History of Jogo do Pau

Jogo do Pau: The Ancient Art and Modern Science of Portuguese Stick Fighting Voted the "Most Effective Stick Art" at the International Congress of Stick Arts, 2000, Jogo do Pau is the stunningly effective form of long stick native to Portugal and practiced today as a growing martial art. Jogo do Pau is the ancient and deadly art of Portugese stick combat. Based on the use of the staff, Jogo do Pau combatants wield the staff with efficient power, as it has been used for centuries in the rough countryside of Portugal. Originating in the Middle Ages, the long combat stick of Portugal was mentioned as a favorite weapon of the Portugese champion Dom Nuno Alvares Pereira, who secured Portugese independence in the Battle of Aljubarrota. In Brazil, Capoeira combatants encountered Jogo do Pau and were shocked at its efficiency. In the 1970s, legendary undefeated master of the stick Nuno Russo combined various national forms into a scientifically-refined system of combat that held up in International competitions, culminating in the election of Jogo do Pau as the "Most Effective Stick Art" at the 2000 International Congress of Stick Arts. In the 21st century, Jogo do Pau enjoys a wide reputation for nearly brutal effectiveness, but it has also been adapted for International stick competitions. There is debate as to how "Jogo do Pau" should be translated and what it means. "Jogo", in Portuguese means "game" but it can also mean "throw" from the verb "jogar". "Jogo do Pau" literally means the "Game of the Stick" or the "Throwing of the Stick". It is commonly referred to as "Stick Fencing". There is a deep history behind this Portuguese martial art. There are books on the subject and I've seen at least one video on it. There is also a lot of free information, which may or may not be accurate, on the internet. I have also heard of the existance of some old Portuguese documentaries about Jogo do Pau. There is also a martial art in the Canary Islands called "Juego del Palo". It is similar and, in my mind, there must be a connection between the two. What it is, however, I do not know. I can only speculate since the history of Portugal and Spain are intertwined, both being Iberian/Hispanic people. -Lusitano Some more information: Jogo do Pau: Origins and Evolution - http://ejmas.com/jmanly/articles/2003/jmanlyart_wolfcosta_0203.htm

Portuguese soldiers learn "Jogo do Pau" in order to use the rifle as a stick and to use the bayonet.