Luta Livre

Luta Livre
FocusHybrid:
Country of originBrazil
CreatorEuclydes Hatem
Famous practitioners
ParenthoodGreco-Roman Wrestling, Catch Wrestling, Kosen Judo, Kodokan Judo
Descendant artsMixed Martial Arts (MMA)
Olympic sportNo

Luta Livre (Portuguese: [ˈlutɐ ˈlivɾi], lit. freestyle fighting or wrestling[a]), known in Brazil as Luta Livre Brasileira (lit. Brazilian freestyle fighting) or Luta Livre Submission,[1] and also Brazilian Submission Wrestling, is a Brazilian martial arts and combat sport created by Euclydes Hatem[2][3][4][5] in Rio de Janeiro. Primarily a mixture of catch wrestling and kosen judo, there is also ground striking with the hands, feet, knees and elbows. Notable practitioners include Marco Ruas, Ebenezer Fontes Braga, Johil de Oliveira, Alexandre Franca Nogueira, Renato Sobral, Gesias Cavalcante, Pedro Rizzo, Darren Till and José Aldo.

There are two styles: esportiva ("sporting") and combate ("ground strikes"); both styles are no-gi. In esportiva competitions, grappling techniques are the only techniques allowed to subdue the opponent. Another style developed later is called "Luta Livre Vale Tudo", which is similar to the modern MMA style which allows both standing and ground strikes and submissions.[6] Consequently, it is important to calmly strategize and execute moves with the aim to force the opponent to submit via armlock, leglock, choke or necklock, or to win by points (i.e. takedowns, domination position).[2] Punches, kicks and other "hard" techniques are not allowed as this is considered more a sport than actual combat. Combate, on the other hand, includes striking techniques on the ground; palm strikes and kicks are allowed, but the ground fight and submissions are still the largest elements. This is also the form used in MMA-style fights.


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  1. ^ "Luta Livre Submission". www.lutalivresubmission.com.br. Retrieved 2019-01-15.
  2. ^ a b "Andyconda Luta Livre - the art of grappling and MMA - Luta-Livre brazilian Grappling and MMA". lutalivre.net. Archived from the original on January 5, 2016.
  3. ^ "RFT Deutschland - The development of Luta Livre and Vale Tudo in Brazil. Part II". Retrieved 4 August 2015.
  4. ^ Tom. "History of Jiu Jitsu: Baptism By Fire and Luta Livre". Bleacher Report. Retrieved 4 August 2015.
  5. ^ Nate Wilcox (10 January 2009). "MMA History XVIII: The Losses of Luta Livre". Bloody Elbow. Retrieved 4 August 2015.
  6. ^ "BJJ vs Luta Livre". 16 February 2022.