This exquisite piece of work is far more professional than any of the American pro wrestling mega-event videos produced recently. The often-gory fights are well handled and only play a small role; this video is not solely about fighting. Done in documentary style, Choke takes an introspective look at the men--their goals, their dreams, and their families--who become the ultimate fighting machines in the ring at the 1995 Vale Tudo World Fighting Championship in Tokyo.
Delving into the life of the undefeated and undisputed world freestyle fighting champion, Rickson Gracie, a 30-year-old jujitsu expert from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, this video displays a side that you rarely see in sports: the articulate, intelligent family man who turns his training into the art of movement and athleticism--not violence. It also explores the world of two men expected to offer a serious challenge to Gracie: American heavyweight kickboxer Todd "Hollywood" Hays and Japanese shootfighting heavyweight champion Koichiro Kimura. These two men provide some of the more uplifting moments in the documentary. Hays, who is also a member of the U.S. Olympic bobsled team, explains how he will use his performance money to fund his dream of buying a bobsled that will allow him to be a driver in the 1998 Winter Games. Kimura completes his training but then has to ask the permission of his elderly parents to compete. The big man bluffs his way through with a warm smile and a respectful manner.
Choke is an insightful look at a full-contact, controversial sport. The only warning it should carry is that some of the scenes are graphically violent and some of the language is X-rated. --Gordie Sholtys
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 4.5 / 5.0
AWESOME VIDEO!!!!:
One of the best documenteries on the gracies!!! One of the most motivating videos in my library!
Weak:
Young, inexperienced no-names are invited to get beat up on by the Gracie's best. I felt bad for these guys. Gracies are shameless.
Could be better!!!:
Well, unfortunately or not i had already seen a lot of this video on Youtube and i didnt know it, until i bought it The content is good but its not worth the money. Actually i bought it because im a brazilian jiu jitsu athlete and a big fan of Rickson Gracie, but i think the video could have shown more training aspects, what its really interesting for me. As a documentary is ok, but once more, its not worth the money,it could be a little bit cheaper.
Great buy:
This movie is right up there with The Smashing Machine. Great look into MMA at its roots. Hopefully a new documentary like this surfaces in the future because they sure are great to watch.
