Pulling To And Controlling, Creating Proper Tension - De La Riva

De La Riva guard fundamentals:

1. The De La Riva guard is characterized by the hook on the outside of the opponent's leg, which helps in turning their back towards you.
2. Control the opponent's ankle while slightly extending your leg. The other foot can be placed on the opponent's hip, inside of their knee, hooked on their knee, or stepping on their bicep.
3. This guard is primarily used to expose the opponent's back, rather than for direct submissions.
4. Transition between different guards to exploit their strengths and create submission opportunities.

Pulling to De La Riva from a standing position:

1. Lower your level and post your hand on the mat to swing your hips towards the opponent's foot while maintaining a collar grip.
2. Bring your foot to the opponent's hip and then swing back to establish the De La Riva hook on the outside of their leg, controlling their ankle.
3. Ensure to control the ankle to prevent the opponent from easily pushing your hook out and walking away.
4. Create tension and connection by extending your hooks, pulling your grips, and slightly lifting your hips off the mat.

Key points for maintaining De La Riva guard:

1. Start with a cross collar grip and an ankle grip.
2. From a standing position, post your hand, swing your hips in, place your foot on the opponent's hip, and then swing back to establish the De La Riva hook.
3. Maintain tension by pulling your grips, pushing your hooks, and lifting your hips slightly to stay connected to the opponent.