Fight Quest Season 1 Episode 8 Brazilian
- February 15, 2008
Fight Quest is a television show that aired on the Discovery Channel during the late 2000s. The series followed two martial arts enthusiasts, Jimmy Smith and Doug Anderson, as they traveled the world to learn and train in different forms of combat. The series is known for its intense fight scenes and in-depth look at various martial arts cultures from around the globe.
Season 1 episode 8, titled Brazilian, takes Jimmy and Doug to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The episode begins with the hosts discussing their excitement for the trip and their expectations for what they will learn from the Brazilian martial arts styles. Doug remarks that Brazilian jiu-jitsu is one of the fastest-growing martial arts in the world and has had a huge impact on the UFC. Jimmy agrees that Brazilian jiu-jitsu is a trend-setter in the MMA world but notes that they will also be exploring other Brazilian martial arts styles such as Capoeira, Vale Tudo, and Muay Thai.
Upon arrival in Rio, Jimmy and Doug head straight to the Gracie Academy to begin their training in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. They meet with Rilion Gracie, a black belt, and son of the founder of Brazilian jiu-jitsu, Carlos Gracie. Rilion introduces Jimmy and Doug to some basic techniques and explains how Brazilian jiu-jitsu differs from other martial arts. According to Rilion, it's all about leverage and technique, not size or strength. He tells them that in jiu-jitsu, the smaller opponent can beat the stronger one by using the correct moves and positions.
After their lesson at the Gracie Academy, Jimmy and Doug spend some time exploring the city of Rio de Janeiro. They visit a local Capoeira school and get a taste of the traditional Brazilian martial art. The hosts quickly discover that Capoeira is a very acrobatic style of fighting that requires a lot of coordination and athleticism. They try their hand at some basic movements and strikes but quickly realize that mastering this martial art would take a lot of time and dedication.
Next up, Jimmy and Doug meet with legendary Vale Tudo fighter Marco Ruas. Ruas has been called the godfather of MMA and played a huge role in popularizing the sport in Brazil. He demonstrates some basic moves and techniques that are used in Vale Tudo and explains the history behind the sport. Jimmy and Doug are amazed by the raw aggression and intensity of Vale Tudo and both agree that it would be terrifying to face off against someone trained in this style.
The final martial art that Jimmy and Doug explore in the Brazilian episode is Muay Thai. They meet with Paulo Tocha, a world-renowned Muay Thai fighter, who teaches them some basic strikes and combinations. The hosts quickly discover that Muay Thai is all about power and precision, and the sport is often referred to as "the art of eight limbs" because it involves the use of fists, elbows, knees, and shins.
Throughout the episode, Jimmy and Doug are pushed to their limits as they train in different martial arts and take on some of the best fighters in Brazil. They are exposed to new techniques and styles that they have never seen before and are forced to adapt their own fighting styles to accommodate the Brazilian culture. Along the way, they meet some fascinating people who are all united in their passion for martial arts.
In conclusion, the Brazilian episode of Fight Quest is an action-packed journey through the world of Brazilian martial arts. From the ground-breaking techniques of Brazilian jiu-jitsu to the raw aggression of Vale Tudo, this episode offers a fascinating look into the Brazilian martial arts scene. Jimmy and Doug are engaging hosts who are not afraid to push themselves to their limits, and this episode is a must-see for all martial arts enthusiasts.