The Berimbolo, a cornerstone technique of modern Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, offers practitioners a dynamic method to gain a dominant position. Originally popularized in the competitive circuit, this technique is both a crowd-pleaser and a highly effective maneuver in controlling an opponent. This guide will detail the steps needed to execute the Berimbolo, making it accessible even for those new to this advanced move.
Understanding the Berimbolo
The Berimbolo is essentially an inversion technique used to unbalance an opponent from the De La Riva guard, transitioning to taking their back. It combines elements of agility, timing, and technical precision, making it a testament to the practitioner’s skill level in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Step-by-Step Execution
Step 1: Establish the De La Riva Guard Begin by wrapping your outside leg around the opponent’s lead leg, securing your foot on their far hip. This position is critical as it forms your base and control point for initiating the Berimbolo.
Step 2: Secure Proper Grips Control your opponent’s balance by gripping their far ankle with one hand and their sleeve or collar with the other. These grips are essential for manipulating their movement and preparing for your inversion.
Step 3: Off-Balance the Opponent Utilize your grips and the hook of your De La Riva guard to pull the opponent forward while simultaneously pushing against their hip. This action disrupts their balance, making the subsequent inversion more effective.
Step 4: Initiate the Inversion With your opponent beginning to lose balance, tuck your head inward and lift your hips upward, initiating the inversion. This movement is the core of the Berimbolo and may require flexibility and practice to perform fluidly.
Step 5: Rotate Beneath the Opponent As you invert, maintain your grips and use them to guide your rotation under and eventually behind your opponent. The key here is to move swiftly and smoothly to prevent them from countering or escaping.
Step 6: Switch Your Grips Mid-inversion, switch your grips from the ankle and sleeve to the far leg and belt. This change helps you stabilize your position and align yourself correctly to take the back.
Step 7: Secure the Back Position Complete your inversion by placing hooks inside their thighs, establishing a dominant back control. From this position, you can look to secure submissions or further control the bout.
Step 8: Final Adjustments Make final adjustments to ensure you have tight control, potentially deepening your hooks or adjusting your upper body grip.
Step 9: Practice and Drill Consistent practice is key to mastering the Berimbolo. Begin by drilling the movements slowly with a cooperative partner, gradually increasing speed and resistance as you gain proficiency.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Many practitioners rush the Berimbolo without fully controlling the grips or maintaining balance throughout the inversion. Focus on each segment of the move separately in training, ensuring mastery of one phase before moving to the next. Additionally, maintain flexibility and core strength to support the physical demands of the technique.
Final Round
The Berimbolo is more than just a technique; it’s a testament to the evolution and depth of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as a martial art. By mastering this move, you not only enhance your competitive game but also deepen your understanding of the mechanics and flow of BJJ. Remember, like any sophisticated technique, the Berimbolo requires patience, persistence, and plenty of practice to perfect