Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – Jiu-jitsu innovator Ricardo de la Riva was promoted to seventh degree red and black belt today in an emotional ceremony that was attended by luminaries from the world of jiu-jitsu and MMA.

 The well-known technician – who lends his name to the de la riva guard – received the belt from ninth degree red belts Robson and Reyson Gracie, the two oldest and most senior members of the famous family. 

Trained firsthand by the legendary Carlson Gracie, De la Riva celebrates 31 years as a black belt competitor and instructor. Famous for his remarkable flexibility and creativity, De la Riva became known to the wider jiu-jitsu community in the late 1980s when he defeated Royler Gracie. The style of guard he played was named after him during this period, and over the last 30 years has become a staple position played by jiu-jitsu practitioners all over the world. 

The ceremony was attended by over 200 of De la Riva’s black belt students, who travelled from as far as Europe and the U.S. for the special occasion. 

Speakers who paid tribute to De la Riva’s lengthy career included former UFC and Pride champion Antonio Rodrigo ‘Minotauro’ Nogueira (himself a De la Riva black belt). Numerous figures sent video messages of appreciation and congratulations, including Anderson Silva, Royler Gracie, Ricardo Liborio and many others.  

The ever took place in the neighborhood of Copacabana just blocks away from his gym where he teaches jiu-jitsu. De la Riva gave a technical seminar to attendees shortly after the ceremony where he covered techniques from the position that bears his name.