LUTA LIVRE (Portuguese: [ˈlutɐ ˈlivɾi] freestyle fighting) is a Brazilian martial art created by Euclydes "Tatu" Hatem in Rio de Janeiro. Primarily a mixture of catch wrestling, freestyle wrestling and judo, there is also striking with the hands, feet, knees and elbows. There are two styles:
- ESPORTIVA ("sporting")
- VALE TUDO ("everything allowed")
both styles are no-gi. In ESPORTIVA competiti
ons, grappling techniques are the only techniques allowed to subdue the opponent. 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).Punches, kicks and other "hard" techniques are not allowed as this is considered more a sport than actual combat. VALE TUDO on the other hand, includes techniques in the clinch as well as on the ground; punches and kicks are allowed, but the ground fight and submissions are still the largest elements.
