical barrier between you and the passer, allowing you to slow them down, off-balance them, and spin underneath to take their back.

This guide covers the mechanics of the RDLR, the famous “Kiss of the Dragon” sweep, and how to use it to stop heavy passers.

What is the Reverse De La Riva Guard?

The Reverse De La Riva is an open guard variation where you use an inside hook to control the opponent’s lead leg.

• The Hook: Instead of wrapping your leg around the outside (like normal DLR), your outside leg goes under their leg and hooks behind their knee from the inside.
• The Frame: Your inside hand reinforces your knee, creating a strong structure that prevents them from smashing your legs together.
• The Goal: To prevent the opponent’s knee from hitting the mat (completing the Knee Slice) and to create distance.

As Lachlan Giles explains, the RDLR is structurally perfect for countering the Knee Cut because your shin directly opposes their passing angle.

When to Use RDLR vs. DLR

Think of them as partners.

• Use De La Riva: When the opponent is standing square or pulling away. You are the aggressor.
• Use Reverse De La Riva: When the opponent steps in close or tries to cut their knee across your body. You are the defender.

Top 3 Reverse De La Riva Attacks

While it is a defensive guard, it has some of the most spectacular attacks in BJJ.

1. The Kiss of the Dragon (Back Take)

This is the signature move of the position.

1. Invert: Spin upside down, rotating underneath the opponent’s legs.
2. The Grip: Grab their pants or belt to pull yourself through.
3. The Result: You pop out behind them in the Crab Ride or directly on their back.​

2. The Tripod Sweep Transition

If the opponent pulls back to stop the inversion:

1. Switch: Release your RDLR hook and place that foot on their hip.
2. Hook: Hook their other ankle with your free hand.
3. Push/Pull: Push their hip and pull their ankle to topple them backward.

3. The Wrestle Up

If the opponent postures up high to avoid your hooks:

• Action: Retract your bottom leg, plant your hand on the mat, and drive forward into a Single Leg Takedown.

Common Mistakes & Troubleshooting

Mistake #1: Letting the Knee Collapse
If your RDLR knee points at the ceiling, they can smash it (Smash Pass).
The Fix: You must flare your knee outward towards their hip. Use your hand to support your knee if necessary.​

Mistake #2: Not Controlling the Distance
If you don’t use your free leg (the shield) to push on their shoulder or hip, they will hug your head (Cross Face).
The Fix: Always keep your free foot active on their chest, shoulder, or hip.

Mistake #3: Staying There Too Long
RDLR is not a place to hang out. It is a transition point.
The Fix: Either spin underneath (Kiss of the Dragon), switch back to DLR, or push them away to reset.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is RDLR mostly for flexible people?
Inverting (spinning) helps, but you don’t need to be a yoga master. The “Tripod Sweep” option requires zero flexibility.

Can I use it in No-Gi?
Yes. In No-Gi, you can’t grab the collar, so you rely more on cupping the heel and using “Knee Shield” frames.

How do I stop them from grabbing my head?
You must frame against their shoulder with your free hand or foot. If they get the Cross Face, your RDLR is dead.

Conclusion

The Reverse De La Riva Guard is your emergency brake. When a heavy passer tries to slice through your guard, the RDLR stops them cold.

Master the transition between DLR and RDLR, and you will become unpassable.