Introduction to the Berimbolo
Bladen Bouchard, a brown belt at Vital Jiu-Jitsu, introduces the berimbolo as a foundational position rather than merely a sweep or back-take setup. He synthesizes techniques from multiple black belt instructors into a beginner-friendly progression designed to be accessible to practitioners new to the position.
Inversion Roll Drill
The first preparatory drill involves sitting on the buttocks with legs together and rolling side-to-side across the shoulders while keeping the chin tucked and feet close to the mat. This movement conditions the spine and neck for the inverted positions required in berimbolo fundamentals.
Back Roll with Gramby Roll Extension
Practitioners sit on the mat and roll backward using heel pressure, turning the chin to each side for cervical mobility. The drill progresses to incorporating a gramby roll by posting the knees mid-backward roll, maintaining chin tuck, and rolling back to a seated position.
Wall-Based Inversion Drill
With feet elevated against a wall at 90 degrees, the practitioner inverts by pushing off the mat and switching foot positions, rolling across the shoulders while remaining close to the ground. This drill develops the specific inversion mechanics while allowing progressive mastery in a supported environment.
Partner Inversion Drill with De la Riva Hook
A partner establishes a de la riva hook (either heel cup or pants grip) combined with either a collar grip or belt grip. The attacking player falls to their shoulder, drives the hook across the partner's far hip, and uses their back leg to push while pulling with the grips to achieve an inverted position underneath.
Berimbolo to Mount Position
From de la riva position with the opponent posted, the berimbolo entry involves feeding the hook deep to the far hip while using a foot post to transition into an inversion. As the practitioner inverts toward their far hip, they shoot their hips back, release the grips, and transition to mount position with a cross-face and eventual underhook control.
Beginners' Guide to the Berimbolo
Key Takeaways
- •Introduction to the Berimbolo
- •Inversion Roll Drill
- •Back Roll with Gramby Roll Extension
- •Wall-Based Inversion Drill
Vital Jiu Jitsu's very own berimbolo addict is excited to give you his blueprint for how to quickly learn the berimbolo. 0:00 Intro 0:58 Inversion drills 5:23 Attacking with the Berimbolo 5:31 Berimbolo to Mount 7:44 Berimbolo X-Hook to the Back 10:41 Traditional Berimbolo to the Back 13:56 Outro VitalJiuJitsu.com Instagram.com/the_bladdenbolo Instagram.com/vitaljiujitsu_mabjjtacoma
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does this video teach about berimbolo?
This video covers introduction to the berimbolo, inversion roll drill, back roll with gramby roll extension. It provides detailed instruction from Vital Jiu Jitsu.
How long does it take to learn berimbolo?
The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 6-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.
What are the key details for finishing berimbolo?
A partner establishes a de la riva hook (either heel cup or pants grip) combined with either a collar grip or belt grip. The attacking player falls to their shoulder, drives the hook across the partner's far hip, and uses their back leg to push while pulling with the grips to achieve an inverted position underneath.
