Jogo do pau

Jogo do pau ( German: literally game of stick free stock fencing) is an old Portuguese form of stick fighting.

The origin of this fighting style is, among other things, in the medieval swordsmanship, however, over the centuries an influence on the part of various Asian martial arts by Portuguese sailors can not be excluded.

During the Fascist dictatorship of the jogo do pau was practiced in secret or in the context of folk dances, which has led almost to extinction of this ancient tradition. After the Carnation Revolution in April 1974, this European martial arts experienced a renaissance and enjoys a growing popularity - not only in Portugal.

Today, the stick fighting, apart from the self-defense aspect, operated as a competitive sport. Fighting is done similarly as in Kendo, with a variety of protectors, which were developed from the roller hockey or ice hockey out, as well as a specially padded fencing mask.