In addition to practicing photography, I am an avid Brazilian jiu-jitsu athlete. Jiu-jitsu is a grappling-based martial art, often translated as "the gentle art". In contrast to UFC mixed martial arts, in jiu-jitsu punching and striking is forbidden. Athletes rely on chokeholds, joint manipulations, and physical pain to submit their opponent. Practitioners wear a gi (a thick canvas-like robe) and a belt coloured according to rank. I capture the unparalleled energy of a jiu-jitsu sparring session, where athletes mock-fight to submit their partner. The music is loud, tensions are high - and the blood, sweat and tears flow freely.

Category

documentary

Year

2019

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu