A structured RDLR plan with timing, grips, and back-takes that also translate to no-gi.
The Bottom Line
You learn how to control, off-balance, and flank from RDLR. The approach favors sweeps and back-takes with clear timing cues. You will not get lapel-heavy worm guard branches.
⚡️ Quick facts
Best for: RDLR-focused players
Skip if: You avoid open guard
Tech focus: Reverse De La Riva, Kiss Of The Dragon, Berimbolo
Biggest takeaway: Timing-based flanking
📋 Jump to a section (Click to expand)
What You'll Learn
Four volumes focused on RDLR control, timing, and off-balances into back-takes and submissions. Mikey stresses frames, grips, and the three boxes of attack to make RDLR usable in gi and no-gi.
Primary Techniques You'll Drill
- Reverse De La Riva
- Tripod Sweep
- Kiss Of The Dragon
- Berimbolo
- Back Takes
- Grip Fighting
Format & Level
- Instructional style: System Based, Conceptual
- Skill level: Intermediate
- Format: Both
- Runtime: 2 hours and 34 minutes
- Volumes: 4
Should You Buy It?
Wait for daily deal. I rate this highly for coaches who need a teachable RDLR structure that scales across belt levels.
Why Mikey Musumeci?
Mikey’s open-guard systems helped him win world titles; his RDLR framing and flanking concepts underpin many of his famous back-takes.
Community feedback
Here’s a summary of common feedback from platforms like Reddit’s r/bjj.
😍 Why People Love It
- Players like how he formalizes timing for classic tripod and side sweeps.
- The inside/outside flanking lessons help build smarter back-take choices.
- Conceptual framing makes RDLR stick under pressure.
🤔 Common Criticisms
- Some find overlap with other Musumeci guard sets.
- Repetition complaints appear across his multi-volume guards.
- Gi-first examples limit appeal for strict no-gi gyms.
Smart Alternatives
- The Collar and Sleeve System Part 1: Outside Control On The Knees – If you prefer classic collar-sleeve trees from kneeling opponents. (Price: $197.00, 8 vols)
- Foundations of Guard: Attacking – A broader open-guard framework when you are not RDLR-centric. (Price: $197.00, 6 vols)
Sources & References
Official listing: View The Reverse De La Riva System on BJJ Fanatics
Additional References
Your next step
You have the breakdown, community feedback, and my final thoughts. Now it’s your move.
