Mastering Spiral Guard (Reverse De La Riva) in No-Gi Jiu Jitsu: A 10th Planet Denver Guide
- Tim Mohatt
- Jul 15
- 3 min read
Introduction
If you’ve spent any time on the mats, you know that open guard is a world of possibilities. One of the most creative and powerful guard options in no-gi is the Spiral Guard, also called Reverse De La Riva (RDLR).
At 10th Planet Denver, we believe this position is a game changer. It is not just a defensive shell. It is a launchpad for attacks and a way to take control of the fight. Whether you're trying to build a more dangerous bottom game or stop aggressive passers from running you over, the Spiral Guard is a must-have tool.
What Exactly Is Spiral Guard?
The Spiral Guard, or RDLR, is built on hooking the inside of your opponent’s lead leg with your leg. Unlike standard De La Riva, which hooks from the outside, this inside hook creates new angles and makes it much harder for your opponent to drive forward.
It works so well in no-gi because you don’t need sleeves or collars to hold onto. You use your hooks, strong grips on the ankle or heel, and smart framing to stay connected and attack. If you think of your legs as extra arms, you start to understand how powerful this guard can be.
Why Use Spiral Guard?
In no-gi, you lose all the traditional gi grips. The Spiral Guard lets you keep control and stop knee cut passes, which are a favorite of many pressure passers.
This guard allows you to:
Shut down common passing routes and force your opponent to slow down.
Attack in different directions instead of just defending.
Transition to back takes like the creative Kiss of the Dragon spin-under.
Set up leg locks, especially entries to inside sankaku or backside 50/50.
Pop up for single or double-leg takedowns if your opponent gives you an opening.
Favorite Attacks and Transitions
The Kiss of the Dragon Back Take This move might be one of the most fun in Jiu Jitsu. You invert under your opponent, using the hook to spin around and climb to their back.
Sweeps and Off-Balances From Spiral Guard, you can tip your opponent forward or backward. Even if you do not finish a sweep, you break their posture and make them work harder to pass.
Leg Lock Entries The inside hook is perfect for moving into single-leg X and other leg entanglements. Many modern leg lock attacks start here.
Wrestle-Ups When your opponent shifts away or stands up, you can follow and come up into takedowns. You turn defense into offense without missing a beat.
Who Uses Spiral Guard?
Some of the most skilled grapplers in the world use this guard to control and attack from the bottom.
Geo Martinez (10th Planet) — Known for creative transitions to the truck and twister attacks.
Giancarlo Bodoni — Uses RDLR to enter leg locks and get to the top.
Mikey Musumeci — Mixes it with matrix back takes and berimbolo-style moves.
Lachlan Giles — Hooks into bigger opponents to create openings for leg attacks.
Dante Leon — Uses RDLR to blend wrestling and guard work into a smooth game.
Why Train Spiral Guard at 10th Planet Denver?
At 10th Planet Denver, we train no-gi only. We focus on positions and movements that work at the highest level and in real fights. Spiral Guard fits perfectly into that system.
We do not teach bottom guard as a place to hide or stall. Instead, we teach it as a place to attack and control the action. With Spiral Guard, you learn to use your legs to push, pull, and hook so you can guide your opponent wherever you want them to go.
It is like a chess match, but instead of pieces on a board, you use your whole body.
Final Thoughts
Adding Spiral Guard to your skill set changes the way you play Jiu Jitsu. You get tools to frustrate aggressive passers, create back takes, and hunt for leg locks. All of this happens while you stay active and unpredictable.
If you want to level up your guard game and see what is possible from the bottom, come train with us at 10th Planet Denver. We teach these concepts clearly and help you apply them live so you can turn theory into action.
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