Portugal Has its Own Martial Arts

Portugal has its own hand-to-hand martial arts. This Portuguese martial arts is known as Jogo do pau. Jogo do pau means “game of the stick.” Jogo do pau originated in the mountains in Portugal a long time ago. Normal people did not have weapons so they used a stick as a tool. Jogo do pau became a martial arts with a stick for self-defense. Many farmers used the technique to defend themselves. It was also used to settle arguments between people. The Portuguese still practice Jogo do pau to this day. Jogo do pau is a big part of the Portuguese culture and heritage. It is also a very popular Portuguese tradition.