Many traditions and art forms imported to the New World from around the globe during colonization eventually morphed into new traditions and art forms. Among these are Brazilian martial arts, such as Brazilian jiu jitsu and the fight-dance...
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 handstand is an integral part of disciplines all over the world, from gymnastics to yoga to the Brazilian martial arts known as capoeira. Whether you're interested in one of these forms of exercise or just want to learn an impressive new...
Judo is a martial arts form that, when coupled with Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, gives the athletes a complete workout that includes the powerful throwing techniques as well as advanced ground fighting. In Brazil, the two forms are often joined in what...
Brazilian jiu-jitsu reflects the physical, mental and spiritual states of its practitioners. The martial art relies not only on strategy and physical stamina, but also a sense of inner grace that allows room for defeat without retribution....
Martial arts terms can be confusing. Some styles define more than 100 different kinds of kicks, locks or stances. Besides the technique and movement names, the nomenclature of martial arts styles -- such as the difference between Brazilian...
Jiu Jitsu and Capoeira are martial art forms with ties to Brazil --- both forms stem from blurry pasts with no definite answers regarding their origins, yet the traditions for the practices have evolved in many countries, spreading their practices...
Capoeira combines self-defense, acrobatics, dancing and music. This combination gives players a fun, total-body workout. The book "Capoeira Conditioning" says that practitioners gain coordination, more aerobic capacity and "lean, mean cat-like...
During the summer months, New York City becomes one of the most visited cities in the world. Fashion, skyscrapers, bars and Fifth Avenue shops are all famous New York City attributes, but city lovers enjoy a wide array of activities that help...
Backflips are one of the notable moves associated with capoeira, a Brazilian martial art. Capoeira martial artists frequently do backflips into the ring, showing off their skills as a fighter and gymnast. The concepts behind the execution of a...
Capoeira is an Afro-Brazilian martial art form that combines dance, music and combat. Capoeira focuses on skill and does not require injury to the opponent. Instead, movements are made to show the form and agility of the capoeiristas. During a...
The fighting style of Wing Chun was developed in China from the martial art known as kung fu. There is controversy as to the origins of Wing Chun. Some Wing Chun practitioners believe the story the art it is named for Yim Wing Chun, a woman who...
With the rise in popularity of mixed martial arts, there has been a growing interest in the fighting style known as Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Developed by the Gracie family in Brazil, it is a hybrid of kodokan judo and wrestling. This self-defense...
Capoeira, a Brazilian martial art noted for its colorful style, features many acts of acrobatics, including backflips. Backflips, one of many gymnastics moves in capoeira, allow you to either attack or distance yourself from your opponent....
Take a healthy bite out of the Big Apple on your next visit by taking advantage of some of the pleasurable activities that New York City has in store for visitors. Some of the activities are low-cost and better yet, some are free. New York City...
Capoeira is a Brazilian dance-fighting style that evolved as a way for the slaves of Brazil to entertain themselves as they practiced an effective martial art under the guise of innocent dancing. The result is a fusion of dance flourishes and...
Martial arts promote physical health and mental strength, while teaching techniques for self-defense. Almost anyone can practice martial arts, from children to women and men. If you're interested in martial arts, you can choose from a variety of...
Western cinema audiences love martial arts movies, and the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) marketing machine has managed to turn cage fighting into a respectable, even honorable, pursuit. What you see in the movies, though, isn't always a...
Dancing burns calories and builds muscular strength and endurance. Pair dance with a healthy diet and you have all the key elements of weight loss. Choosing a supportive dance environment also exposes you to others who can encourage you on your...
A Black Belt in Brazilian jiu jitsu is no small feat. To put it in perspective, Ultimate Fighting Challenge legend Randy Couture only earned his Black Belt rank in BJJ more than a decade after winning his first world championship. Although...
Kempo is a nonspecific term used to refer to a variety of Japanese martial arts. In the U.S., kempo generally refers to kenpo karate, a martial arts system developed in Hawaii that traces its origins to Japan. Though also derived from a Japanese...
Brazilian jiujitsu is a martial art that teaches smaller people to defend themselves against larger people by using technique and leverage rather than strength and power. This focus on technique requires years of diligence and consistent practice...
Traditional Japanese jujitsu and Brazilian jujitsu are related martial arts. The Japanese art is a commonly practiced martial art that is practiced for self-defense and self-development across the world. Brazilian jujitsu, or BJJ, is a martial art...
Brazilian jujitsu has a different focus than the Japanese judo and jujitsu from which it drew many of its principles. A Brazilian man named Helio Gracie learned the basics of judo by watching his brother train. Gracie was sickly, but he memorized...
Aiki jitsu and Brazilian jiujitsu are two of the dozens of arts stemming from battlefield grappling techniques of feudal Japan. Although they share common roots, they represent very different -- nearly opposite -- parts of the spectrum of...
Jiu-jitsu is a martial art originating in 19th century Japan. It emphasizes self-defense with a philosophy of adaptability. The art was brought by traveling teachers to Brazil, where it took on characteristics distinct from the original jiu-jitsu....
Jujitsu, or the gentle art, has been the starting point for a variety of self defense styles. One style that has made great gains in popularity over the last few years is Brazilian jujitsu, also known as Gracie Jujitsu in reference to the family...
Even a seasoned health buff will have a difficult time choosing a fitness center in Phoenix, Arizona. Phoenix has several national chains, local chains, luxury and family-oriented health clubs, and personal trainers throughout the metro area....
Jiu Jitsu, also known as Jujitsu, is a martial art from Japan that focuses on the use of the hand. First used by the Samurai, it has existed for centuries. The techniques in Jujitsu focus on grappling or grabbing. There is no attacking in...
Throws are an integral part of jujitsu and all martial arts. Get expert tips and advice on grappling in this video.