Brazil offers martial arts that range from highly respected ground-fighting systems, to unique graceful, acrobatic arts performed with musical accompaniment. The list also includes a straightforward self-defense system suitable for bodyguards. "The Way of the Warrior, Martial Arts and Fighting Systems from Around the World" lists a half-dozen martial arts that originated or were perfected in Brazil.
Vale Tudo and Brazilian Jujutsu
The best known Brazilian jujutsu is named after the Gracie family, who developed it from Kodokan judo. This grappling art emphasizes ground fighting. It also includes kicking and striking, which are often used to create openings in an opponent's defense so he can be taken to the ground and submitted with a joint lock or choke. This art has been influential in the evolution of modern mixed martial arts. Vale tudo is another mixed style of fighting that relies heavily on grappling but also incorporates techniques from other martial arts, including Western and Thai boxing. It originated with a televised "anything goes" fighting competition broadcast in Brazil in the mid-1960s.
Luta Livre
Luta livre means "free wrestling" in Portuguese. Unlike jujutsu, punching and kicking are not allowed in this sport of grappling and wrestling art, which originated in the mid-1920s. New techniques are always welcome; consequently, the sport continues to evolve. The physical demands make conditioning essential.
Capoeira and Maculelê
Music, dance and martial arts merge in capoeira, an art developed by Africans bought to Brazil as slaves by the Portuguese. According to "The Way of the Warrior, Martial Arts and Fighting Systems from Around the World," there are different styles or versions of the art: capoeira angola, capoeira regional and capoeira contemporanea. Angola is the oldest form. A modified version of angola, capoeira regional, is practiced around the world. Capoeira contemporanea combines elements of the two. Maculelê is another music- and dance-based martial art with African origins. It involves the use of sticks or machetes.
Kombato
This self-defense system originated in the 1980s. It includes elements common to other self-defense-oriented systems, such as the use of a variety of techniques ranging from grappling to striking, which are employed only if efforts to avoid or defuse conflict fail. Training deals with armed and unarmed opponents, which contributes to its popularity with military, police, personal protection officers and private citizens interested in defending themselves or others.
References
- "The Way of the Warrior, Martial Arts and Fighting Systems from Around the World"; Chris Crudelli; 2008
- USA Dojo: Capoeira
- USA Dojo: About Brazilian Jujutsu or Jujitsu
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