Greetings.
This is my take on capoeira and MMA.
I touched on this subject a little bit on another PAGE. However, on this page I thought I’d go into this subject in more detail.
So, let’s set the stage:
It all started with one controversial program in November, 1993.
The idea of pitting different martial arts styles against each other in a tournament is a fascinating concept that has captivated the imagination of many people. In this particular instance, two men, Art Davie and Rorion Gracie, conceived this innovative idea. They sought to explore the effectiveness and superiority of various martial arts styles by organizing a tournament where these styles could compete directly. The inclusion of disciplines like Karate, Boxing, Sumo, and Kickboxing added a diverse and captivating element to the tournament, showcasing the rich tapestry of martial arts around the world.
The culmination of this tournament revealed an intriguing outcome, as Royce Gracie, Rorion’s younger brother, emerged as the victor, showcasing the prowess of their family’s Jiu-Jitsu style. This victory not only highlighted the effectiveness of Jiu-Jitsu but also emphasized the significance of strategy, technique, and adaptability in martial arts competitions. It’s remarkable to witness how different styles of martial arts, each with its unique philosophy and approach, can converge in such a platform, ultimately showcasing the beauty and complexity of these disciplines.
And The Martial Arts world was never the same again.
Side note: although there may have been some kind of “conspiracy” as to what was going on at the 1st UFC event…
The fact is that because of the UFC, the whole of the martial art “universe” changed.
Now some of you might think that I don’t like MMA because of the comments I posted about it on another PAGE.
But nothing is further than the truth. I think that MMA is an exciting sport, and one of the most honorable forms of fighting there is at this present time. The combination of various martial arts disciplines allows fighters to showcase their versatility and skill in unique ways, making each match a thrilling spectacle for fans. Additionally, I believe that MMA was, and is NEEDED very much in the Martial Arts universe, as it provides a platform for practitioners to train in multiple techniques and strategies, fostering a deeper understanding and respect for the art of combat.
This diverse approach not only enhances individual fighters by allowing them to adapt and grow through exposure to different techniques and philosophies but also enriches the martial arts community as a whole, bridging gaps between traditional styles and modern practices. This blending of knowledge creates a richer tapestry of skills and insights, fostering a more inclusive environment where practitioners can learn from each other, share their experiences, and cultivate a deeper appreciation for the varied forms of martial arts. As fighters explore these cross-disciplinary connections, they not only improve their own capabilities but also inspire others to embrace an open-minded attitude towards training, ultimately leading to a more interconnected and supportive martial arts landscape.
There’s only 1 small issue I have with MMA, and it has NOTHING to do with the sport itself.
The thing is that nowadays, because of the UFC, PRIDE, and other MMA competitions like it, there seems to be this belief that MMA is best for fighting, and that MMA competitions are the ultimate proving ground.
Hey, I get it. When I was a kid, boxing was the thing. The average person, when they fought, would imitate the fighters they saw on T.V., like Joe Frazier, George Foreman, Sugar-Ray Leonard, Larry Holmes, Iron Mike Tyson. And, who could forget the one, the ONLY, Muhammad Ali…
And then, in 1984, this movie comes along…
That movie, with its iconic crane kick, had a profound impact on the youth of that time. It seemed like everywhere you turned, whether it was the schoolyard, the park, or the street, people were mimicking that famous move. Whether it was in playful imitation or in actual sparring, the influence of that film and its signature moment was undeniable. It’s fascinating how a single scene could resonate so deeply with an entire generation, becoming a part of the cultural fabric and inspiring countless imitations and references.
The era of action movies in the 80’s and 90’s was a time of larger-than-life characters, pulse-pounding stunts, and iconic one-liners that have stood the test of time. It was a time when audiences were captivated by the fearless personas of tough guys like Chuck Norris, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sylvester Stallone, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Steven Seagal, and many others. These legendary figures left an indelible mark on the world of cinema, shaping the archetype of the rugged, unyielding hero that we all sought to emulate. Their performances and larger-than-life personas influenced not only the entertainment industry but also popular culture as a whole, establishing a standard of toughness and resilience that became synonymous with action movies of the era.
The impact of these iconic figures extended far beyond the silver screen, permeating into the fabric of society and inspiring countless individuals to embody the spirit of strength, courage, and tenacity. From their bone-crunching fight scenes to their unwavering determination in the face of adversity, these “Tough Guys” became emblematic of a particular brand of masculinity that resonated with audiences around the globe. Their influence remains palpable to this day, as their movies continue to be celebrated and their characters revered as paragons of grit and heroism.
Through their contributions to the action genre, these cinematic legends not only entertained audiences but also instilled a sense of empowerment and resilience, leaving an enduring legacy that continues to shape the world of film and the collective imagination of audiences worldwide. It was through their larger-than-life exploits and invincible personas that they etched themselves into the annals of cinematic history, forever immortalized as the paragons of toughness and fortitude against all odds.
And now that MMA is a “Household Name” in the martial arts industry, everybody’s trying to “ground and pound”.
Not that they weren’t doing that before, but nowadays, due to MMA’s popularity, a lot of street fights are kinda like MMA fights, and it has become “the standard”, of what fights should look like, and how fights should evolve.
The perception that Capoeira may not be effective in fighting due to its distinctive and aesthetic movements is a common misconception. Despite its association with dance, Capoeira encompasses a range of techniques that can be highly effective in combat scenarios. The fluid movement, acrobatics, and deceptive kicks characteristic of Capoeira can confound opponents and provide a formidable advantage in various fighting contexts, including MMA matches.
The integration of Capoeira skills into MMA showcases the adaptability and efficacy of this art form in contemporary combat sports, challenging preconceived notions and demonstrating the practicality of its techniques. As fighters blend the fluid movements, rhythmic footwork, and acrobatic elements of Capoeira into their training regimens, they are not only enhancing their physical capacities but also developing a unique strategic perspective in their fighting style. This evolution not only highlights the versatility of Capoeira but also emphasizes how traditional martial arts can enrich modern combat disciplines. Furthermore, the incorporation of Capoeira fosters creativity and unpredictability in the cage, making athletes who utilize these techniques more formidable opponents, while encouraging a broader appreciation of the diverse origins of martial arts in the world today.
Ramsey Dewey, an experienced MMA coach based in Shanghai, China, demonstrates in this video 7 Capoeira techniques specifically tailored for MMA fighters to incorporate into their arsenal. This innovative approach not only adds diversity to their fighting style but also provides valuable tactics for surprising opponents in the ring.
You see, the way fighting works varies greatly with the situation the fighters happen to be in. Sometimes, we talk about ‘rules’, but let’s face it – this word is both too narrow and overused.
“Situation” is better, I think.
Mixed Martial Arts, commonly known as MMA, presents a unique blend of various fighting styles, such as boxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, wrestling, Muay Thai, and more. This eclectic combination of techniques makes it well-suited for the modern combat sports arena, adapting to the dynamic “situation” of the fight. By allowing a range of fighting techniques within a controlled environment, MMA accommodates the complexities of combat sports.
In contrast to traditional martial arts, MMA caters to a distinct set of parameters, embracing the diverse elements that define a “situation” for combat. With specific REGULATIONS that govern the conduct and safety of the fighters, MMA encapsulates the essence of controlled yet intense confrontations. Furthermore, the emphasis on athleticism, skill, and strategy within a defined rule set distinguishes MMA as a comprehensive and enthralling form of combat sports.
The evolution of MMA regulations and the standardization of safety protocols reflect a proactive approach to harmonizing the sport with the contemporary understanding of physical competition. This proactive adaptation exemplifies the significance of aligning the fighting “situation” with the ethical and safety considerations inherent in combat sports.
And if a competitor deviates from that, then they get checked…
In essence, MMA encapsulates the essence of adapting to the nuanced “situation” of combat, fostering an environment where athleticism, skill, and safety converge to create an engrossing and dynamic spectacle.
All the above factors shape the way you fight in MMA. Imagine, for example, if an MMA bout was fought on concrete or asphalt. Naturally, throwing the opponent onto his head would be much more important part of the game then it is now.
Certainly, let’s delve deeper into the fascinating transformation of Capoeira and how it was employed in the past.
In the past, Capoeiristas encountered situations that demanded a unique set of skills. For instance, Capoeiristas had to be prepared to defend themselves against bounty hunters and navigate gang fights, where the ability to swiftly maneuver and react became essential for survival. Moreover, the practice often involved techniques such as kicking and stomping on downed opponents, reflecting the severity of the confrontations in which it was utilized. The inclusion of weapons and the need to engage with multiple opponents was a stark reality, shaping the evolution of Capoeira as a versatile and potent martial art.
Furthermore, the environment in which Capoeira was deployed was diverse, requiring adaptability for engaging in combat on various surfaces. This aspect not only distinguished Capoeira from other martial arts but also contributed to its evolution, as practitioners had to master the art of fighting in unconventional terrains.
Overall, the historical context of Capoeira as a form of defense against a multitude of threats underscores the dynamic evolution of this art form. The transitions it underwent to meet the needs of the time reflect the resilience and adaptability inherent in Capoeira, ultimately shaping it into the captivating and diverse practice it is today.
(Note that I didn’t say there were ‘no rules’…. It was just a different set of rules. You’ll understand why on another PAGE)
In the context of the historical development of Capoeira, the old forms of this martial art were incredibly effective. The swift and agile footwork associated with Capoeira allowed practitioners to swiftly maneuver in, strike, and evade their opponent’s attacks.
Furthermore, the art’s take-down techniques enabled fighters to efficiently bring their opponent to the ground, incapacitate them, and then seamlessly transition to their next target. The strategic emphasis on avoiding excessive clinching and grappling not only prevented practitioners from becoming entangled with a single opponent but also helped them evade potential attacks from an opponent’s accomplice. This approach was crucial in ensuring the safety and agility of the Capoeira practitioner in combat situations.
These was the type of situations that the old forms of Capoeira was created for.
Now Notice I didn’t say this is in any way ‘better’ than MMA. It is just a different way of fighting.
Take any capoeirista from that time, used to fighting in a street fighting situation like I described above into a MMA ring WITHOUT PROPER TRAINING; and he (or she) WILL get quickly taken down and grappled into submission, or knocked out.
And of course, it works the other way too: Take any MMA fighter into a mass battle involving machetes, clubs, straight razors, etc. and if they tried the strategies they learned for the cage, we all know they’ll get their throats slit, or their heads busted open very quickly.
In the context of the evolution of martial arts, it’s essential to consider the transition from traditional fighting styles to modern combat sports like MMA. Within the intricate framework of mixed martial arts, the skills and techniques demanded differ significantly from those utilized in traditional fighting disciplines. This transition is particularly profound when considering the journey of a capoeirista, traditionally accustomed to the dynamics of street fights, into the structured environment of an MMA ring. Without the necessary adaptation and training, the capoeirista would find themselves vulnerable to being swiftly taken down and grappled into submission, or even knocked out. This reality underscores the profound impact of tailored training and adaptation when navigating the diverse landscape of martial arts and combat sports.
So, what am I driving at?
When it comes to physical training, it is essential to tailor your regimen to your individual requirements and goals. Whether your aim is to excel in mixed martial arts, or to develop self-defense skills for real-world situations, your training approach should be aligned with those specific objectives. It’s crucial to understand the practical application of your training and how it relates to the outcomes you seek. This targeted approach ensures that you are effectively preparing yourself for the scenarios you are most likely to encounter. Always remember that the effectiveness of your training is closely linked to its relevance to your desired outcomes.
Notice that I didn’t say “For Reality”, because for me, fighting in the ring is just as real as fighting in the streets.
Okay guys, that’s my take on Capoeira and MMA. I hope you enjoyed it.
I’m gonna end this page with a playlist of some of my favorite fighters.
Jogo Corpo Fechado 