Abstract - Chute Boxe: The warrior ethos and its rise in global MMA
Background and aim. The UFC Hall of Fame 2024 honored Brazilian fighters Anderson Silva, Mauricio “Shogun” Rua, and Wanderlei Silva, who started and developed a significant part of their careers at the Chute Boxe Academy. Despite these athletes’ international recognition, there was a gap in academic literature regarding the sociocultural aspects and identity evolution of the Chute Boxe Academy. This article aims to bridge this gap by analyzing Chute Boxe’s trajectory from its Muay Thai roots to its prominent position in Brazilian MMA, emphasizing significant events and its role in the global dissemination of Mixed Martial Arts.
Methods.Using the Hybrid Oral History methodology, which included 14 interviews, along with analysis of scientific articles, newspapers, and books on the Chute Boxe Academy and the beginning of Muay Thai in Brazil.
Results. The findings reveal that Chute Boxe evolved from its Muay Thai roots into a prestigious MMA institution, driven by a unique training philosophy that blends tradition with innovation.
Conclusions. The warrior ethos – emphasizing discipline, endurance, and aggressiveness – was fundamental to Chute Boxe’s identity and success. Additionally, the academy played a pivotal role in developing new talent through Meca World Vale Tudo, serving as a gateway for athletes to compete in Pride Fighting Championships and solidifying its impact on the global Mixed Martial Arts landscape.