Ricardo De La Riva Jessi Taran, who trains at Open Door BJJ, was kind enough to let me use this awesome article (originally published here on the UG forum) about her experiences training with Ricardo De La Riva. Check it out if you have a minute at BJJNews.com
On a personal note, I had a similar experience training at De La Riva's school in Rio this summer.
"For as long as I ’ve been doing Brazilian Jiu Jitsu I ’ve heard the name ‘Ricardo De La Riva ’. My primary BJJ training took place at a Gracie Academy, and perhaps because of this, the name was mentioned quietly, almost reluctantly, like the admission of a secret, shameful sin. It was for this reason that the name ‘De La Riva ’lodged itself so firmly in the recesses of my brain. I felt like something about this man was hidden from me; maybe not purposely, but there was definitely something left unspoken. I could feel it...."
Wow, what a great interview. If he ever comes around Southern California I would love to have the opportunity to see him, attend a seminar, or just meet the man. Does anyone know what he's up to these days?
Wow...that´s really cool!
I´m black belt in BJJ and I was very impressive with De La Riva´s technique as well.
´We at Open Door are very lucky to be able to represent De La Riva association over here in the West Coast!
We will be bring him back for more goodies and seminars!
Sincerely,Sergio Silva
