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The Chute Boxe Academy (Brazilian Portuguese: [ˈʃutʃi ˈbɔksi]; "Kick-Boxing") is a Brazilian martial arts academy. It opened as a Muay Thai academy in 1978 in Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil. Head trainer Rudimar Fedrigo later expanded the program in 1991 to include other aspects of modern mixed martial arts, such as wrestling and submission grappling. By 1995, the Chute Boxe team was considered a prime training ground for Vale Tudo fighters.[1] In 2004, an American branch, Chute Boxe USA, was established in Los Angeles, California.

Key Information

Chute Boxe fighters are characterized by being extremely aggressive and physical, well-rounded fighters.[2]

History

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Beginnings

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In the 1970s, in search of a more full contact martial art, Taekwondo black belt Nélio "Naja" Borges de Souza [pt] learned Muay Thai in Thailand and brought it to Brazil. He moved to Curitiba and in 1978 his student Rudimar Fedrigo would found the Chute Boxing academy.[3][4]

The style developed by Nélio Naja and his students had more emphasis on various kicks (due many of the early Brazilian Thai boxers coming from Taekwondo and Kyokushin Karate) but soon, the "Chute Boxe" style of Muay Thai became characterized as extremely aggressive, with wild combinations, hard low kicks and usually lacking in defense, trying to defeat their opponents as fast as possible.[5] The students of Nélio Naja also adopted a rank system of colored belt system used in other martial arts (in particular Taekwondo), in order to better rank and differentiate students, competitors, instructors and teachers, but soon adapted to Thai culture and switched to Prajieds, armband ropes traditionally wore by Thai boxers. Although not from Thailand, this system is widespread but not universal in Brazil.[6]

The Chute Boxe team first made a name for themselves in the MMA world during the late 1990s in the Brazilian vale tudo promotion known as the International Vale Tudo Championship (IVC). With an aggressive and physical style focused around their muay thai skills, Chute Boxe fighters captured three of the four title belts in the promotion (Wanderlei Silva winning the light heavyweight belt, José Landi-Jons winning the middleweight belt, and Rafael Cordeiro winning the lightweight belt). The promotion ended up serving as a spring board for the Chute Boxe team (as well as many other Brazilian MMA stars) into the lucrative Japanese MMA market. For Chute Boxe specifically, it would help to launch their careers in Japan's PRIDE FC.

PRIDE FC dynasty

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The major cog of the Chute Boxe machine in PRIDE was Wanderlei Silva. Known for an exciting, brawling style complete with lethal knees and leaping stomps, he would exemplify Chute Boxe style martial arts in PRIDE's middleweight division and eventually win the 2003 PRIDE FC Middleweight Grand Prix and the PRIDE FC middleweight title which he would hold for 5 1/2 years.

Coming off of a disappointing five-round decision loss to Tito Ortiz at UFC 25: Ultimate Japan, Silva would return to PRIDE to earn the biggest victory of his career to that point over the Lion's Den's Guy Mezger. It would be 20 fights and over four years before he would lose again in a controversial decision to superheavyweight Mark Hunt. During this span he defeated notable fighters Kazushi Sakuraba (three times), Quinton "Rampage" Jackson (twice), Yuki Kondo, Ikuhisa Minowa, Hidehiko Yoshida, Kiyoshi Tamura, Dan Henderson, Alexander Otsuka, Shungo Oyama, Hiromitsu Kanehara, and would draw with Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipović.

His aura of invincibility wouldn't truly be broken until a decision loss to Ricardo Arona in the 2005 PRIDE FC middle weight Grand Prix. His loss would be avenged later that night by teammate and rising star, Mauricio "Shogun" Rua. Silva is noted to have never lost under full PRIDE FC rules at his weight class; PRIDE's event in Las Vegas had altered rules. Silva Challenged Arona to a rematch for the middleweight title and beat him by decision.

Enter the Rua brothers

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As the older of the Rua brothers, Murilo "Ninja" Rua had a mediocre run during his years with PRIDE FC. Wins over Mario Sperry, Akira Shoji and Alexander Otsuka established him as a contender in the organization. His younger brother Mauricio "Shogun" Rua would also enter the PRIDE fighting championships and would prove the most successful fighter produced by Chute Boxe under Wanderlei Silva's and Ninja's guidance.

Younger than Murilo by about a year and a half, "Shogun" has defeated a who's who list of fighters including Evangelista "Cyborg" Santos, Akira Shoji, Akihiro Gono, Quinton "Rampage" Jackson, Alistair Overeem (twice), Antônio Rogério "Minotouro" Nogueira, Ricardo Arona, Kevin Randleman, Mark Coleman, Chuck Liddell, and Lyoto Machida. Shogun was the UFC light heavyweight champion until losing his first title defense against Jon Jones at UFC 128. His exciting, fan-friendly style includes much of the standard Chute Boxe Muay Thai clinch work, knees, stomps, and soccer kicks, as well as polished Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

Rivalry with Brazilian Top Team

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The opposite number in terms of Brazilian dominance in PRIDE FC was the Brazilian Top Team (BTT) which was comprised, at the time, of such fighters as Antonio Rodrigo "Minotauro" Nogueira, Ricardo Arona, and Murilo Bustamante. Both BTT and Chute Boxe were the dominant Brazilian teams at the time, representing different contrasting combat philosophies: Chute Boxe was mostly based in a very aggressive Muay Thai style, while BTT was founded by Carlson Gracie's students and had a more well-rounded BJJ-based approach. While there were some tensions between the team, the rivalry was thought ended after a discussion-turned-brawl between Ricardo Arona and Wanderlei Silva at the Tokyo Hilton hotel in the eve of Pride 20 in 2002. The same event saw the first confrontation between both teams, matching Chute Boxe's representative Murílo "Ninja" Rua against BTT's Mário Sperry.[7][8] Competition between the two teams was hardly limited to the Pride scene however. Matches between fighters of the two organizations had taken place in Brazil, Portugal and other parts of the world before, but perhaps the most interesting chapter of the rivalry took place on 28 August 2005 at the 2005 PRIDE FC middle weight Grand Prix.

The 2005 PRIDE FC middleweight Grand Prix would be the first such competition for newcomers Mauricio Rua and BTT's Ricardo Arona. Both scored impressive victories over highly regarded veterans Alistair Overeem and middleweight champ Wanderlei Silva respectively. It was Arona's victory over the latter that would stoke the flames of the rivalry because until then Silva had been the torch-bearer for Chute Boxe. Later that night, however, "Shogun" would pick up the torch with a thoroughly dominating first-round KO of Arona, ultimately finishing him on the ground which was considered Arona's strength.

Another notable aspect of this period is that it shortly followed the departure of promising prospect Anderson Silva. Silva had noted several disputes with Chute Boxe's management as reasons for leaving the team and shortly began training with some of Brazilian Top Team's best in the Nogueira brothers. He was quoted in an ESPN article as stating that friendships formed with his former rivals helped to save his career upon his departure from Chute Boxe. [9]

Post-Pride era

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With the demise of PRIDE FC in late 2007, coinciding with the departure of its first mass-appeal superstar Wanderlei Silva around the same time, Chute Boxe entered a new era. Moreover, the Rua brothers, Mauricio and Murilo, and Andre "Dida" Amade, also departed Chute Boxe to start their own gym. One of the top instructors, Rafael Cordeiro, also left around that time to found his own gym in the US, Kings MMA.[10] However, up and coming fighters, such as lightweight Jean Silva, have augmented their talent. In addition, fighter Evangelista Santos has recently competed in Strikeforce as well as his ex-wife, female fighter Cristiane "Cyborg" Santos, who is currently Chute Boxe's most marketable fighter.[11]

In 2018 UFC fighter Charles "do Bronx" Oliveira joined Chute Boxe Diego Lima in São Paulo[12] starting a 10-fight win streak.[13] According to him, his former gym Macaco Gold Team (headed by Jorge "Macaco" Patino, a Chute Boxe alumni) was mostly focused BJJ with complementary striking, and he felt he needed to improve his striking game. Patino is still his BJJ coach but now he is complemented with Chute Boxe's aggressive Muay Thai style.[14] In 2021 he became the UFC Lightweight Champion after defeating Michael Chandler with a T.K.O.[15] In 2023, Oliveira was awarded a black prajied in Muay Thai by Rudimar Fedrigo.[16]

Chute Boxe fighters

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See also

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Chute Boxe Academy

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The Chute Boxe Academy is a prominent facility founded in 1978 by Rudimar Fedrigo in , Paraná, , initially as a school that later expanded into a leading (MMA) gym renowned for its aggressive, knockout-oriented fighting style. Under Fedrigo's leadership, the academy incorporated disciplines such as , wrestling, and in the early 1990s, fostering a hardcore environment that emphasized intense sparring, physical conditioning, and finishes over decisions, which became synonymous with the "Chute Boxe style" of relentless pressure and striking from the Thai clinch. The academy gained international fame in the late 1990s and early 2000s through its production of elite MMA fighters, including former UFC champions and Maurício "Shogun" Rua, Pride Fighting Championships star , as well as Cristiane "Cyborg" Justino, , and former UFC Lightweight Champion , many of whom dominated promotions like and the UFC with the academy's signature ferocity. Oliveira challenged for the vacant lightweight title again in June 2025 but lost to . Chute Boxe played a pivotal role in the rise of Brazilian MMA during the era, cultivating rivalries with teams like and producing a legacy of toughness that influenced the sport's global evolution, though it faced challenges post-2007 with the departure of key fighters, leading to a resurgence through new talents and partnerships.

History

Founding and Early Years

The Chute Boxe Academy was founded in 1978 by Rudimar Fedrigo in , Paraná, Brazil, as a dedicated gym. The name "Chute Boxe" derives from the Portuguese terms "chute," meaning kick, and "boxe," meaning boxing, highlighting the discipline's core elements of powerful strikes and clinch work. In its early years during the late and , the academy emphasized training tailored for street fighting and self-defense, drawing in local practitioners amid Brazil's burgeoning scene, where no-holds-barred combats were common in regional events. Rudimar Fedrigo, a seasoned martial artist, focused on building a rigorous program that prepared students for real-world confrontations, fostering a community of tough, dedicated fighters in Curitiba's competitive environment. The gym operated primarily as a striking school during this period, with sessions designed to mimic the intensity of unregulated fights, laying the groundwork for its distinctive aggressive style. Key early figures included promising talents like José "Pele" Landi-Jons, who joined as a teenager in the late and quickly became a standout, blending with to compete in regional bouts. Rafael , another pivotal member who began training under Fedrigo around the same time, emerged as a top striker, amassing multiple Brazilian lightweight championships over a decade of professional competition and contributing to the gym's growing reputation in local circuits during the 1980s and early . Cordeiro's success, including victories in early no-rules events, exemplified the academy's emphasis on battle-tested resilience, though the team truly began integrating elements more formally in the early .

Rise in PRIDE FC

The Chute Boxe Academy entered the around 2000, with serving as its primary representative and leveraging the gym's foundation to make an immediate impact in the promotion. , who had joined Chute Boxe in 1989 at age 13, debuted in at on September 12, 1999, defeating Carlos Ognibene by unanimous decision in a bout. His aggressive striking style quickly established him as a standout, culminating in a first-round TKO victory over in their second meeting at on November 3, 2001, to capture the inaugural (205 lb) championship. Silva defended the title successfully three times between 2002 and 2004, solidifying Chute Boxe's reputation through a series of high-profile that embodied the academy's pressure-oriented approach. Notable defenses included a second-round KO of at 19 on February 24, 2002, and a first-round TKO of Hiromitsu Kanehara at 23: Championship Chaos 2 on November 24, 2002. He further showcased the team's dominance with a first-round TKO over at 25: Body Blow on March 16, 2003, an event that highlighted Chute Boxe's knockout prowess amid broader team successes in the promotion. Key victories outside title fights, such as a first-round KO of Sakuraba at Total Elimination 2003 on August 10, 2003, and via first-round TKO (knees) at Final Conflict 2003 on November 9, 2003—followed by a second-round of Jackson at 28 on October 31, 2004—earned Chute Boxe the label of a "PRIDE dynasty" for its unrelenting offensive output. Under head coach , Chute Boxe adapted its core techniques for MMA rules, emphasizing relentless forward pressure, clinch knees, and ground-and-pound to maximize finishing rates in 's ring format. Cordeiro, a former Chute Boxe fighter who earned his black belt by age 19, focused on integrating striking with basic defenses, enabling and early team members to overwhelm opponents with volume and aggression rather than prolonged engagements. This strategy not only led to 's 20-fight unbeaten streak in (including one draw) but also positioned the academy as a feared striking powerhouse in the promotion's division during the early .

Arrival of the Rua Brothers

In the early 2000s, the Chute Boxe Academy saw a pivotal influx with the arrival of the Rua brothers, Mauricio "Shogun" Rua and Murilo "Ninja" Rua, who joined around 2003 after training at local facilities in . The siblings brought substantial (BJJ) expertise, honed through competitive backgrounds, which enriched the academy's Muay Thai-centric curriculum by adding ground-fighting depth and versatility to its fighters' skill sets. Mauricio Rua rapidly elevated the academy's profile in the light heavyweight division, culminating in his 2005 Middleweight Grand Prix victory, where he defeated Quinton "Rampage" Jackson via in the final to claim the title. Leading up to this, he secured a first-round submission win over at 27 in 2004, and he followed the Grand Prix success with a title defense against at Shockwave 2005, stopping the Dutch fighter via doctor stoppage due to cuts. Murilo Rua contributed to the middleweight ranks with key victories, including a first-round arm-triangle choke submission of at 27 in 2004, showcasing his prowess within the promotion. The Rua brothers' integration deeply influenced Chute Boxe team culture, as they embraced and actively promoted the academy's signature aggressive style—characterized by relentless forward pressure, high-volume striking, and fearless exchanges—during intense camps, further solidifying the gym's reputation for producing battle-tested warriors amid its ongoing FC dominance.

Rivalry with Brazilian Top Team

The rivalry between Chute Boxe Academy and (BTT) emerged from competitive tensions in Brazil's regional MMA scene during the early 2000s, as both camps vied for dominance in the burgeoning sport. It gained national attention through high-stakes bouts, where fighters from the Curitiba-based Chute Boxe clashed repeatedly with BTT representatives from Rio de Janeiro. A notable precursor occurred in 1998 at UFC Ultimate Brazil, when BTT-affiliated defeated Chute Boxe's by TKO (punches) at 0:44 of the first round, setting an early tone of animosity between the teams. Tensions escalated significantly at PRIDE 16 in September 2001, during "Beasts from the East" in , . There, BTT members, including , assisted in training Japanese fighter Yoshihisa Yamamoto, who faced Chute Boxe's Assuério Silva and lost quickly by KO. The perceived betrayal sparked a heated backstage confrontation between Arona and , marking the feud's shift from professional competition to personal grudge. This incident fueled ongoing disputes, including verbal sparring and media provocations that amplified the rivalry's visibility. By 2003–2004, the conflict had intensified through a series of pivotal PRIDE matchups that showcased the teams' contrasting styles—Chute Boxe's aggressive Muay Thai-based striking against BTT's grappling prowess. A key early clash came at PRIDE 23 in November 2002, where BTT's Ricardo Arona outpointed Chute Boxe's Murilo "Ninja" Rua by unanimous decision after three rounds, handing Chute Boxe a setback in the middleweight division. The rivalry peaked in 2005 with multiple high-profile encounters. At PRIDE Final Conflict 2005 on August 28, 2005, Arona again prevailed for BTT, defeating Wanderlei Silva by unanimous decision after two rounds in a middleweight title eliminator. Later that year at PRIDE Shockwave 2005, Silva avenged the loss with a razor-close split decision victory over Arona after three grueling rounds, evening the score in their personal series. Another landmark bout saw Chute Boxe's Maurício "Shogun" Rua defeat BTT's Antônio Rogério Nogueira by unanimous decision at PRIDE Critical Countdown 2005 on June 26, 2005, further highlighting the back-and-forth nature of the feud. By mid-decade, the teams had traded wins in approximately 14 documented fights, split evenly at seven apiece, underscoring their parity and intensity. Beyond the cage, the rivalry was notorious for its off-octagon drama, including trash-talking sessions that dominated Brazilian MMA media and occasional physical altercations, such as rumored gym incursions and heated press conferences. These elements, often hyped by promoters, captivated audiences and helped elevate Brazilian team rivalries to global prominence, drawing parallels to historic feuds. Fighters from , like the Rua brothers and Arona, frequently exchanged barbs about training methods and regional pride, turning events into cultural showdowns. The feud began to wane around 2006 as PRIDE FC faced financial difficulties, culminating in its 2007 shutdown. With fighters dispersing to the UFC and other promotions, mutual respect gradually replaced hostility; Chute Boxe founder Rudimar Fedrigo and BTT's later reflected on the rivalry as a positive force that pushed both teams to excellence. Its legacy endures as a defining chapter in early MMA, solidifying Chute Boxe and BTT as iconic Brazilian powerhouses.

Post-PRIDE Decline and Modern Revival

Following the closure of PRIDE FC in 2007, Chute Boxe Academy faced significant challenges due to the loss of substantial financial support from the promotion, which had been a primary revenue source and platform for its fighters. The departure of key figure to the UFC later that year exacerbated the decline, as he relocated to for training at Xtreme Couture, leaving a void in leadership and star power. Internal divisions further strained the organization, culminating in the 2009 split with longtime coach , who had been instrumental in developing its aggressive style; Cordeiro moved to the in 2008 and founded in , in 2010. By the late 2000s, the academy reached a low point marked by widespread fighter departures to other camps, diminished international visibility, and operational instability in its headquarters, including periods of temporary closure and reopening amid financial pressures. These setbacks reduced Chute Boxe's prominence in the evolving MMA landscape, as many of its alumni sought opportunities in the dominant UFC promotion. The academy began its revival in the 2010s through the establishment of affiliated branches and renewed connections to the UFC, helping to rebuild its reputation and attract new talent. A pivotal moment came in 2018 when UFC lightweight affiliated with the Chute Boxe Diego Lima branch in , crediting the camp's emphasis for enhancing his striking during a subsequent 10-fight win streak. In the 2020s, Chute Boxe has maintained active involvement in UFC events through fighters like Oliveira, who continues to train at the Diego Lima branch and compete at a high level, including his preparation for bouts under updated regulations such as the 2025 Unified Rules revisions emphasizing damage in scoring. The academy has also hosted seminars led by Oliveira, such as his March 2025 session at Chute Boxe Diego Lima in Bunnell, Florida, where he shared techniques and mindset strategies with participants, and his November 11, 2025 seminar focused on and jiu-jitsu. These initiatives reflect the academy's adaptation to contemporary MMA standards, including compliance with enhanced safety protocols and judging criteria introduced in 2025.

Training Philosophy and Methods

Muay Thai Core Techniques

The Chute Boxe Academy's curriculum centers on the traditional "art of eight limbs," utilizing punches, kicks, elbows, and knees to deliver comprehensive striking offense, with a particular emphasis on heavy clinch work and low kicks designed to systematically wear down opponents' mobility and stamina. This approach, rooted in the academy's establishment as a dedicated gym in 1978 by Rudimar Fedrigo in , , prioritizes aggressive, power-oriented exchanges that exploit close-range vulnerabilities. Signature training drills form the backbone of this system, including intensive pad work to develop explosive power generation in combinations, full-contact sessions to instill instinctive aggression and timing under pressure, and structured conditioning rounds modeled after Thai boxing formats to simulate prolonged fight durations. These protocols, implemented since the academy's early years, emphasize repetitive, high-volume striking to build technical proficiency and mental resilience, ensuring practitioners can maintain output in demanding scenarios. Historically, the techniques were adapted in the 1980s through collaborations with Thai trainers, such as Nelio —who trained directly in during the late 1970s—and Luiz Alves, who refined the style for Brazilian contexts in the early 1980s, shifting focus toward applicability by incorporating no-holds-barred techniques prevalent in the era before international rule standardizations curtailed such practices. This evolution transformed pure into a rugged, adaptable striking base suited for unregulated street fights and early MMA bouts. The emphasis on has profoundly influenced fighter durability at Chute Boxe, with protocols featuring high-intensity interval conditioning—such as extended clinch battles and multi-round shadow boxing—employed from the outset to forge exceptional cardiovascular capacity and recovery, enabling sustained performance in grueling encounters. For instance, early training regimens incorporated circuit-based Thai rounds combining low-kick barrages with knee strikes to target leg resistance, a method credited with producing renowned for their unyielding pressure over multiple rounds.

MMA Integration and Aggressive Style

Chute Boxe Academy evolved its foundational Muay Thai curriculum into a comprehensive MMA system in the post-1990s era by incorporating Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) and wrestling elements in 1991, with skilled grapplers like the Rua brothers enhancing the ground game to complement the academy's striking prowess under coaches such as Rafael Cordeiro. This integration emphasized seamless transitions between stand-up aggression and grappling control, allowing fighters to maintain offensive pressure across all phases of combat. Central to the academy's philosophy is a "no retreat" approach, characterized by relentless forward pressure and high-volume striking designed to overwhelm opponents, force defensive errors, and create openings for takedowns or submissions. This aggressive mindset, rooted in close-range dominance with knees, elbows, and clinch work, fosters a well-rounded skill set that blends Muay Thai's technical violence with BJJ's submission threats and wrestling's positional control. In the onward, Chute Boxe updated its methods to align with contemporary MMA demands, incorporating evolved protocols, opponent-specific preparation, and adaptations to unified rules such as cage-based wrestling pressure and legal strikes, while emphasizing efficient to sustain intensity. Distinct traits of the style include swarm-like tactics in later rounds to exploit fatigue, forward marching pressure to dictate pace, and drills that simulate high-chaos environments, ensuring fighters remain composed under duress.

Notable Fighters

Historical Icons

Wanderlei Silva emerged as the most iconic figure from Chute Boxe Academy during its and dominance in , particularly in . He captured the PRIDE Middleweight Championship (205 lb) by defeating via TKO in the second round at PRIDE 17: Championship Chaos on November 3, 2001. Silva successfully defended the title four times, including notable knockouts against Sakuraba again at PRIDE 20 and at PRIDE 24, establishing the longest reign in PRIDE middleweight history at over five years until his loss to in 2007. Known for his ferocious "Axe Murderer" persona, characterized by intense stares and aggressive forward pressure, Silva amassed a PRIDE record of 18-4-1 (1 NC) with 12 knockouts, including the 2003 Middleweight Grand Prix victory over . His high-volume striking and knockout power exemplified Chute Boxe's Muay Thai-influenced style, contributing significantly to the academy's global reputation. Mauricio "Shogun" Rua, alongside his brother Murilo, joined Chute Boxe in the early 2000s, elevating the academy's profile through their technical prowess and family legacy. Rua won the 2005 PRIDE Middleweight Grand Prix, defeating a stacked field including Quinton Jackson via armbar in the opening round at PRIDE Total Elimination 2005 and Kevin Randleman in the finals at PRIDE Final Conflict 2005. This tournament triumph, achieved with four finishes in under three months, showcased his explosive judo throws, ground-and-pound, and submissions, solidifying Chute Boxe's aggressive hybrid approach. Inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in 2024 as a Modern Wing, Rua's 27-14-1 professional record includes 20 finishes, with his PRIDE run (10-1) pivotal in expanding Chute Boxe's influence by attracting top talents and international attention. Murilo "Ninja" Rua, the elder brother of Mauricio, was a key contender who bridged Chute Boxe's striking roots with grappling proficiency during the early 2000s era. Training at the academy from its formative years, he compiled a 5-2-1 record in from 2001 to 2004, highlighted by a first-round TKO over Alex Andrade at 18: Cold Fury 2 via soccer kicks and a unanimous decision win over at 19: Bad Blood. His 20-13-1 career featured 11 knockouts and seven submissions, demonstrating versatility in blending knees with , which helped mentor younger fighters like his brother and reinforced the team's reputation for well-rounded aggression. Among other historical figures, José "Pele" Landi-Jons represented Chute Boxe's origins in the 1990s, winning the Brazilian Vale Tudo Fighting 5 tournament in 1996 with three first-round finishes and capturing the Middleweight title in 1997 via TKO over . With a 29-16 record emphasizing knockouts (19) and submissions (13), Landi-Jons' no-holds-barred victories, including against multiple members, laid the groundwork for the academy's transition to modern MMA. Thiago Silva extended Chute Boxe's legacy into the UFC's early 2000s division from 2008 to 2012, achieving a 5-2 record in the during that span with signature knockouts like his 20-second TKO of Antonio Rogerio Nogueira at via punches and a first-round stoppage of at UFC 102. His aggressive wrestling-striking hybrid, resulting in four UFC knockouts overall, highlighted the academy's enduring impact on explosive finishes.

Contemporary Stars

Charles Oliveira stands as the most prominent contemporary figure associated with the Chute Boxe Academy, training at its Diego Lima branch in since 2018 to refine his striking under coach Diego Lima. This move contributed to a remarkable 11-fight winning streak, culminating in his capture of the UFC lightweight championship via second-round knockout against at in May 2021. Oliveira has since earned multiple title opportunities, including defenses and challenges against top contenders like and , while maintaining a hybrid style blending elite submissions with aggressive Muay Thai-inspired striking honed at Chute Boxe. Other modern affiliates underscore the academy's continued production of elite talent through its branches. , a contender, made his UFC debut in February 2022 with a first-round submission victory over and has since compiled an 8-2 UFC record as of November 2025, including dominant performances against opponents like in 2023 and in January 2025, though with losses to in 2024 and Alexander Volkov in October 2025, all while representing Chute Boxe Diego Lima. Almeida's grappling-heavy approach exemplifies the academy's integration of ground control with striking pressure in the division. In 2025, Chute Boxe fighters have remained active in high-profile camps and events, adapting the academy's aggressive philosophy to the evolving demands of modern MMA. Oliveira, for instance, prepared for his October 11 victory over at UFC Fight Night 261 by emphasizing submission-striking transitions in camp, securing a second-round rear-naked choke submission that highlighted his versatile skill set. This adaptability is evident across the roster, with branch-trained pros like Almeida continuing to climb rankings through relentless pressure fighting in UFC bouts throughout the year. Emerging talents from Chute Boxe branches have also gained traction in regional and major promotions up to 2025, signaling the academy's sustained pipeline. prospect Marco Tulio, training out of Chute Boxe Diego Lima, earned a UFC contract via in 2024 and notched his first octagon win in January 2025 against Ihor Potieria by first-round TKO at 3:04, showcasing the academy's signature forward-pressure style in early career bouts. Fighters like Tulio represent the next wave, competing in promotions such as UFC and regional circuits while embodying Chute Boxe's emphasis on explosive fundamentals blended with MMA versatility.

Organization and Global Presence

Original Academy in Curitiba

The Chute Boxe Academy originated in 1978 in , Paraná, Brazil, when Rudimar Fedrigo established it as a dedicated training facility at R. Tenente Francisco Ferreira de Souza, 1540. Initially focused on striking arts inspired by Thai boxing, the academy underwent multiple expansions, notably in 1991 when Fedrigo broadened its curriculum to encompass , wrestling, submissions, and other elements of , transforming it into a comprehensive combat sports hub. By 2025, the flagship site remains the cultural epicenter of the organization. Under the ongoing leadership of founder Rudimar Fedrigo—now serving as CEO and Grand Master of —the academy has operated following the 2008 departure of longtime head coach , who founded the rival . Daily operations revolve around a structured schedule of classes from Monday to Saturday, including morning and evening sessions in Muay Thai fundamentals, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu techniques, and integrated MMA drills, emphasizing the academy's signature aggressive style while fostering well-rounded skill development for practitioners of all levels. This routine ensures consistent progression, with open mats and private sessions available to refine Vale Tudo-era tactics adapted to contemporary standards. As the heart of Chute Boxe, the academy plays a pivotal by hosting local events such as the annual Encontro Nacional CHUTE BOXe gatherings and belt grading examinations, which drew participants to public venues like Praça Oswaldo Cruz in December 2024 for skill demonstrations and networking. It also runs programs introducing children to , Jiu-Jitsu, and basic , promoting discipline and fitness among local teens and serving as a primary talent pipeline that feeds fighters to international branches through 2025. Facing challenges from the post-PRIDE FC decline in the late 2000s, the academy adapted by prioritizing internal revival under Fedrigo's stewardship, including post-2010 updates to align facilities with modern training protocols while preserving its raw roots through heritage-focused seminars and coaching methodologies. These efforts have sustained its status as a resilient institution, balancing tradition with evolution to nurture future generations of fighters.

Branches and International Affiliates

The Chute Boxe Academy has expanded into a decentralized network of branches and affiliates since the , following internal splits and the academy's post- era challenges, enabling the brand's global reach and revival. Key U.S. branches include Chute Boxe Diego Lima in , established in the and serving as a primary training base for UFC lightweight . Other notable American affiliates are Chute Boxe Academy Andre Quiles in , emphasizing instruction under head coach André Quiles; Chute Boxe Luis Azeredo in , led by former fighter ; and Chute Boxe KC in , founded in the by Claudio Mattos. The network includes numerous affiliates in , including prominent locations in and , alongside expansions to the , (such as Chute Boxe Gold Coast), and (notably Chute Boxe Italia Treta in , the first European branch). This growth, originating from affiliations, has sustained the Chute Boxe legacy amid the original academy's decline. Affiliates operate with independent coaching while adhering to centralized branding standards, such as official logo usage and affiliation fees, fostering cross-location training opportunities. They host seminars and develop professional teams, exemplified by the March 2025 seminar at the branch and a November 2025 event there. These branches have played a crucial role in the academy's modern revival, maintaining the brand's visibility through Tapology-listed professional fighters achieving results in 2025, including UFC appearances from Diego Lima affiliates.

References

  1. https://www.ufcespanol.com/news/how-chute-boxe-created-brazil-ufc-legends
  2. https://chuteboxe.com/about-us/
  3. https://www.sherdog.com/news/articles/1/15-Questions-with-Chute-Boxe-Founder-Rudimar-Fedrigo-16759
  4. https://www.essentiallysports.com/ufc-mma-news-story-behind-legendary-chute-boxe-home-to-charles-oliveira-anderson-silva-other-ufc-legends/
  5. https://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/45589538/ufc-317-ilia-topuria-charles-oliveira-live-results
  6. https://uspto.report/TM/79270499/ROA20200703182609/
  7. https://bloodyelbow.com/2012/06/25/mma-origins-ufc-history-ufc-147-wanderlei-silva-anderson-silva-chute-boxe/
  8. https://www.sherdog.com/news/articles/IVC-5-The-Night-Pele-Launched-the-Chute-Boxe-Era-178751
  9. https://www.lowkickmma.com/rafael-cordeiro/
  10. https://www.ufc.com/news/prides-30-most-memorable-moments-2020
  11. https://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Wanderlei-Silva-209
  12. https://evolve-mma.com/blog/know-your-legend-wanderlei-the-axe-murderer-silva/
  13. https://www.ufc.com/news/wanderlei-silva-numbers
  14. https://www.sherdog.com/events/Pride-25-Body-Blow-1425
  15. https://bleacherreport.com/articles/119498-chute-boxe-academy-a-fall-from-grace
  16. https://www.sherdog.com/news/articles/OneonOne-with-Rafael-Cordeiro-81403
  17. https://www.instagram.com/p/Cyga7ZHx36H/
  18. https://www.ufc.com/news/mauricio-shogun-rua-named-ufc-hall-fame-class-2024
  19. https://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Murilo-Rua-1375
  20. https://www.ufc.com/news/fighting-brothers-ufc-128
  21. https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/bouts/2874-ufc-175-vitor-the-phenom-belfort-vs-the-axe-murderer-wanderlei-silva-i
  22. https://www.sherdog.com/videos/misc.video/Chute-Boxe-vs-BTT-The-Nine-Chapters-of-The-Greatest-Rivalry-in-MMA-History-19947
  23. https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/bouts/2435-pride-23-the-brazilian-tiger-ricardo-arona-vs-murilo-ninja-rua
  24. https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/bouts/2395-pride-final-conflict-2005-the-brazilian-tiger-ricardo-arona-vs-the-axe-murderer-wanderlei-silva-i
  25. https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/bouts/2177-pride-shockwave-2005-the-axe-murderer-wanderlei-silva-vs-the-brazilian-tiger-ricardo-arona-ii
  26. https://adcombat.com/news2005-11-23btt-x-chute-boxe-7-years-war/
  27. https://www.lowkickmma.com/brazilian-top-team/
  28. https://www.mmafighting.com/2014/5/15/4651076/brazilian-top-team-chute-boxe-wants-to-relive-the-glories-from-the
  29. https://www.bjjee.com/articles/chute-boxe-brazilian-top-team-founders-its-hard-to-see-one-team-dominating-the-sport-like-we-did/
  30. https://www.sherdog.com/news/articles/MMA-Roots-Wanderlei-Silva-vs-Randy-Couture-195830
  31. https://www.si.com/mma/2009/04/20/chute-boxe
  32. https://www.essentiallysports.com/ufc-mma-news-all-about-charles-oliveiras-gym-chute-boxing-coach-diego-lima-and-his-training-partners/
  33. https://www.ufc.com/news/charles-oliveiras-time-has-arrived-main-event-do-bronx-ufc-262
  34. https://combatsportslaw.com/2025/08/06/damage-brand-new-mma-judging-criteria-approved/
  35. https://www.flaglercountybuzz.com/2025/03/25/charles-oliveira-led-exclusive-seminar-at-chute-boxe-diego-lima/
  36. https://www.instagram.com/p/C66cBeCu4o-/
  37. https://chuteboxeacademy.com/about/
  38. https://www.blackbeltmag.com/mma-legend-wanderlei-silva-to-be-inducted-into-ufc-hall-of-fame-2024
  39. https://www.sherdog.com/news/articles/Vale-Tudo-Relics-The-Career-Arc-of-Mauricio-Shogun-Rua-194265
  40. https://www.ufc.com/news/shogun-rua-reflects-his-incredible-ufc-career-hall-of-fame
  41. https://www.mmafighting.com/2024/5/5/24149322/shogun-rua-announced-for-2024-ufc-hall-of-fame-class
  42. http://ufcstats.com/fighter-details/90e7447d8b7f3f35
  43. https://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Jose-LandiJons-1400
  44. http://ufcstats.com/fighter-details/2924886ee9c4c527
  45. https://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Thiago-Silva-14396
  46. https://jp.ufc.com/news/ufc-fight-night-almeida-vs-lewis-results-highlights-winner-interviews-sao-paulo
  47. https://www.mmafighting.com/2022/12/29/23526692/mma-fightings-2022-rookie-of-the-year-jailton-almeida
  48. https://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Charles-Oliveira-30300
  49. https://www.ufc.com/news/fighters-on-the-rise-ufc-fight-night-bonfim-vs-brown-morales-tulio-cavalcanti
  50. https://www.tapology.com/gyms/9533-chute-boxe
  51. https://www.headknockerslegends.com/Chute-Boxe-Academy/
  52. https://www.instagram.com/rudimar.fedrigo/
  53. https://www.mmafighting.com/2023/6/10/23753830/let-the-kids-fight-charles-oliveira-beneil-dariush-chute-boxe-ufc-289
  54. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/qESaSLOaKag
  55. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DD1_5VvRySq/
  56. https://www.facebook.com/chuteboxeoficial/videos/show-de-imagens-do-encontro-nacional-chute%25EF%25B8%258Fboxe-que-rolou-no-dia-265-no-gin%25C3%25A1sio-/1190128171886218/
  57. https://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Carlson-Gracie-Rudimar-Fedrigo-to-Receive-Best-of-Fight-Awards-in-Rio-de-Janeiro-191458
  58. https://www.facebook.com/chuteboxediegolimausa/
  59. https://chuteboxeacademy.com/
  60. https://chuteboxela.com/
  61. https://chuteboxekc.com/
  62. https://www.facebook.com/ChuteBoxeGoldCoast/
  63. https://www.instagram.com/chute_boxe_italia_treta/
  64. https://chuteboxeacademy.com/affiliations/
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