Luta Livre Combatives Program

At the Defense Training Institute, we believe that a complete martial artist must be prepared for every phase of a confrontation. While our Combat Jujutsu curriculum teaches effective striking, joint manipulation, throws, takedowns, and self-defense principles, modern reality demands that practitioners also possess a strong understanding of ground combat.

 

Luta Livre is a proven Brazilian grappling system developed for real fighting situations. Built upon the principles of leverage, control, positional dominance, and submission, it provides practical skills for surviving and prevailing when a fight goes to the ground.

​

The Defense Training Institute is proud to be affiliated with USA Luta Livre and Grand Master Hugo Duarte, one of the most influential figures in the history of Luta Livre. Through this affiliation, our students gain access to authentic instruction, a recognized ranking system, and a direct connection to the traditions and technical excellence of the art.

 

Our Luta Livre Combatives Program is designed to complement and enhance our Combat Jujutsu training. Students will learn how to establish dominant positions, escape disadvantageous situations, control aggressive opponents, apply effective submissions, and return safely to their feet. Special emphasis is placed on self-defense applications rather than sport competition, making the material relevant for civilians, security professionals, law enforcement officers, and martial artists seeking a complete fighting system.

​

This program follows the philosophy that a martial artist should be equally comfortable standing, clinching, or fighting on the ground. Through structured training, students will develop confidence, conditioning, technical proficiency, and the ability to transition seamlessly between striking, takedowns, and grappling.

​

At its core, Luta Livre teaches more than techniques—it teaches problem solving under pressure. Combined with the principles of Aiki-Jujutsu, it creates a well-rounded system of self-protection that prepares students for the realities of personal defense.

A fight does not begin on the ground, but it may end there. The prepared martial artist trains for both.