CAPOEIRA THAT WORKS

  Claressa Shields vs. Danielle Perkins: A Battle of Undefeated Titans for All Four Women's Heavyweight Belts Claressa Shields, the self-proclaimed “G.W.O.A.T.” (Greatest Woman of All Time), is preparing to defend her undefeated record and solidify her legacy as one of boxing’s all-time greats. On February 2, at the Dort Financial Center in Flint, Michigan, Shields will face her toughest challenge yet: Danielle Perkins. The two undefeated champions will battle for all four women’s heavyweight boxing titles in a match airing live on DAZN. Shields, with a flawless record of 15-0, will step into the ring as the undisputed two-division champion. Perkins, standing at a towering 6’2”, comes with an unblemished 5-0 record, two consecutive knockouts, and an athletic pedigree as a former professional basketball player and Top 10 rebounder in college. The physical and mental battle between Shields’ technical mastery and Perkins’ natural size and strength is shaping up to be one for the histo...

  Dog Bites, Risk Factors, and the Power of Self-Defense with Njia Uhuru Kipura Dog bites are a significant public health issue, impacting millions of people annually in Brazil and worldwide. Studies from São Paulo and Curitiba shed light on the complex risk factors associated with these incidents, while the Njia Uhuru Kipura Self-Defense System , developed at ATACX GYM , provides a holistic approach to addressing these dangers. Combining modern science, ancestral wisdom from the Yoruba Orisha Oxóssi , and tactical self-defense techniques, we empower individuals to navigate and mitigate threats effectively. In this article, we explore the findings of these groundbreaking studies and demonstrate how ATACX GYM’s curriculum blends modern knowledge with ancient strategies to equip individuals for real-world challenges. The Risk of Dog Bites: Insights from São Paulo and Curitiba Recent studies have identified key risk factors for dog bites, highlighting the interplay between household d...

  One Health Approach to Dog Bites: Empowering Communities with Science and Self-Defense Dog bites are a significant public health issue that affect communities worldwide. Whether they arise from aggressive animals or are instigated by humans who weaponize their dogs, the consequences are profound, ranging from physical trauma to the risk of rabies—a disease that remains a serious threat despite being preventable. This blog explores key insights from a groundbreaking study on dog bites in Curitiba, Brazil, while highlighting how The Njia Uhuru Kipura of Mwalimu Mtaalam/Head Coach Ras Fletcher's ATACX GYM leverages science and self-defense to address these challenges effectively. The Dog Bite Problem: Insights from Southern Brazil A recent study conducted in Curitiba, the eighth-largest city in Brazil, reveals alarming trends in dog bite incidents. From 2010 to 2015, over 45,000 post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) cases were reported due to dog bites, equating to an average annual inc...

  Addressing School and Young Adult Aggression from Brazil to the USA: The Need for Specialized Self-Defense Programs Children and young adults face significant risks of physical and psychological harm due to school aggression. From Brazil to the USA, the prevalence of fights, bullying, and violence—both online and offline—has reached alarming levels, creating a pressing need for effective self-defense programs tailored to these realities. Unfortunately, more than 90% of schools offering self-defense curricula for students lack the expertise to address the full spectrum of issues. These programs often fail to account for the unique dynamics of cyberspace, social, mental, emotional, anatomical, and physical challenges faced by students today. Moreover, they provide little to no guidance on recovery and resilience-building after such confrontations, leaving students unequipped to heal and grow as whole human beings. The Root Causes of School Aggression Social Cognitive Theory exp...

  Rediscovering the Roots of Kipura: Wristlocks, Knife Disarms, and Standing Grappling The martial art of Kipura , miscalled Capoeira by colonizers, is far more than the flashy kicks and acrobatics often portrayed in modern interpretations. This centuries-old discipline, forged in the fires of resistance and survival by Alkebulan (miscalled African) ancestors in Brazil, has a deep and vital history that goes beyond its current representation. Central to Kipura 's original form are techniques like wristlocks, wristlock throws, knife disarms, and standing grappling, which were essential for combat in both urban and rural settings. The Weapon of Choice: The Navalha (Razor) One of the most iconic weapons associated with Kipura is the navalha , or straight razor. This small yet devastating tool was a symbol of survival, adaptability, and defiance. In the golden age of Kipura , the navalha was not just a weapon but a part of everyday life, especially in poorer neighborhoods where acce...

       Women and Children’s Self-Defense Blog: Bear Hug/Grab from the Back According to statistics from Brazil and the USA, 53% of women report facing violence or the threat of violence in their lives. Furthermore, the most common forms of attack are wrist grabs, arm grabs, bear hugs, and throat grabs or chokes. Chillingly, the most common location for these attacks is the home or living quarters. This blog addresses the bear hug attack—the third most common attack—with a focus on its occurrence against women and children by larger attackers, usually men. We will also highlight the unique skills of Njia Uhuru Kipura. This system, developed and taught by Head Coach Ras of the Atacx Gym, showcases how what is miscalled "52 Blocks" is actually a subset of Kandeka, which itself is a subset of Kipura. The most effective techniques are preserved in the Njia Uhuru Kipura system, combining historical authenticity with modern effectiveness. Defending Against a Bear Hug fro...

  Women and Children’s Self-Defense Blog: Arm Grab, Headlock, and Wrist Grab Defense According to statistics from Brazil and the USA, 53% of women report facing violence or the threat of violence in their lives. Furthermore, the most common forms of attack are wrist grabs, arm grabs, bear hugs, and throat grabs or chokes. Chillingly, the most common location for these attacks is the home or living quarters. This blog addresses the arm grab and subsequent attacks like the headlock and wrist grab, while showcasing the unique skills of Njia Uhuru Kipura. This system, developed and taught by Head Coach Ras of the Atacx Gym, highlights how what is miscalled "52 Blocks" is actually a subset of Kandeka, which itself is a subset of Kipura. The most effective techniques are preserved in the Njia Uhuru Kipura system, combining historical authenticity with modern effectiveness. Defending Against an Arm Grab The arm grab is often used to control or drag a victim. Immediate action is crit...

  Women and Children’s Self-Defense Blog: Wrist or Arm Grab and Follow-Up Attacks/Defenses The staggering prevalence of violence against women and children necessitates practical, effective self-defense strategies grounded in real-world scenarios. According to the National Survey of Health in 2019, over 29.1 million Brazilians were affected by violence, with women, Black, brown (Pardo), and low-income populations bearing the brunt. Physical violence affected 6.6 million people, with women’s households identified as the primary location for such attacks. Among the most common initial assaults were wrist grabs, arm grabs, bear hugs, and chokes. These are not isolated occurrences—they are part of a chilling pattern that highlights the urgent need for effective defense skills. Yet, many so-called “masters” of martial arts in Brazil—particularly those teaching cardio Capoeira—fail to address these attacks adequately. Despite Capoeira’s deep roots in Kipura, a martial art born out of the...

  Theft and Larceny: Understanding, Prevention, and Ancient Wisdom Theft and larceny are not only the most common property crimes globally but also the most persistent crimes in human history. Despite the ubiquity of these issues, many approaches to combating them remain rudimentary. Unlike the often superficial tips given by many "Cardio Capoeira" instructors, Mwalimu Mtaalam/Head Coach Ras Fletcher of ATACX Gym integrates ancient Alkebulan (African) wisdom and modern crime prevention strategies into his Njia Uhuru Kipura system. Kipura, the original Kongo-developed practice of self-defense, spirituality, and human development, has been mischaracterized as the largely fitness-oriented activity called Capoeira. At ATACX Gym , Kipura is restored to its original intent: a holistic practice that includes effective tools for self-defense, crime prevention, and personal empowerment. In this blog, we will explore theft and larceny, share practical prevention tips, and draw from A...