Samuel Braga concentrating as light featherweight match at 2009 Worlds begins / Photo by Regis Chen
Jiu-Jitsu world champion Samuel Braga (Gracie Barra-BH) has been a bit peeved about this business of the “berimbolo” belonging only to the Mendes brothers(Atos).
“That’s right, folks seem to have forgotten that I drummed up that berimbolo when I was a purple belt—that was in 2003! I’ve been using the move ever since, as any good Jiu-Jitsu fan can see for himself in videos from the 2005 Worlds, when I won gold at black belt,” he remembers (watch it below).
“The curious part is that in 2005 Guilherme and Rafael Mendes were still blue belts,” he quips.
GRACIEMAG.com is of the understanding that in Jiu-Jitsu nothing is invented; everything is adapted and renovated, which is why paternity is never an issue. But we couldn’t help asking Samuel about it:
What are some tips for someone wanting to get good at the berimbolo? And the GB professor offered three pointers:
1. WORK ON THE DE LA RIVA GUARD AND GET GOOD AT TAKING BACK.
To get good at the berimbolo, a technique where you start on bottom and then end up on top, you have to start by working on taking back from de la Riva guard.
2. WHEN THE OPPONENT TAKES A STEP BACK TO PASS DE LA RIVA, REVERSE THE POSITION
To reverse the position, capitalize on the moment the opponent steps backwards to pass de la Riva guard. Try combining steps 1 and 2, especially when the opponent hides the support arm to pass de la Riva guard.
3. BERIMBOLO, JIU-JITSU AND LOW HIP
Starting from standing position, work on taking back from withing de la Riva guard. Then make the most of the moment when your training partner positions himself with his knees on the ground, getting his hips low. This will help a lot in upping the level of your berimbolo.
What do you think, dear reader, is the berimbolo a good option for guard players? Share your thoughts below.
