Jiu-jitsu innovator Ricardo de la Riva was promoted to seventh-degree red and black belt on Sunday 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 Gracie family.

Trained firsthand by the legendary Carlson Gracie, de la Riva is celebrating 31 years as a black belt competitor and instructor. Famous for his remarkable flexibility and creativity, he became known to the wider jiu-jitsu community in the late 1980s when he defeated Royler Gracie. The style of guard de la Riva played was named after him during this period, and over the past 30 years it 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 traveled 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 event took place in the neighborhood of Copacabana, just blocks away from de la Riva's gym where he teaches jiu-jitsu. De la Riva gave a technical seminar to attendees shortly after the ceremony and covered techniques from the position that bears his name.