Combat Sports Documentary Traces Origins of Jiu-Jitsu

Confira bastidores da pré-estreia do documentário “Dos Samurais ao MMA”; saiba onde e quando assistirhttps://t.co/H6C5wDYwTd pic.twitter.com/JQdv8tUmur

— Portal do Vale Tudo (@portaldovt) August 10, 2023

Those interested in the history of combat sports in Brazil have just gained a significant option for knowledge.

Tuesday marked the premiere of the documentary “From Samurai to MMA —500 Years of Fighting." Conceived by journalist and Sherdog.com contributor Marcelo Alonso and produced by Brazilian company Ciranda Filmes, the documentary is the result of three years of work. It traces the origins of jiu-jitsu, grappling and MMA, highlighting protagonists Jigoro Kano, Mitsuyo Maeda and four generations of Gracie family, culminating in the modern MMA era. The screening at a cinema in Rio de Janeiro was attended by 350 guests from various fighting disciplines: luta livre, muay thai, jiu-jitsu, and MMA.

Prominent figures such as Joao Alberto Barreto, a disciple of Helio and Carlos Gracie, Fernando Pinduca, Murilo Bustamante, Antonio Rogerio Nogueira, Alexandre "Pequeno" Nogueira, and Reyson Gracie — the oldest member of the Gracie family — were present, along with many others who were enchanted by the work.

"I have no doubt that it’s the most complete documentary ever made. It was the greatest tribute to the Gracie family I've ever seen," said Barreto.

"I thought I knew the history of Jiu-Jitsu, but today I realized I knew nothing. It brought unbelievable information," said former UFC fighter Joe Moreira.

"Alonso is the eyewitness from vale tudo to MMA. He and his team were very competent in creating this documentary. It was a gift to jiu-jitsu history. It should be shown in Brazilian schools,” said former UFC, Pride and IVC fighter Carlao Barreto.

The documentary will be divided into five episodes and will be available starting Aug. 21 on Combate, a Brazilian combat sports channel. There is no current release date for an English-subtitled version.

"This story has been told a few times by the main players. What we tried to do was bring in historians with many details. Historians such as Elton Silva, Rildo Heros, Carlos Lodo, Eduardo Correia, Gustavo Massanero and Reila Gracie tell the story with all the historical details and many images, along with never before revealed facts. We are very pleased with the result," Alonso said.