Make no-gi De La Riva practical with clear off-balances and finishes.
The Bottom Line
This set reframes DLR for no-gi realities: less sleeves, more structure. You learn off-balances that lead to wrestle-ups, backside 50/50, and strong finishes. If you want old-school lapel grips, look elsewhere.
⚡️ Quick facts
Best for: DLR-curious players
Skip if: You hate open guard
Tech focus: De La Riva, Waiter Guard, Berimbolo, Backside 50/50, False Reap, Wrestle Up, Leg Drag Defense
Biggest takeaway: DLR that works in no-gi.
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What You'll Learn
Rau updates De La Riva for no-gi: grips, off-balances, and transitions that lead to wrestle-ups, leg entanglements, and back takes.
Three volumes keep the map digestible without losing important detail.
Primary Techniques You'll Drill
- De La Riva
- Waiter Guard
- Berimbolo
- Backside 50/50
- False Reap
- Wrestle Up
- Leg Drag Defense
Format & Level
- Instructional style: System Based, Conceptual
- Skill level: All Levels
- Format: No-Gi
- Runtime: 1 hour and 29 minutes
- Volumes: 3
Should You Buy It?
Buy it now. I like how the set reframes DLR around off-balance directions you can feel, not memorize.
Why Jason Rau?
Rau is a Matt Serra black belt and respected system-builder. His open-guard approach emphasizes predictable reactions and clear counters. He coaches at Vanguard Academy and consults widely. Peers cite his leg entanglement knowledge and calm, precise teaching style.
Community feedback
Here’s a summary of common feedback from platforms like Reddit’s r/bjj.
😍 Why People Love It
- Praised as digestible and current for building a no-gi DLR game.
- Early reviewers called Rau a genius instructor and liked the structure.
- Commonly recommended when people ask for a no-gi DLR starting point.
🤔 Common Criticisms
- Some prefer Lachlan Giles for bolo and classic sweep depth.
- One user noted the set felt long and potentially overwhelming to newer players.
Free Preview Lesson
Smart Alternatives
- No Gi Open Guard Vol 2: DLR & Waiter by Lachlan Giles – Deeper bolo/waiter integration and system continuity. (Price: $99.00)
- Reverse De La Riva: A Precise Guide by Junny Ocasio – Alternative lens if you prefer Junny's RDLR framework.
- Modern Reverse De La Riva by Jason Rau – Pairs well if you use reverse-side entries often. (Price: $79.00)
Sources & References
Video Breakdowns
Official listing: View Modern No-Gi 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.