Build a knee-shield-driven reverse de la riva that wins no-gi scrambles.
The Bottom Line
You learn how to anchor knee-shield frames into RDLR, then off-balance to shin-to-shin, X, and 50/50 without giving easy leg entries. The course shows wrestle-up routes and quick upper‑body finishes that fit points and sub‑only. You will not get lapel feeds or worm variations, so gi‑specifics seekers should pick the gi set.
⚡️ Quick facts
Best for: No-gi guard players
Skip if: Need lapel-specific gi guidance
Tech focus: Reverse De La Riva, Knee Shield, Wrestle Up, X Guard, 50/50, Shin To Shin, Ankle Lock
Biggest takeaway: Pair RDLR with knee-shield entries.
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What You'll Learn
Leon ties reverse de la riva to knee-shield frames and shin-to-shin so you can threaten sweeps, wrestle-ups, and upper‑body submissions without exposing your legs. The curriculum mirrors how he wins exchanges under modern no‑gi rules, emphasizing balance breaks, angle changes, and safe transitions to X and 50/50.
Primary Techniques You'll Drill
- Reverse De La Riva
- Knee Shield
- Wrestle Up
- Shin To Shin
- X Guard
- 50/50
- Leg Entries
- Ankle Lock
- Knee Bar
- Tripod Sweep
Format & Level
- Instructional style: System Based, Technique Collection
- Skill level: Intermediate
- Format: No-Gi
- Runtime: 2 hours and 14 minutes
- Volumes: 4
Should You Buy It?
Buy it now. I found the knee-shield first approach makes RDLR entries safer and faster to repeat under pressure.
Why Dante Leon?
Dante Leon is a Canadian no-gi standout and BJJ black belt under Júlio César Pereira and Vitor Oliveira. He is a two-time IBJJF No-Gi World Champion and multi-time No-Gi Pan champion. He also earned ADCC bronze and has headlined top events like WNO and ONE. Leon trains and coaches out of Adamas Jiu-Jitsu in Toledo and has integrated strong wrestling into his jiu-jitsu. BJJ Heroes and major outlets profile him as one of the most active modern competitors.
Community feedback
Here’s a summary of common feedback from platforms like Reddit’s r/bjj.
😍 Why People Love It
- Far and away the best active RDLR player; he sweeps world-class black belts consistently.
- Great instructional with useful lasso and RDLR details; worth revisiting for layers.
- Recommended for stopping knee cuts with RDLR-style frames and angles.
- RDLR to single-leg style helped my wrestle-ups click right away.
🤔 Common Criticisms
- Some advise using RDLR defensively in gi and not as a primary attacking guard.
- Others suggest Rau or broader systems if you want an independent RDLR roadmap.
- People struggle to find attacks beyond kiss-of-the-dragon without strong setups.
Free Preview Lesson
Smart Alternatives
- Reverse De La Riva Formula Made Easy – Gi-oriented RDLR fundamentals from the same instructor. (Price: $79.00, 4 vols, 2018)
- Wrestling Up From Guard – Pairs naturally with RDLR off-balances. (Price: $79.00, 3 vols, 2021)
Sources & References
Video Breakdowns
Official listing: View No Gi 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.
