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THE HISTORY OF LUTA LIVRE

Luta Livre is a Brazilian martial art that translates to “free fighting” in Portuguese. While it shares similarities with Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ), it has its own distinct history and techniques. Luta Livre originated in Brazil in the early 20th century, evolving alongside other grappling martial arts like Judo and Catch Wrestling. In the early days, there was a significant rivalry between Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Luta Livre, with those that trained BJJ describing Luta Livre as “for poor kids that couldn’t afford a gi”.

Luta Livre gained popularity in Brazil, particularly in the state of Rio de Janeiro, where it became known for its submission-oriented techniques and practical applications for self defence. Euclydes Hatem, also known as “Tatu,” is credited with shaping the early foundations of Luta Livre. Tatu fearlessly challenged fighters from diverse disciplines. One of his most memorable encounters was with the renowned BJJ icon, George Gracie.

In a significant victory, Tatu employed a bent arm lock technique to defeat Gracie. Despite the Gracies’ protests and accusations of rule violations, Tatu’s triumph stood as a monumental achievement for both him and the Luta Livre community. This fuelled a longstanding rivalry between the Gracie Jiu Jitsu lineage and the Luta Livre practitioners.

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LUTA LIVRE VS JIU JITSU

One of the key differences between Luta Livre and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is the absence of the traditional gi (uniform) in Luta Livre. While BJJ practitioners often train and compete wearing a gi, Luta Livre primarily focuses on no gi techniques, emphasising submissions, joint locks, and takedowns without relying on the grips provided by the gi.

In the contemporary martial arts landscape, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu has evolved to encompass both gi and no gi training styles. While Brazilian Jiu Jitsu has achieved widespread popularity, Luta Livre, unfortunately, hasn’t garnered the same level of recognition outside of Rio De Janeiro. It is a compelling argument that Luta Livre serves as the very bedrock upon which no gi Brazilian Jiu Jitsu stands today.

LUTA LIVRE AT NOVA ARTE

Throughout his life, Rafael (Nova Arte No Gi Specialist) has devoted himself entirely to the art of Luta Livre and no gi Jiu Jitsu and advocates for the global recognition of Luta Livre’s pivotal role in the evolution of modern Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. He passionately champions Luta Livre as the true foundation upon which the world of no gi Jiu Jitsu is built.

At Nova Arte Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, we seamlessly integrate the foundational principles of Luta Livre into our no gi classes. Here, you are guaranteed to learn from an authentic specialist in the realm of ‘no gi,’ experiencing a distinctive and unparalleled form of no gi Brazilian Jiu Jitsu that distinguishes us from all other Jiu Jitsu academies. Our unique approach not only enhances your skills but also offers a profound understanding of the art, ensuring you receive top-tier instruction that sets Nova Arte apart as a premier training destination for no gi.

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