What Is the Berimbolo and Where It Fits
In Brazilian jiu-jitsu, the berimbolo is a guard-based inversion that transitions from De La Riva (DLR) or similar open guards into a crab ride and then the back. Classic versions use gi grips—DLR hook, far pants or ankle, and a collar or belt grip—to off-balance, invert under the top player’s base, and rotate to expose the hips. No-gi variations swap lapels for underhooks, 2-on-1s, ankle grips, or leg pummeling to create the same rotational pathway.
You will most often see the berimbolo when the bottom player establishes DLR or reverse DLR against a standing passer, from seated single-leg X or K guard transitions, and during leg drag defenses. In the gi, lapel feeds and pant grips boost control. In no-gi, grips are more transient, so timing, sticky hooks, and crab-ride mat returns matter more.
Strategically, the berimbolo is not just a move—it is a system. It links off-balancing (kazushi), inversion mechanics, hip control, and back exposure into a loop that can be re-entered if the first attempt fails. This makes it a core pathway for modern guard players, from blue belt through elite competitors.
Berimbolo Videos on BJJ University (8 Videos, 9 Courses)
The Berimbolo System Bundle by Mikey Musumeci
$647.00 • BJJ Fanatics
In this video, Mikey Musumeci provides a comprehensive guide on executing his top-selling berimbolo system. Over 10 hours of content, he uncovers the subtleties and secrets of high-level Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, focusing particularly on the berimbolo transition. The system includes part 1: the foundation, leg drags, back takes, crab rides, submissions, and more. He emphasizes that anyone can learn this system; flexibility is not a prerequisite.
The Berimbolo System Part 1: The Foundation by Mikey Musumeci
$197.00 • BJJ Fanatics
This instructional video on the Berimbolo system is delivered by Mikey Musumeci, a 3-time Black Belt World Champion. He provides an 8-volume mega-series and starts with the foundation, dispelling myths around the need for super flexibility. He explains moves, counters, and combos that are paramount to effectively executing a Berimbolo. Key positions like the double guard pull, the stack berimbolo, and the twister hook are thoroughly explained.
No Gi Berimbolo System Part 1 by Mikey Musumeci
$197.00 • BJJ Fanatics
Mikey Musumeci, a multiple-time IBJJF world champion, provides an instructional video on the No-Gi Berimbolo System. The video discusses a step-by-step process of the back take attack, including ways to make it work for people who are not necessarily quick or flexible. It teaches ways to outmaneuver opponents, troubleshoot common Berimbolo challenges, and move to the back with techniques like twister hooks, step stomps, and crab hooks. The video is described as a step towards unleashing BJJ potential.
Xanadu Back Takes: Elite Guard Retention, Berimbolo's and Xanadu Guard by Levi Jones…
$127.00 • BJJ Fanatics
The video goes through elite guard retention techniques, innovative back takes and explores berimbolo intricacies with Levi Jones-Leary (the IBJJF Pans, European, and Spyder Invitational Champion). It offers a systematic approach to find and secure the back from different positions. The instructor also demonstrates how to counter common passes with effective back takes and provides strategies to improve berimbolo game. The video further covers the application of the Xanadu guard and its integration into your BJJ strategies.
Berimbolo 2.0: The Modern System by Paulo Miyao
$97.00 • BJJ Fanatics
In this video, Paulo Miyao, one of the best BJJ practitioners of his generation, offers detailed instruction on the modern berimbolo system that he has refined over many years of competition and study. He focuses on entering the De La Riva position to launch your berimbolo. He also coaches viewers on inversion drills and mechanics and suggests combinations for when your opponent is defensive. Techniques for creating more successful back taking opportunities using twister hooks and elevators are also covered.
The Cicero Costha BJJ Competition Blue Print by Cicero Costha
$97.00 • BJJ Fanatics
This video features BJJ master Cicero Costha along with professors Walkler and Tiago Sousa presenting their unique strategies and techniques. They delve into the intricacies of the 'leg drag' game, showing different variations and setups for diverse skill levels. Takeaways also include Step-by-step guide to perform a sensational 'berimbolo' as practiced by their team. Tiago Sousa provides insights on how to efficiently sweep and attack legs from a defensive position using a lapel. The instructions reflect the training techniques used to coach renowned athletes, including the Miyao brothers, Thalison Soares, Leandro Lo, and more.
The Berimbolo and Beyond by The Miyao Brothers
$79.00 • BJJ Fanatics
This video is a tutorial on the Miayao Brothers' Berimbolo technique. It gives viewers the opportunity to learn modern BJJ tricks championed by these innovative grapplers that have transformed the entire Jiu Jitsu game. While viewers may choose not to implement the techniques, watching can guide understanding of what “new school guys” are attempting in their BJJ practice. A great opportunity to broaden one's understanding and potentially transform their game.
Berimbolos for Everyone by Samuel Braga
$79.00 • BJJ Fanatics
This instructional video by Samuel Braga focuses on teaching and introducing various Berimbolo and Berimbolo variations, even for those who are not very flexible. The video also emphasizes on fortifying your open guard with off balancing skills, countering passes, and securing sweeps. Braga also shares effective defenses against popular passes like the knee slice, leg drag, leg weave, and others, alongside his favorite back-taking techniques.
The Double Guard Pull System by Tommi Pulkkanen
$79.00 • BJJ Fanatics
The video features BJJ Black Belt, Tommi Pulkkanen, teaching his effective berimbolo tactics from a double guard pull position. Known for having one of the most dynamic guards in Europe and significant wins in competitions, Pulkkanen aims to supercharge viewers' bottom game with his unique strategies. He presents a series of high-level transitions, back takes, reversals, and submissions. The video is a tool to become a formidable power from a seated position in BJJ.
Core Mechanics, Entries, and Finishing Details
Anchors and angles: Effective berimbolos start with reliable anchors. In the gi, think DLR hook, far ankle or pant grip, and a collar or lapel feed. Your outside leg frames the hip; your inside DLR hook elevates. Your hands anchor the far leg so their hips can’t step out.
Kazushi before inversion: Don’t flip and hope. First, off-balance by lifting the DLR hook, pulling the far ankle across your centerline, and steering the collar or lapel to turn their knee inward. When their weight shifts to the far leg and their near knee points away, the pathway opens.
Hip line rotation and shoulder alignment: As you invert, your hips should point under their shin, not straight under their center. Stay curled, chin tucked, looking toward their far hip. Aim to bring your hips past their heel line so their knee is pointed away from you. Land on your shoulder, not your neck.
Crab ride and leg pummeling: Catch both of their ankles or a shin/ankle combo as you rotate. Insert double hooks behind their knees (crab ride) with your heels pinching inward. If they try to run, mat return by lifting one ankle and steering the other. From here, pummel to a seatbelt or pull them across your hip to enter the back.
Common entries: Basic berimbolo from standing DLR; reverse DLR to bolo; kiss of the dragon when the passer squares; leg drag counter bolo when they try to staple your shin; lapel bolo using a wrapped lapel to trap a hip; and no-gi ankle-grab bolo from seated guard.
Finishing details: Secure chest-to-back with a seatbelt before you release leg control. If you’re behind but high on the hips, step your top hook first to prevent their hip escape. Track their top shoulder with your chest to stop the granby roll. If you lose the upper body, maintain crab ride and re-attack with a mat return.
Berimbolo Transitions (6 Videos, 4 Courses)
The Berimbolo System Bundle by Mikey Musumeci
$647.00 • BJJ Fanatics
In this video, Mikey Musumeci provides a comprehensive guide on executing his top-selling berimbolo system. Over 10 hours of content, he uncovers the subtleties and secrets of high-level Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, focusing particularly on the berimbolo transition. The system includes part 1: the foundation, leg drags, back takes, crab rides, submissions, and more. He emphasizes that anyone can learn this system; flexibility is not a prerequisite.
The Berimbolo System Part 1: The Foundation by Mikey Musumeci
$197.00 • BJJ Fanatics
This instructional video on the Berimbolo system is delivered by Mikey Musumeci, a 3-time Black Belt World Champion. He provides an 8-volume mega-series and starts with the foundation, dispelling myths around the need for super flexibility. He explains moves, counters, and combos that are paramount to effectively executing a Berimbolo. Key positions like the double guard pull, the stack berimbolo, and the twister hook are thoroughly explained.
No Gi Berimbolo System Part 1 by Mikey Musumeci
$197.00 • BJJ Fanatics
Mikey Musumeci, a multiple-time IBJJF world champion, provides an instructional video on the No-Gi Berimbolo System. The video discusses a step-by-step process of the back take attack, including ways to make it work for people who are not necessarily quick or flexible. It teaches ways to outmaneuver opponents, troubleshoot common Berimbolo challenges, and move to the back with techniques like twister hooks, step stomps, and crab hooks. The video is described as a step towards unleashing BJJ potential.
Berimbolo 2.0: The Modern System by Paulo Miyao
$97.00 • BJJ Fanatics
In this video, Paulo Miyao, one of the best BJJ practitioners of his generation, offers detailed instruction on the modern berimbolo system that he has refined over many years of competition and study. He focuses on entering the De La Riva position to launch your berimbolo. He also coaches viewers on inversion drills and mechanics and suggests combinations for when your opponent is defensive. Techniques for creating more successful back taking opportunities using twister hooks and elevators are also covered.
Safety, Common Mistakes, and Troubleshooting
Neck and spine safety: Inversions are safe when done on the shoulders with a rounded back. Do not roll on your head or cervical spine. Build flexibility gradually, warm up the posterior chain, and tap or bail early if your neck is compressed. Use crash pads and controlled partners when first learning.
Mistake: Inverting without control. Fix: Establish at least two anchors (e.g., DLR hook and far ankle) before rotating. If grips slip, reset kazushi rather than forcing the roll.
Mistake: Losing the far hip. Fix: During rotation, glue your elbow to their ankle or pant cuff and keep your hip line past their heel line. If they kick free, switch to a leg drag retention frame or chase single-leg X to re-berimbolo.
Mistake: Getting smashed mid-inversion. Fix: Keep your outside leg as a distance frame on the far hip. If they step deep and stuff your knees, switch to reverse DLR guard retention or sit up to collar drag/single leg to reset angles.
Troubleshooting the run-away: If they backstep or sprint, maintain two-on-one ankle control, tilt them by lifting one leg while steering the other, and sit up into crab ride. If they tripod, scoot your hips underneath and elevate with both hooks to mat return.
Counter chains to know: Leg drag counters (use shin shield and hip escape to re-square), knee-slice pressure (invert only after breaking the knee line outside your torso), and stack attempts (abandon the bolo, enter K guard or single-leg X, then re-attack when they posture).
What to Study First to Build a Reliable Berimbolo
- Basic berimbolo: Start from classic DLR on a standing opponent. Learn grips, the off-balance, the shoulder roll, and the crab ride. Focus on slow, clean reps.
- Berimbolo drill progressions: Practice solo shoulder rolls, then partner kazushi-to-invert without finishing. Add crab-ride mat returns and back exposure drills. Drilling is essential for timing under pressure.
- Back-control fundamentals: Seatbelt, hook sequencing, hip drag to the far side, and choke hand protection. A good bolo still fails if you can’t hold the back.
- Guard retention and re-entries: Learn how to rebuild DLR or switch to reverse DLR, K guard, or single-leg X if the passer stuffs your hips. Re-entry is what turns the berimbolo into a system.
- Gi vs no-gi emphasis: In the gi, prioritize collar/lapel anchors and pant grips. In no-gi, develop sticky ankles, 2-on-1s, and aggressive mat returns because control windows are shorter.
Study the Berimbolo on BJJ University
BJJ University is a free, curated learning hub. Use the navigation menu to browse categorized videos, short clips, breakdowns, and full lessons by instructor, technique, position, category, and training topic. Our Berimbolo page collects reliable resources—from classic DLR entries and lapel bolos to no-gi leg-pummeling variants—so you can compare teaching styles and quickly test details in training.
Start with the technique’s main page to explore organizer playlists, troubleshooting clips, and drill sequences. Bookmark the site and share it with teammates or friends who want structured, free BJJ study without the noise. Browse this page on BJJ University.
FAQs
What is a basic berimbolo?
A basic berimbolo starts from De La Riva on a standing opponent. You off-balance with the DLR hook and far ankle grip, invert to rotate under their leg, establish a crab ride, then pummel to the back. The focus is on anchors, kazushi, safe shoulder rotation, and controlled mat returns.
Does the berimbolo work in no-gi?
Yes. While gi grips make control easier, no-gi berimbolos use ankle controls, underhooks, and leg pummeling to reach crab ride and the back. Expect quicker transitions and emphasize mat returns and seatbelt timing.
How can I safely learn to invert?
Develop shoulder mobility and core compression first. Drill on soft mats, tuck your chin, roll over the shoulder not the neck, and stop if you feel spinal pressure. Build up from slow kazushi-to-shoulder-stand before full rotations.
Why do I lose the far leg during the spin?
You are rotating without a firm anchor. Keep a two-on-one on the far ankle or pant cuff as you invert, keep your hips past their heel line, and pinch your crab-ride hooks immediately to stop their leg from escaping.
What are good berimbolo drills?
Partner kazushi-to-invert reps without finishing, crab-ride mat return circuits, seatbelt-and-hook sequencing on a turtle, and timed rounds alternating between bolo and leg-drag defense to sharpen re-entries.