There are many documentaries about martial arts, portraying facts about the origin, who were the precursors of each art, who were the best fighters of the time, among other factors. Brazilian jiu-jitsu would be no different. Here is a list of the best documentaries about Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
1. Choke (1999)
This documentary ended up becoming a Bible for Jiu-Jitsu fighters and everyone who practices Jiu-Jitsu has the obligation to watch this documentary. In this classic, you will get a glimpse of what goes on in the mind of one of the greatest Jiu-Jitsu masters of all time, Rickson Gracie, in addition to learning a little about the history of the Gracie family.
This film influenced many practitioners and non-practitioners of Jiu-Jitsu and today, Rickson Gracie is considered the last “modern samurai”.
From my personal experience, I will proudly say it again: whoever practices Jiu-Jitsu has the obligation to see this documentary, and whoever is not, you should watch it as well. It is a documentary that will change the way you see martial arts.
2. UFC – Ultimate Royce Gracie
Long before Jon Jones, Connor MacGregor, Khabib Numadomegov, Israel Adesanya, and other champions, there was a 26-year-old boy weighing about 70 kg who completely surprised the world of modern martial arts. This boy’s name was Royce Gracie.
In this documentary, with real scenes of fights and reports from great UFC stars, we see the beginning of MMA (Mixed Martial Arts), and how it all started, aside from talking about the legend, Royce Gracie himself, and the legendary Gracie family.
This documentary shows the creation of the UFC, by Rorion Gracie, until it became a force in the sport and fighting world all over the globe. But most importantly, it shows the tradition of the family that reinvented martial arts in the modern world.
3. Os Gracies é o Nascimento do Vale-Tudo (2009)
This documentary contains very rare copies and archives that show the beginning of the Gracie family. It also features several testimonials from family members and classic footage, such as workouts from the Rolls and Rickson Gracie legends.
The film shows the growth of Jiu-Jitsu, MMA, and their family beliefs. It explores their humble origins and family dynamics, while highlighting the internal conflicts of the family that was, and continues to be, very important for the growth of martial arts.
4. Roger Gracie Legacy
This documentary is available at the Renzo Gracie On-line academy (RGOA), and shows the preparation moments of the two greatest competitive Jiu-Jitsu fighters today: Roger Gracie and Marcus “Buchecha” Almeida. In this film, you see the moments of tension behind the scenes of the Gracie Pro event, all the concentration of techniques, and all the motivation of the family.
In addition to showing images of this event that was considered the “fight of the century”, it helps us understand what goes on in the mind of an elite athlete before, during, and after a very important fight. And besides the great challenge, it also explores the weight of the Gracie family name.
5. Ryan x Ryan- As faces de um Gracie Indomável
This documentary tells a little about the story of the most controversial of the Gracies, Ryan Gracie. Ryan was known for his controversies, but also for his bravery and aggression inside and outside the ring.
For this “indomitable” personality, Ryan has become one of the most controversial names in the Gracie family. He was also considered to be very talented and a winner, but unfortunately he was found tragically dead on December 15, 2007. Ryan left a son, who has been following the family legacy.
6. Closed Guard- The Origins of Jiu-jítsu in Brazil
Produced and directed by multi-champion Robert Drysdale, this film is one of the most awaited films today. This documentary will outline how jiu-jitsu came from Japan until its arrival in Brazil, showing historical events, interviews, and even being known worldwide as Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
It will be a fascinating story for all martial artists in the world. This film is due to be released in 2021.
7. Hélio Gracie, o primeiro samurai brasileiro
This documentary shows the trajectory of Hélio Gracie, son of Gastão Gracie, and one of the biggest names in modern jiu-jitsu and MMA. This film portrays from birth until the consecration of a fighter who adapted the techniques of jiu-jitsu to his physical limitations. Hélio went through several battles and challenges made by practitioners of other arts modalities. Hélio Gracie had to put jiu-jitsu literally in a fire test and faced opponents of various weight categories and with fights without time and without rules. “I struggled to prove that my art was good, to show that the jiu-jitsu I did was superior to other sports.” Helio Gracie
8. Renzo Gracie Legacy (2008)
A history of MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) through the eyes of Renzo Gracie, one of the most charismatic fighters of the traditional Gracie family. This film portrays the true spirit of the warrior during his training, until the day of the fight. Renzo is a person who really loves what he does, and is considered by many to be an Ambassador for jiu-jitsu, precisely because of his charismatic way. Renzo carries Bushido (The Warrior Way / The Warrior Spirit) with himself.
9. Fadda Jiu-jítsu- O outro lado da história do Jiu-jítsu brasileiro
This film tells the story of Oswaldo Baptista Fadda, the Grand Master Fadda.
Fadda was the first to start jiu-jitsu without being a Gracie, he was the pioneer in teaching jiu-jitsu to the poorest people and in the suburbs of the north and west of the city of Rio de Janeiro. Mestre Fadda became known for teaching free to people in need and who had no opportunity to practice the “inaccessible” jiu-jitsu, which was a monopoly of the Gracie family at that time (1940s), in the northern region of the city.
This film shows the spread of Fadda jiu-jitsu, the challenges facing the Gracie family, how Oswaldo Fadda got to know jiu-jitsu and how his legacy has spread to the present day.
“There needs to be a Fadda to show that jiu-jitsu is not the privilege of the Gracie.”
10. Jiu-jítsu x The World (2015)
This film portrays the lifestyle of the jiu-jitsu community in the USA, showing the battles on and off the mat. It shows the positive impact everywhere and especially in people’s lives. With testimonials from some athletes telling about the change in their lives and in the lives of their students with Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
Other documentaries worth watching
- “The Smashing Machine“ (Mark Kerr)
- “Day of the Zen“ (Zé Mário Sperry)
- “Force of the Spirit“ (Jean Jacques Machado)
- “Fight Day” (Renzo Gracie)
Conclusion
These magnificent documentaries deserve to be watched by practitioners of martial arts or not, as they are part of history.
