Choke featuring Royce Gracie

December 11, 2004

Rated: NR Runtime: 98 min Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

DVD Quick Take

If you’re a fan of “free style”, “shootfighting” or “no holds barred” type martial arts fights such as those which have become popular starting with the Ultimate Fighting Championship then you have probably heard of the legendary Gracie family and their flavor of jiu jitsu style fighting. This DVD is an inside look at the 1995 Vale Tudo Fighting Championship in Japan with a heavy focus on Rickson Gracie who is arguably currently the best fighter in the Gracie family and the undisputed undefeated world freestyle fighting champion.

If you want to see men beat the dog poop out of each other, this tape wont disappoint. Some of the results are a bit gory even. However, there’s more to it than that. The documentary aspect of this video does an excellent job of giving insight into the lives and drive of the fighters outside of the ring and what makes these guys tick. And if you are not already familiar with Gracie Jiu Jitsu, you just may come away with a respect not only for it’s effectiveness but the artistic beauty of the movements. It is a very fluid style that is amazing to watch.

For fans of Ultimate Fighting Championships and similar events, this DVD is a must-see. However, I think even the more casual martial arts or wrestling fan will also enjoy it.

Posted by Billy Bob | Filed Under 4 Stars, Action, Craig Pittman, DVD, NR, Rickson Gracie, Todd Hays