CAPOEIRA THAT WORKS

  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...

       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...

  The Healing Power of Aloe Vera in Njia Uhuru Kipura: A Legacy of Wellness Mwalimu Mtaalam Ras Fletcher, founder of THE ATACX GYM and creator of Njia Uhuru Kipura, incorporates Aloe Vera as a cornerstone of his holistic approach to healing and wellness. Pursuing his doctorate in Kinesiology, Wellness, Black Studies, and Naturopathic Medical Science, Ras Fletcher blends ancestral knowledge with modern science to provide a full-spectrum method for healing, health, and whole human development. Aloe Vera, revered for its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and regenerative properties, plays a central role in the healing protocols he teaches. Aloe Vera has been used for centuries as a medicinal plant, particularly in regions like Alkebulan (miscalled Africa) where its properties were well understood. Studies from the National Library of Medicine confirm the plant’s ability to accelerate wound healing, reduce inflammation, and restore skin integrity. Its compounds, including glucomannan ...

  Njia Uhuru Kipura: The Ultimate Self-Defense System Against Intimate Partner Violence Intimate partner violence (IPV) poses a grave threat to the safety and well-being of Black women. While many self-defense systems claim to address the dangers of IPV, few offer the depth, reliability, and effectiveness needed to counter the complex dynamics of physical abuse, particularly when grappling and weapons are involved. Njia Uhuru Kipura, developed by Mwalimu Mtaalam Ras Fletcher at THE ATACX GYM, stands apart as a comprehensive system capable of defending against violent grappling and weaponized assaults in all ranges and phases of conflict. This distinction is critical, as conventional systems like Cardio Capoeira fail to provide practical solutions for these scenarios. In contrast, Njia Uhuru Kipura integrates proven techniques, biomechanics, and spiritual resilience, making it the most effective self-defense system for addressing IPV in the Black community. The Reality of Intimate P...

  The Forgotten Power of Kipura Elbows: A Legacy Restored by Njia Uhuru Kipura Elbow strikes have long been celebrated as a defining characteristic of martial arts such as Muay Thai and Wing Chun. However, the true origins and comprehensive mastery of these techniques are deeply rooted in the ancient Alkebulan (miscalled African) martial art of Kipura. Head Coach Mwalimu Mtaalam Ras Fletcher, of THE ATACX GYM, has preserved and revitalized the authentic knowledge of Kipura, particularly its elbow techniques, through his family’s art of Njia Uhuru Kipura—"Kipura’s Way of Freedom." This art reveals that the elbow strikes known today are mere shadows of the extensive arsenal in Kipura, practiced thousands of years before the emergence of the Shaolin Temple or the Kingdom of Siam. The Ancient Origins of Kipura and Kandeka The people of Kongo, Sudan, Rwanda, and their surrounding regions are direct descendants of Nwba, miscalled Nubia by European scholars. As documented in The...

    The Art of Weapon Deployment with an Extended Arm in Njia Uhuru Kipura Weapon deployment in Njia Uhuru Kipura is an art that marries strategy, biomechanics, and efficiency. One particularly striking technique involves deploying a weapon with an extended arm, emphasizing precision, speed, and control. Under the guidance of Mwalimu Mtaalam Ras Fletcher , practitioners learn to transform this seemingly simple motion into a decisive tactical advantage. Biomechanics of the Extended Arm Deployment The extended arm is not merely a delivery system but a conduit of kinetic energy, balance, and awareness. Key principles include: Alignment: The arm aligns with the body's center of gravity, ensuring stability. Tension and Relaxation: Proper muscle engagement allows for controlled power without telegraphing intent. Grounding: The posture remains rooted in the Earth Principle , ensuring that the force is effectively channeled. Deployment Scenarios This technique is versatile and c...

  **Title: Challenging the Status Quo: Fist Fighting Skills in Cardio Capoeira (Word Count: 397 | Estimated Reading Time: 2-3 Minutes)** This blog post addresses a common type of fist fight that occurs at any time in multiple places worldwide within human civilization. Specifically, it questions the absence of fist fighting skills in Cardio Capoeira, leaving practitioners wholly vulnerable to the common two-fisted attack employed by aggressors ranging from the youngest of children to the most hardened of criminals. How would Cardio Capoeira practitioners deal with such real-world fist fights? This question forms the crux of our discussion. **The Legacy of Kipura** Throughout history, Kipura warriors have embodied the spirit of jagunjagun, skilled combatants revered for their prowess in warfare. The term "jagunço" in Brazilian Portuguese is believed to have originated from "jagunjagun," drawing parallels between the martial traditions of the Yoruba people and the leg...

  **Unlocking the Legacy: Exploring the Roots of African American Fighting Styles in Montu (Word Count: 1,866 | Estimated Reading Time: 9-10 Minutes)** In the expansive realm of martial arts, a vibrant tapestry of traditions intertwines with cultural heritage and historical significance. Among these, African American fighting styles stand as symbols of resilience, creativity, and adaptability. From 52 Blocks to Jailhouse Rock, these combat forms share a common lineage deeply rooted in the Montu tradition, the Kemetic god of war. At its core, Montu embodies a legacy of strength, ingenuity, and survival originating from the ancestral homelands of Africa. It encompasses a synthesis of combat techniques, spiritual wisdom, and cultural expression. For centuries, African warriors honed their skills in Montu, mastering hand-to-hand combat, grappling, and weapon proficiency. Montu, being devastatingly effective, served as the self-defense system of choice for warriors who fled enslavement ...