Retention-first RDLR that turns pressure into sweeps and controlled leg entries.
The Bottom Line
You learn to keep RDLR against knee-cuts and long steps. Then you convert frames into immediate offense. It is built for no-gi scrambles and pressure passers.
⚡️ Quick facts
Best for: Retention-focused
Skip if: Want bolo chains
Tech focus: Reverse De La Riva, Guard Retention, Single Leg X
Biggest takeaway: Frames create offense
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What You'll Learn
Bodoni focuses on making RDLR hard to pass, then turns that control into offense. The emphasis is connection, off-balancing, and no-gi grips that hold up in scrambles.
It is a practical system if you face heavy pressure passers and need retention that leads to sweeps or legs.
Primary Techniques You'll Drill
- Reverse De La Riva
- Guard Retention
- Backside 50/50
- Single Leg X
Format & Level
- Instructional style: System Based, Conceptual
- Skill level: Intermediate
- Format: No-Gi
- Runtime: 2 hours and 50 minutes
- Volumes: 4
Should You Buy It?
Wait for daily deal. I used the retention chapters as a weekly warm-up to make the entries automatic under pressure.
Why Giancarlo Bodoni?
Giancarlo Bodoni is an ADCC champion and high-level no-gi competitor. His teaching emphasizes connection, structure, and reliable entries under pressure.
Community feedback
Here’s a summary of common feedback from platforms like Reddit’s r/bjj.
😍 Why People Love It
- Retention-first framing ideas translate well to no-gi.
- Useful answers to pressure passing styles.
- Solid bridge from defense to offense.
🤔 Common Criticisms
- Less depth on bolo-style back takes.
- Some want more gi grip variations.
Smart Alternatives
- RDLR & Leg Entanglements – Broader leg entanglement pathways. (Price: $99.00, 8 vols)
- Modern Reverse De La Riva – Concise alternatives to similar outcomes. (Price: $79.00, 3 vols)
- No Gi Reverse De La Riva – More drills and knee-shield layers. (Price: $97.00, 4 vols)
Sources & References
Official listing: View Forging The Guard: Reverse De La Riva on BJJ Fanatics
Additional References
Your next step
You have the breakdown, community feedback, and my final thoughts. Now it’s your move.
