A modern De La Riva system that keeps passers off-balance and funnels to clean sweeps and back takes.
The Bottom Line
You get a complete DLR roadmap built around grips, posture breaks, and retention before attacks. Sweeps and back takes are chained so you always have a second threat. There is no no-gi module here, and bolo depth is present but focused on practicality, not acrobatics.
⚡️ Quick facts
Best for: Gi guard players
Skip if: You train no-gi only
Tech focus: De La Riva, Tripod Sweep, Come Up Sweep, Back Takes, Berimbolo, Guard Retention, Leg Drag Sweep
Biggest takeaway: DLR that creates dilemmas
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What You'll Learn
Dom Bell modernizes De La Riva for today’s standing pass meta. You learn grip-led control, clear retention rules, and how to turn off-balances into sweeps and back takes. Chapters build from control and retention to dilemma attacks.
If you like systems over move dumps, this set flows. It is gi-first and uses pant and sleeve grips to great effect. It complements classic spider or collar-sleeve games and pairs well with SLX follow-ups.
Primary Techniques You'll Drill
- De La Riva
- Guard Retention
- Tripod Sweep
- Come Up Sweep
- Back Takes
- Berimbolo
- Leg Drag Sweep
- Murasaki Sweep
Format & Level
- Instructional style: System Based, Conceptual
- Skill level: All Levels
- Format: Gi
- Runtime: 1 hour and 31 minutes
- Volumes: 4
- Released: 2023
Should You Buy It?
Buy it now. I found the retention cues make standing passers pause, which buys the time you need to attack.
Why Dominique Bell?
Dominique Bell is a BJJ black belt under Andre Galvao and a long-time Atos HQ instructor. He is a former U.S. Army veteran who broke out after winning IBJJF Worlds at purple belt in 2015. Dom is an IBJJF Pans medalist at black belt and competes in both gi and no-gi. He is known for gi-first systems like Tarantula Guard and his DLR updates. He also creates content on the Dubious Dom channel and teaches seminars worldwide.
Community feedback
Here’s a summary of common feedback from platforms like Reddit’s r/bjj.
😍 Why People Love It
- A user said the 'Dubious De La Riva' sweep helped a beginner get wins from guard.
🤔 Common Criticisms
- No dedicated no-gi variants or leg entanglement depth.
- Some terminology may require pausing if you are brand new.
- Priced higher than Dom’s other courses.
Free Preview Lesson
Smart Alternatives
- Dynamic De La Riva Guard by Otavio Sousa – If you want a classic GB take on DLR.
- De La Riva Guard System by Michael Langhi – Another proven DLR path with elite pedigree.
- The Modern Single Leg X Guard System by Kaynan Duarte – Pairs well as next step after DLR sweeps.
Sources & References
Video Breakdowns
Official listing: View Dubious De La Riva by Dominique Bell on BJJ Fanatics
Additional References
Your next step
You have the breakdown, community feedback, and my final thoughts. Now it’s your move.
