I've been looking more into wrestling styles since joining my dojo's Shin Atemi and BJJ classes, and I was wondering about Lucha Libre after finding out theres a group in london who teach and do shows for it. It seems quite theatrical with its use of more jumping moves and the obvious things like the suits and story elements in the ring, but I was wondering if it has the common elements with catch wrestling and other styles in example that make it useful in a competative/self defense context? It still looks like a good laugh at any rate, but how does its technical aspects make it similar or different to the other wrestling styles
pro-wrestling has its roots in "real" wrestling and grappling arts. Back in the day pro-wrestlers had and were expected to have a background in freestyle, catch or whatever and the line between wrestling and pro was not so clear. That's not the case these days. One thing about pro-wrestling is that you'll certainly learn to take a bump or knock and be expected to go with it and carry on, which is a good thing in "self defence". Honestly, bugger all that combative / SD lark..if you like the look of it, do it! I got asked to join a pro-wrestling club, regret saying no. The training would have been fun! Now where's my Blue Demon mask?
I'm not near anywhere there does it, but I frequent london on a monthly basis. I figured it might be some good fun
I thought you were North West way! I am a bit of a fan of Lucha Libre and if I didn't have some minor health problems, I would go and work in Mexico for a bit so I could experience the thing. I recently met a Mexican woman who owned a bar near one of the arenas were the wrestling took place, it was frequented by fans and wrestlers alike. She told me some interesting stories and gave me quite an insight into the culture and how big it is in Mexico. Can't beat some of the old El Santo and Blue Demon movies. Really cheesy films where the two luchadors go off and fight zombies, aliens, vampires or international crime...they always save the day just in time for the nights lucha event! Hilariously bad. I wouldn't recommend them though! Cant find a clip in English.
I am northwest, I have close friends down south, so I do end up travelling about. I was down there a few months back checking a Bajiquan seminar on one visit If I get a chance to try stuff I usually take it I'll have a look, I love a good cheese film fest
If you're in the North West, then Team Kaobon in Liverpool do Luta Livre: http://www.kaobon.com/schedule.html I did a seminar there a few years back and it was excellent.
Is Luta Livre and alternative spelling or the term or is it in context of the Vale Tudo style I've read of? That could lead to concerns about appropriate training wear:
Luta livre is the Brazilian grappling art. Lucha Libre is pro-wrestling from Mexico. I think they both mean "free fight" in their own languages (Mexican and Brazilian ) What's the school called, Furi? Is it The London School of Lucha Libre?