Vale Tudo

[mpg9999]

What exactly is it? I have read that it means "anything goes" and is basically bjj with punches and kicks. The reason I ask is that I just started bjj and on fridays we do vale tudo (havnt been yet on a friday, this friday will be my first time). They said I need a mouthguard.... haha, this sounds like it might be painful. Also sounds fun. One more question, how do you pronounce vale tudo? TIA

-Mike

[gregimotis]

vale (sounds like 'valet', the guy who parks your car) tudo (like saying 'to go')

It's Portugese for 'anything goes'. Kinda like 'no holds barred' or shootfighting.

Punching, kicking, takedowns, grappling, and submissions. Generally fight untill one or the other taps out, the rules will vary.

[mpg9999]

Do you guys think its ok for a beginer to do this? Am I gonna get beat real bad? The class I am in seems to be pretty aggresive, as in lots and lots of sparing.

-Mike

[gregimotis]

Well, I'm assuming it's a class and therefore somewhat controlled. You aren't going to know until you show up, I guess. Will they let you watch once?

If they are teaching vale tudo, then that's a great way to round out your BJJ skills. If they are beating up newbies, then you should consider if this is a gym you are comfortable with.



Also, you should wear a mouth guard anytime there is a chance of getting hit in the face. Just that they insist you have one in doesn't automatically mean the class is rough.

[jaykay]

Hell, I wear a mouth guard when grappling in case someone accidentally lets loose an elbow. There's no shame in not wanting to lose any teeth.