Luta Livre Esportiva

 

Luta Livre Esportiva is a Martial Art that in Portugese means "free Fight", and is an "all encompassing" Martial Art, that contains both Grappling and Striking.

Luta Livre Esportiva was created by Euclydes Hatem in the mid 20th century in Rio De Janiero Brazil. Luta Livre started out as a Ground Fighting style, that emphasized Submission Grappling, such as Chokes and Joint Locks, and later Striking was added to the system.

Later in the 70s Roberto Leitao who had practiced Judo and Wrestling for many years influenced the development of Luta Livre. Leitao placed more emphasis on technique, since he was a small man, and didn't have the strength to overpower an opponent.

Luta Livre was used in Vale Tudo fights, and Euclydes Hatem fought and defeated George Gracie in the 40s.

There are several styles of Luta Livre.

Luta Livre Esportiva is the competition version, and only Grappling techniques are allowed to subdue an opponent (like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu matches).

Luta Livre Vale Tudo means "free fight anything goes". It is a version of Luta Livre that is similar to Mixed Martial Arts fighting. In Luta Livre Vale Tudo, Punching, Kicking, Knee Strikes and Elbows are used, as well as Grappling.

Luta Livre T36 is a Combat version of Luta Livre and it teaches skills for winning a real fight. Luta Livre T36 focuses on Submission Grappling and being able to defeat an attacker in a Self Defense or Combat situation.