2013-07-03

Brazilian martial arts come in variations. One can chose to either practice the floor fighting systems or the graceful acrobatics with musical accompaniment.

When individuals think of the martial arts, usually Japan or China spring to mind. But the names Helio Gracie, Euclydes Hatem, Royce Gracie, Rickson Gracie, and Manuel dos Reis Machado all envision two words- Brazil and greatness. In short, the Brazilian martial arts styles have a backseat to no country.



Brazilian Martial Arts

History of Brazilian Martial Arts

There are a large number of styles of martial arts, and while most originated from Asia and Europe, other countries make a huge mark in the advancement of martial arts.

In Brazil, for example, the art of Jiu-Jitsu has evolved into a premiere skill along with a key component of today’s mixed martial arts fighting.

As the name Jiu-Jitsu is the common name linked to the art, it truly was born from the Japanese martial art of Kodokan judo. This kind of judo emphasizes grappling in addition to ground fighting combat skills, which may be huge advantage for a smaller fighter in competition with someone larger or stronger. The grappling skills, chokeholds, joint-locks and ground fighting taught in this particular discipline very often negate natural advantages of a larger opponent.

Japan form of Jiu-Jitsu was introduced in Brazil in 1914, when famed Kodokan judo expert Mitsuyo Maeda was touring the planet showcasing his skills. In 1916, Carlos Gracie, the eldest son of circus owner Gastao Gracie, visited one of Maeda’s expositions. It inspired him to understand the skill, and he became certainly one of Maeda’s students.

After training with Maeda, Carlos Gracie teamed together with his brothers to open a fighting techinques academy that emphasized Jiu-Jitsu techniques. The Gracie academy opened in 1925, and also the brothers began training a large number of willing students. The Gracies also held competitions, inviting fighters associated with a fighting style to come and challenge the Gracie fighters. In virtually every no-holds barred bout, the Gracie fighters easily beat their opponents. The benefits of learning of Jiu-Jitsu became clear quickly, and the sport grew exponentially throughout Brazil.

The Gracie’s youngest sibling, Helio, would be a huge part of the development of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Physically weaker than his siblings and vulnerable to illness, he hardly appeared to be destined to become a giant in neuro-scientific martial arts. However, he spent many years simply observing his brothers teachings. His observations repaid, and when he began sparring or rolling together with his brothers, his talents became apparent, and that he is largely responsible for transforming Kodokan judo skills into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. There are lots of other significant influences within the art, as well, including the Machado Family, Luis Franca and Oswaldo Fadda.

Royce Gracie was among the first to bring Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to the attention of american citizens. Using his extensive Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu skills, Royce Gracie won the very first Ultimate Fighting Championship, as well as the second and fourth UFC titles. After that, it was only a matter of time until BJJ was a huge part of mixed martial arts training.

Brazilian Fighting techinques Types

Brazilian Jiu-jitsu



Brazilian Jiu-jitsu

Also known as Gracie jiu jitsu, Brazilian jiu jitsu is a derivative of Japan’s Jiu jitsu. The Japanese brought jiu jitsu to Brazil in early 1900s, but since then, the martial-art developed into a new type of sport involving a large number of technical and detailed moves, based on Nolan Osborne of Capital Jiu Jitsu. The Gracie household is credited with developing Brazilian jiu jitsu, and Helio Gracie, who practiced the game into his 90s, invented the very first encyclopedia of Brazilian jiu jitsu moves. Some fighting techinques experts believe Brazilian jiu jitsu is easily the most effective martial art ever created, Osborne says. Having a mixture of techniques, you must first understand how your opponent moves using instinct, feeling and touch. Each fighting situation differs, so you must feel the right path through it.

Luta Livre Brazilian Martial Arts

In Portuguese, Luta livre means free wrestling. This can be a form of Brazilian martial arts that doesn’t allow kicking or punching. It originated from the mid 1920s and includes wrestling and grappling. The game is always evolving and new techniques are continually being incorporated. However, the participants within this sport have to ensure that their health are well conditioned because it a intense sport.

Capoeira Brazilian Martial Arts

Capoeira is really a derivative of African fighting techinques and was first brought to Brazil by slaves. Forbidden to rehearse their traditional martial art form by European slave owners, the captives began presenting the fighting art like a dance, as well as mixing it with traditional dances, like the “dance of the zebras,” a warrior’s fight-dance. From all of these first fight-dance exhibitions, capoeira flourished but wasn’t accepted by the establishment in Brazil before the 20th century. In the 21st century, capoeira is a recognized sport with lots of academies, as well as national and international competitions. The fight-dance continues to be exhibited as such, and routines derive from choreographed acrobatic fight moves.

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