Combatêla

Combatêla is a modern martial art described as a hybrid system that blends elements of striking, grappling, and weapon work for self-defense, sport, and physical fitness. Practitioners emphasize fluid movement, timing, control, and awareness of the surrounding environment.

Origins and development are described differently across sources. In many accounts, combatêla emerged in the late 20th century through independent instructors who drew on capoeira, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, escrima, fencing, and other martial arts. No single founding body unifies the discipline.

Techniques are organized into unarmed and armed modules. Core unarmed work includes stances, footwork, guard positions, strikes, throws, and joint locks. Armed forms cover disarming techniques, stick or blade work, and weapon retention. Training often uses drills, controlled sparring, and kata-like sequences.

Training and culture: most schools teach safety protocols and use protective gear; many employ a belt or rank system indicating progress. Competitions may judge control and technique rather than raw power. Variants exist, reflecting local teachers’ preferences, leading to considerable stylistic diversity.

See also: mixed martial arts, capoeira, escrima, fencing.