Rickson Gracie: Choke (1999) Review

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(More customer reviews)Rickson Gracie "Choke" is more than just a fight video - it captures the anxiety, preparation, and visceral intensity behind the competitors as they prepare for competition. View at the Ultimate Fighting Championship with a much deeper background.
The video captures the preparation for, and competition in Vale Tudo Japan 1995, a mixed martial arts competition where almost anything goes. ("Vale Tudo" is Portuguese for "Anything Goes", but the rules are not quite that extreme.)
The video takes an in depth look at 3 of the participants.
1 - Todd Hays is an all around gifted athlete, with a background in kickboxing. His mixture and fear are apparent as he attempts to use this event to pay for his Olympic bobsleading dreams.
2 - Koichiro Kimura is a Japanese amateur shootfighting champion, who wants nothing more than to test himself against the best. You get to meet his parents, who are affraid he'll die in the ring.
3 - Rickson Gracie is the defending champion, as well as the best of the famous Gracie family. It's no suprise that he gets the lion's share of the publicity.
In addition to the gritty reality of the fighting, you're introduced to some humorous back scene footage: Rickson's desire for a belt in addition to a trophy brings some chuckles, as does his last minute desire to hit the restroom. A near blind Yuki Nakai is both valiant and funny when he screams, "Rickson, I'm coming for you!"
If you're looking for a technique video, this is not it. If you're looking for 2 hours of fighting from the best guys out there today, again this is not the video. If you're looking to understand the mind of the fighter, in the context of the ring, this is the only DVD out there. I was rivited from start to finish.

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This exquisite piece of work is far more professional than any of the American pro wrestling mega-event videos produced recently. The often-gory fights are well handled and only play a small role; this video is not solely about fighting. Done in documentary style, "Choke" takes an introspective look at the men--their goals, their dreams, and their families--who become the ultimate fighting machines in the ring at the 1995 Vale Tudo World Fighting Championship in Tokyo. \nDelving into the life of the undefeated and undisputed world freestyle fighting champion, Rickson Gracie, a 30-year-old jujitsu expert from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, this video displays a side that you rarely see in sports: the articulate, intelligent family man who turns his training into the art of movement and athleticism--not violence. It also explores the world of two men expected to offer a serious challenge to Gracie: American heavyweight kickboxer Todd "Hollywood" Hays and Japanese shootfighting heavyweight champion Koichiro Kimura. These two men provide some of the more uplifting moments in the documentary. Hays, who is also a member of the U.S. Olympic bobsled team, explains how he will use his performance money to fund his dream of buying a bobsled that will allow him to be a driver in the 1998 Winter Games. Kimura completes his training but then has to ask the permission of his elderly parents to compete. The big man bluffs his way through with a warm smile and a respectful manner.\n"Choke" is an insightful look at a full-contact, controversial sport. The only warning it should carry is that some of the scenes are graphically violent and some of the language is X-rated. "--Gordie Sholtys"

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Elite Squad (2007) Review

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(More customer reviews)I loved this movie. It was largely panned by American critics, never even making it to American theaters, except for maybe one or two in NYC (none in LA).
The film provided a valid, complex viewpoint of some of the problems that modern-day Brazil faces. If you look at comments of reviews of this film on major publications' web sites (like NYTimes, LA Times, etc), you will see that the overwhelming majority of comments are from Brazilians who: 1) loved the movie, and 2) stated that the movie got the situation right.
The film shows the point of view of patriotic police officers that want to do right by their country, although they are confounded by their fellow police officers, the well-armed drug dealers, the bought-off constituents of the slums (favelas), as well as the leftist middle class that excoriates the police on the one hand for its heavy handed tactics as well as its corruption while at the same time sustaining the local drug lords by buying their product.
It is the film's viewpoint towards the leftist middle class that I think doomed the film to never get a proper showing in the US. That, and the fact that this "honest" police force feels obligated (and in the eyes of some in the viewing public, justified) to use extra-judicial, heavy handed tactics to get results in fighting crime.
SEE THIS FILM!

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An action-packed thriller that follows an elite police battalion (BOPE) tasked with cleaning up a drug-ridden Rio de Janeiro slum in advance of the pope's 1997 visit. A team of trained killers, they struggle to do what's right in a corrupt system and dangerous neighborhood.

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Cesar Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu & Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Grappling Instructional Series Review

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(More customer reviews)This is a top notch well organized DVD set from master trainer Cesar Gracie.
A couple things make this a special deal:
1) The techniques cover both Gi and no-Gi.
2) The moves flow in a logical order - it is not just a hodge podge of techniques.
3) Many of the moves are unique, and not shown in other tape series.
4) Cesar's English is much clearer and easier to understand than most jiu jitsu instructors.
5) The price can't be beat.
If you want to improve your jiu jitsu game, this is a great buy.

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In this amazing DVD instructional video series, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt, Cesar Gracie teaches the most effective Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, No Holds Barred and street fighting techniques ever assembled on to one set of videos! This high quality series contains 9 complete volumes of techniques ranging from basics, intermediate and advanced. Techniques are also taught with and without the kimono! In this series, Cesar Gracie is joined by his top students, UFC fighter Gil Castillo and ADCC champion David Terrell. This is the single largest instructional set ever produced by a Gracie family member and contains 9 individual volumes and over 6 hours of high quality instruction! This series was filmed in the top quality Betacam format and these are real replicated DVD-video disks. All nine volumes are broken down into 3 exciting DVDs. Basics Volume 1. Takedowns, Cesar Gracie passing the guard for street fighting and Sport Jiu-Jitsu. Basics Volume 2. Fighting from the guard, submissions and sweep, Sport Jiu-Jitsu. Basics Volume 3. Fighting from the mount, cross-body and Knee on stomach. Loaded with submissions.Intermediate Volume 1.Takedowns and stand up street fighting. Cesar Gracie also covers intermediate passing the guard for street and Sport Jiu-Jitsu. Intermediate Volume 2. Fighting from the guard, submissions and sweeps, Sport and street. Intermediate Volume 3. Fighting from the top, mount position, cross-body and on your opponents back, Sport Jiu-Jitsu. Advanced Volume 1. Advanced passing the guard for Sport Jiu-Jitsu and the street. Cesar Gracie also covers stand up fighting like headlock escapes and more.Advanced Volume 2. Advanced Guard fighting, submission and sweeps for Sport Jiu-Jitsu. Also covers escapes from the mount and cross-body. Advanced Volume 3. Cesar Gracie covers advanced fighting from the mount, cross-body and knee on stomach for Sport Jiu-jitsu and street fighting.

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The Capoeira Workout (2007) Review

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(More customer reviews)I used to do capoeira for a few years but haven't had time to go to classes for almost a year, so I was very excited to see that this DVD was coming out because I thought it would be a nice way to continue with my practice on my own. I did it for the first time yesterday, however, and was very disappointed by how short it is.
Although the DVD does start with a review of the basic moves/kicks you'll be doing and a brief history of this martial art, the workout itself is only about 20 minutes long, including the warmup. There is also no cool-down or stretch at the end.
On the positive side, all of the music is by Mestre Bimba and there are some good sample rodas to watch and learn from.
Overall, it's an alright workout that provides a nice overview of the basic moves (like Benção, Queixada, Martelo, etc.), but I felt like it could have been much longer.

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Studio: StratostreamRelease Date: 07/24/2007Run time: 45 minutes

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Dance and Be Fit: Brazilian Body Review

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(More customer reviews)This workout is a lot of fun if you like dance-style fitness DVD's. The music gets you going and although it doesn't look like hard work you can definitely get your heart rate up if you put 100% into it. My BIG complaint about it, however, is that the cuing, if you can call it that, is absolutely the worst I've ever experienced on a DVD. She does a voice-over which is fine except she tells you what to do after the onstage talent has already started doing it, rarely tells you how many counts you will actually be doing, and she gets the count wrong more than once anyway. If you want and/or need strong cuing I would say pass on this one. However, if you pick things up easily by just watching then go for it. The moves aren't hard to master and a DVD like this can help you avoid boredom in your usual fitness routine.

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It’s a captivating, fun, fat-burning good time!This fabulously fun and enchanting program reveals the secret to obtaining that lean, sexy Brazilian body. By using elements of Brazil’s heart-pounding, steamy dances such as the Maculele, Samba Reggae, and Capoeira, this workout targets all your trouble spots while burning fat and calories to deliver amazing results. You’ll learn simple, flowing steps and incorporate hip circles and torso pops. The authentic, pulsating Brazilian music sets the rhythm; add your personal style and flair and you’ve got your own Carnival. So take a vacation south of the border and have a hip-swinging, calorie-burning, body-slimming good time—Brazilian style! Warm-Up 6 min. Maculele 12 min. Samba Reggae 12 min. Capoeira 12 min. Cool Down 6 min. Bonus dance: Samba de Roda

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The Cardio Samba Workout (2008) Review

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(More customer reviews)I just finished doing this workout and it was intense! The workout sections are:
1) samba basic steps - She teaches front foot samba, side to side samba and going back first samba. She teaches it first without music and counts for you. This is excellent as you can get the count and the sway of the hips. I have been doing brazilian dance for years and this is the first time I had someone break it down with precision. She then teaches it with music and at half time and regular time.
2) workout tutorials - She breaks down the workouts (1-4) at half time.
3) Transition samba steps - These are steps you will do between the workouts to keep your heart rate up.
Next is the warm-up. If you have ever taken a dance class, the warm-up will be familar to you. It is a slow warm-up, not very exciting but it gets the job done which is to warm up the muscles.
Then there is the workout which is broken into 4 sections. She does each one slow then up to tembo with a transition step in between each workout. The workouts are on separate chapters in the event you need to repeat one. The steps are not complicated but are fast and challenging as you will be changing directions and turning. I suggest that you have a pretty large dancing space. The last section, 5, is all of the workouts strung together w/o the transition steps at warp speed (up to tempo).
For my first time through I got about 1/2 the steps up to tempo. The samba is very fast and tiring. I sweated up a storm!!! Unless you are in excellent shape and/or a sambanista, you will not get this at tempo the firt time around. That's good because this dvd challenges you so that each time you do it you get a little bit more and a little bit stronger.
The last section is a short but sweet cool down.
Quenia is joined by 3 dancers 2 of whom were on her last dvd. The setting is a soundstage with hard wood floors. (not good on thick pile carpet) The music is very good BUT could have been a little louder. Thankfully, once the workout starts she doesn't talk alot except to cue you.
Over all I loved this dvd and will do it again and again and one today I hope to be able to do part 5 straight thru without stopping. And since workout 5 is its own chapter, you can put your dvd player on repeat and do it several times as you become stronger. I must say that I had the priviledge of taking her class at the Alvin Ailey dance school in NYC and she is the sweetest person and a petite dynamo. Obrigada Quenia

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Studio: StratostreamRelease Date: 05/19/2009

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World Dance Workout: Bellydance, Bollywood, Salsa, Samba, Flamenco Review

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(More customer reviews)This is a very fun little program that will definitely get your heart pumping and put a smile on your face. There are a few key moves from each style of dance shown and drilled with a great selection of upbeat music. Don't expect to become a dancing diva from this DVD because the variety of moves is small, but it IS so much fun. The steps are simple enough throughout all of the styles for even a klutz like me to follow, though it will take some practice. I should think it would be good for people interested in dance fitness but scared of some of the choreography out there. As far as features go, I like that you can pick your own sections and that there is a separate section for learning the steps. It is also wonderful that you have the option of turning the narration off. Once you watch an exercise DVD so often and learn it by heart, it is nice to be able to go along with music only. One negative to this DVD is that I think Elsa has appalling form sometimes. Her hip movements are very big and very bouncy which can be troublesome for your lower back. Her students, however, stay more understated and move more safely, so it's best emulate them. Worth the money for people who enjoy dancing but need simpler movements than usually available in these types of programs. If you're completely new to this type of movement, though, it might take a couple of runs through the DVD. I'm still learning it, but I don't find it frustrating at all. Just fun!

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Burn calories and energize your body while learning dance movements from all over the world! This unique, multi-cultural program offers an all-in-one dance workout, plus instruction in some of the most alluring and popular dance styles. Sample diverse flavors and rhythms of dance, learn authentic steps - from basic to more challenging - and take them with you to the dancefloor!World Dance Workout is designed by Elsa Leandros, a sought-after New York City dance coach and choreographer, based on her 25 years of experience as a performer and instructor of different dance styles. Elsa uses dance movement to improve your flexibility, enhance your natural grace of motion and deliver cardio benefits. The workout is accompanied by a tutorial section where Elsa breaks down dance steps to make it easier for you to follow. Many dance moves seem challenging only until you see how they evolve from the most basic steps.The workout includes 7 segments: warmup and cooldown, salsa, samba, bellydance, Bollywood and flamenco. Not much time to exercise? Select individual chapters to create your own, shorter program - exactly what you need to save time and fit your mood. Leaving for a party? Go straight to the dance steps you want to try on the dancefloor to refresh your skills! FEATURES: * TUTORIAL section - 30 min. - detailed breakdown of dance steps * Warmup and cooldown * Workout duration: 45 min. * Individual 5-7min workout segments for each dance style: salsa, samba, flamenco, bellydance, bollywood * Join Elsa for the entire workout, or design your own program by selecting individual chapters * Select music+narration or music only version of the workout * Elsa Leandros in performance: 20 min. - Elsa performs "Bollywood Medley," "Flamenco Rumba," "Egyptian Cabaret," "Vintage Salsa," "Club Samba."

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The Samba Reggae Workout Review

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(More customer reviews)This is without a doubt one of my favorite workout DVD's hands down.
Pluses
1) Quenia Ribero is amazing. Her moves are fantastic. Her energy is inspiring. Background dancers know the routine and are really good. Especially, the one on the right. Keep an eye out for her.
2) This is a huge improvement from her Dance Today: Samba video. In this video she explains very well that her left is your right. She also breaks down the moves much better and there is less down time between moves.
3) I like that there is a warm up.
4) The routine is fun. I haven't counted but I think it has like 15+ moves. Much better than some tapes I have that teach you only like 6.Minuses
1) I thought they could have repeated the full routine at the end of section one at least 3-4 times completely before moving to section 2.
2) The workout is intense. I wish there was a cool down section. But maybe they sacrificed that to include a longer workout so ...
3) Awaiting her 3rd dvd :( when is it coming?Helpful hints
1) This work out will use every muscle in your body. Don't skip the warm up. Do a cool down on your own when you finish (even though there is not one on the tape to relax after you finish).
2) When she explains the moves. Don't just stand their and watch. Keep marching in place so you don't lose your heart rate.
3) If the moves seem to complicated keep going. After practicing a few times you'll build muscle memory and be moving like a pro in no time.
4) I didn't get all the moves down until the 3rd 4th time I did this DVD. The explanation was good but my body wouldn't comply. But it gave
me something to look forward to conquering the next time so I appreciated the challenge.
4) Fair warning. This tapes makes a lot of other workout DVDs seem boring. I've done it a least three times a week for the last 2 months. (More than any other tape I own except 1)

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Studio: StratostreamRelease Date: 08/28/2007Run time: 45 minutes

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