How to Do the Knee Cut Against De La Riva in BJJ
The knee cut against DLR guard is the primary method of cutting through the De La Riva hook. By stripping the DLR hook and immediately driving the knee across, you pass before the guard player can re-establish their hooks. It is essential knowledge for any competitor facing DLR guard.
✓ Key Details to Master
- 1 Strip the DLR hook by pushing their knee to the inside
- 2 Immediately drive your freed knee across their thigh
- 3 Control the far collar and underhook simultaneously
- 4 Cut through before they can re-establish the DLR hook
- 5 Complete to side control with authority
✗ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ⚠️ Not stripping the hook cleanly before cutting
- ⚠️ Hesitating after stripping giving time to recover
- ⚠️ Not controlling upper body during the cut
- ⚠️ Cutting too high allowing the knee shield
- ⚠️ Allowing the DLR to be re-established mid-cut
🔄 Variations
- → With collar grip
- → Knee cut to backstep against DLR
- → With leg drag combo
- → Against deep DLR
🛡️ Counters & Defenses
- → Re-establish DLR immediately
- → Invert under the knee cut
- → Berimbolo when the hook is stripped
- → Frame and reguard
Track Your Knee Cut Against De La Riva Progress
Log every time you practice the Knee Cut Against De La Riva and watch your proficiency grow. MatTime helps you build muscle memory by tracking what you actually drill.
Related Techniques
More Guard Passes
View all →Knee Cut Pass
The knee cut pass (knee slice) is one of the most versatile and high-percentage guard passes in BJJ....
Double Under Pass
The double under pass stacks your opponent by getting both arms under their legs. It's a pressure-ba...
Torreando Pass
The torreando (bullfighter) pass is a speed pass where you grip the legs and throw them to one side ...
Leg Drag Pass
The leg drag is a highly effective pass where you drag your opponent's leg across your body while ci...
Frequently Asked Questions
What belt level should I be to learn the Knee Cut Against De La Riva? ▼
The Knee Cut Against De La Riva is typically introduced at the blue belt level. However, higher belts continue to refine this technique throughout their BJJ journey. Building a technical foundation. Developing a guard game and understanding of timing.
Does this work in both gi and no-gi? ▼
The Knee Cut Against De La Riva works in both gi and no-gi, though grip adjustments may be necessary. In no-gi, focus on body control and underhooks instead of gi grips.
How do I set up the Knee Cut Against De La Riva? ▼
The Knee Cut Against De La Riva is typically executed from de la riva. Key setups include controlling your opponent's posture and creating the right angle. Practice the entry repeatedly before focusing on the finish.