The “berimbolo” is a dynamic and technical move in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu that originated from the sport’s modern competitive scene. It’s especially popular in the lighter weight classes and in no-gi competitions. The berimbolo is designed to unbalance an opponent and transition from a guard position, typically the De La Riva guard, to taking the back.
Here’s a general breakdown of how the berimbolo is executed:
Starting Position: The practitioner begins in a De La Riva guard, where one leg is hooked inside the opponent’s thigh, with the ankle controlled by their foot.
Initiation: The practitioner inverts underneath the opponent by rolling over their shoulder, aiming to disrupt the opponent’s balance and base.
Inversion and Rotation: During the inversion, the practitioner rotates around the opponent’s body. This movement is aimed at dislodging the opponent’s stance and spinning underneath and behind them.
Taking the Back: As the practitioner completes the rotation, they maneuver into a position behind the opponent. This part of the technique involves climbing up the opponent’s back, securing hooks, and establishing control typically leading to rear mount.
Control and Submission: Once the back is taken, various submissions like rear-naked chokes or collar chokes become available.
The berimbolo is highly effective in BJJ competitions due to its ability to swiftly change the dynamics of a match by transitioning from a seemingly defensive position to a dominant one. It requires flexibility, coordination, and a good sense of timing to perform correctly. The move has been popularized by competitors like the Mendes Brothers, who have used it with great success in high-level competition.