Free Choque: The Untold Story of Jiu-Jitsu in Brazil 1856-1949 (Volume 1) by Roberto Pedreira Page B

match-ups or local interest. Luta romana fighters hailed from many European countries, and each could be the “champion” of an expatriate community [ colonia ]. Any Brazilian of almost any background could dig into his roots to become a “foreign” fighter. Indeed, everyone retained their ethnicity unless or until they naturalized, at which time they would shift from being, for example, an Estonian fighter to being a “national” [Brazilian] fighter.
    Moreover there were plenty of Brazilian lutadores romana. But all of the jiu-jitsu lutadores were, obviously, Japanese, and while there was a Japanese colony in Brazil, it was not at that time ensconced in the heart of the city of São Paulo. Nor were the Japanese immigrants the sort of middle-class citizens who attended variety shows in large numbers. Unlike luta romana, which any big, strong man could try his hand at, jiu-jitsu, even in 1914, was a game of skill, which few if any Paulistanos had at that time.
    Theatro Variedades was presenting several new acts on Tuesday October 13, including a group of Egyptian dancers Mora La Zoraida, and three new singers (Etna and Fyorina from Italy, and Angelina, who was “international”. Other acts and attractions were Les Leger-Lia (a comedy team), Evaristo (a xylophonist), Gabv Darmovill (a French singer), MLLE. Gina, and short movies between acts. 20 The bill changed every day or every other day and included a half dozen or so acts, generally with afternoon and evening shows.
    That same day, Tuesday October 13, Paschoal Segreto announced that he would be presenting a new Campeonato Internacional de Lucta Greco-Romana. He had already been signing up fighters from various countries (or representing various nationalities). Twelve men were needed and recruitment would end October 15. Cash prizes awaited victorious wrestlers. Medals [ medalhas de distincção ] and diplomas [ diplomas de honra ] could also be won. Conde Koma and his troupe continued their shows.
    There were no ads for the Koma troupe in São Paulo after October 21. The next news item appeared December 29, reporting that the troupe continued to draw large crowds for their performances at the Polytheama, in Ribeiro Preto in Northeast of São Paulo state, indicating that they had been there for some time. 21 No doubt they kept busy, but documentation for their whereabouts and activities is sketchy until they get to Rio.
    .
    Chapter 5 Notes

Chapter 6
    1915
    On Thursday March 11, 1915. Empresa Paschoal Segreto announced the imminent arrival in Rio of a troupe of jiu-jitsu lutadores, currently in São Paulo. 1
    The troupe members were identified as :
    .
    Conde Koma (world champion)
    Satake (champion of New York)
    Okura ( champion of Chile)
    Matsura (champion of Peru)
    Hara (champion of Tokio)
    Akiyama (champion of North America)
    When the lutadores arrived on April 4, they visited the editorial offices of A Epoca and Correia da Manhã . 2
    The composition of the group had changed. It now consisted of:
    Conde Koma (world champion)
    Satake (1913 champion of New York)
    Okura (1914 champion of Chile)
    Shimizu (1913 champion of Peru)
    Raku (1913 champion of Mexico)
    .
    These were the fighters whose fight results were reported the next several weeks during their engagement. Matsura and Hara had vanished. Akiyama had gone to Argentina. 3 He did not take part in any reported fights in Rio, and when on Tuesday August 3, the troupe boarded the Itapama bound for Recife and points beyond, Akiyama was not among them. 4 Thus, as in São Paulo, the troupe consisted of five fighters. Koma, Satake, and Okura remained from the São Paulo contingent. Shimizu and Raku replaced Matsura and Akiyama.
    The troupe was scheduled to debut the second week of April. In the meantime, they were spending the week giving seminars, schmoozing with the press, and engaging in other promotional activities (some of which will be described in more detail below). However they did not actually make their