Jogo do Pau Showcase: Portugal's Ancient Art of Self-Defense

Transcript

00:00First the salute and the handshake. There's no padding. If one of these strokes actually

00:09landed, a shattered jaw, a broken collarbone or worse could result. Death from a single blow

00:15isn't unheard of. It's part of the skill not to hit your opponent. A move to protect against any

00:24attack from the rear and back to conclude the fight.

00:37Joko Dupau is an honored skill. The contest allowed in the courtyard of this ancient monastery.

00:44An old master from the hills is going to give a lesson to an able but younger fighter.

00:54Wow, that's one way to keep in shape. This takes real endurance and energy.

01:04In the old days when Portugal was a monarchy, everyone from king to common shepherd took

01:16part in Joko Dupau. And any man could gain fame and respect throughout the country, regardless

01:22of his origins, if he was good enough. Joko Dupau can be an extremely useful fighting

01:35art. Here, one man holds off two. And just look at that speed.

01:50One man, you've come to a strange town to sell your wares at a local market. Three men attack

01:55you. You must defend all you own and your life. You can do it if you've mastered Joko Dupau.

02:11And now, watch closely as the old master demonstrates how to defend yourself not from one or two assailants,

02:17but from a dozen attacking men. Now, the objective here is to break out of the surrounding circle.

02:27This is the ultimate test of consummate skill at Joko Dupau.

02:32Joko Dupau, the ancient art of self-defense that lives today because you asked for it.

02:51Asked for it.

02:52Asked for it.