Introduction - Basic Concepts

Effective De La Riva guard passing focuses on breaking the De La Riva hook and addressing the opponent's pant grip. Instead of pushing on the knees, which is ineffective and exposes the hands to grips, the emphasis is on controlling the shin and ankle to break the hook. The technique involves:

1. Using a C-grip on the opponent's shin, extend and turn your knee outwards to break the De La Riva hook.
2. Step back and crowd the opponent's leg to prevent them from re-establishing the hook.
3. Change grips by placing your left hand on the opponent's collar and your right hand on their tricep.
4. Shuffle to your left, pulling the opponent with you, which makes their pant grip ineffective.
5. Force a knee cut pass while maintaining inside control of the opponent's leg.
6. Instead of seeking an underhook, grab the back of the opponent's pants (wedgie grip) to control their hips.
7. Use a crossface to finalize the pass, and the wedgie grip will prevent the opponent from establishing a strong half guard even if they cross their feet.

This approach to passing the De La Riva guard allows for a smooth transition to a knee cut pass without the need to break the opponent's pant grip directly, making the grip irrelevant and facilitating the pass.