subject: A Latin Flavor To The Martial Arts [print this page] In Fairfax, martial arts training just might end up with you learning a little Brazilian technique. How is that possible?
Migration from Japan to Brazil
Earlier in the 20th century, the knowledge and awareness of the Japanese, and to a lesser extent other Far-Eastern disciplines, was beginning to spread around the world.
Space doesnt permit a full discussion of the exact paths involved but the sport and techniques of Judo/Jiu-Jitsu became very popular with certain practitioners in Brazil.
Over time, the evolution of the sport in Brazil changed and departed, perhaps more in emphasis that major materiality, from its Japanese origins and eventually made its way into the USA where it today forms an important part of the MMA (Mixed Martial Arts).
The evolution
Where Brazilian jiu-jitsu has evolved is in its emphasis on ground-fighting techniques.
The basic concept relates to the fact that the natural advantages of strength and size (and in spite of what you might have heard to the contrary, these things do provide a certain advantage) can be reduced if both parties are engaged in combat on the floor.
So, the Brazilian techniques focus quite heavily on bringing an opponent down and following this up quickly with various forms of holds and locks at ground level.
This is not a million miles away from Japanese techniques, but the Brazilian style has a fluidity and rapidity that is unique. That is why it has become so quickly incorporated into the MMA.
Other cultural origins
In fact, Brazil isnt the only contributor to the MMA. In Fairfax, martial arts training also utilizes techniques with their origins in Thailand and the Philippines. Muay Thai (sometimes called Thai Boxing or Thai Kickboxing) is an ancient sport and martial art that goes back centuries. By contrast, Filipino disciplines place more emphasis on the use of weapons and fluidity of movement. It can be beautiful to watch and even more beautiful to participate in, and is sometimes close to art.
This is the beauty of studying the MMA. It opens you up to a repertoire of techniques that are adopted and adapted to suit your needs and the needs of MMA. If that means borrowing from the Philippines or Brazil then so be it. If you study at a world-famous school in Fairfax, martial arts training is truly international!
The objective
This isnt an academic subject. The MMA are about practical deployment, self-defense and success in competitions. Of course, theyre also about self-confidence and becoming more personally aware of your own inner strengths and capabilities. Many different individuals, peoples, cultures and centuries, have contributed to make the modern MMA what they are today. In Fairfax, martial arts development and MMA training will help you discover that legacy for yourself.
