Where Did Ginastica Natural Really Originate?

 Experimentation is always the best way of finding out what works, what doesn't and how to apply it to your daily life (or through a program). Where do these experimentations come from? Someone had to come up with something and someone else takes a concept and molds it to their own design. That's one of the beautiful things about exercise, there's always something to develop either in addition or as a self-discovery through practice of what makes you the best you can be.

One of the fascinating practices of bodyweight training is what's called Ginastica Natural; it's a Brazilian based exercise concept using techniques and combinations in Yoga, Gymnastics & Animal Style Movements that although can be used for developing a healthy lifestyle is more along the lines of being used to train BJJ Fighters and other sources of MMA. One of the most famous fighters to train in this style (successfully) has been Rickson Gracie. It was created by Alvaro Ramano (who was trained by the Gracies) and later adopted by his son Rafael . 

It doesn't just apply to movements in a more natural setting, it also takes on the practice of certain breathing techniques and patterns based on areas of Yoga that helps one stay relaxed and oxygenated to the point where if it's mastered, you can practically go for long periods of time without getting winded or create unnecessary tension. Rickson demonstrates this so beautifully in a clip from the movie Choke. To see a smaller sample of this type of breathing (still from Rickson), there's a scene in 2008's The Incredible Hulk where an instructor shows Bruce Banner how to control his emotions and breathing, it is a very inspiring scene that only lasts less than a minute or so. Some of the control in the breathing makes the Abdominals move like a dance, similar to old time bodybuilders such as Otto Arco practicing Muscle Control.

Now, where did this combo style even come from, it's been proven Alvaro didn't invent it (more or so popularized it and was adapted by others later on with similar concepts). From my research (and more so on Rickson), the practice was based on the teachings of Brazilian Yoga Instructor Orlando Cani. Orlando demonstrates practically an identical format that shows the breathing patterns, the movements, the stretches and more long before Alvaro came along. This practice was more to the tune of giving people an opportunity to understand their own body's abilities to create a more natural state of activity along with controlling the emotional state and well being. Alvaro used this as well but if you look deep into his style, it's more for athletes (Brazilian Jiu Jitsu practitioners) and those who want to develop a greater physique. 

For all intents and purposes, GN originally came from Cani (which he called Biogymnastics) who was a former athlete in his own right in Swimming, Artistic Gymnastics and other sports. He trained many athletes alongside his instruction for Yoga from all walks of life (including Rickson Gracie and MMA Legend Marco Ruas) that included those in MMA, Dance, Swimming, Theater and Beach Volleyball. 

Now does it really matter where this concept originated from? To the masses, not so much but there should be credit where credit is due. Both Orlando & Alvaro aren't big dudes, at best soaking wet they're no more than 145-155 lbs. but they're skills are incredible and their breath work is so powerful yet beautiful. If you ever watch sparring sessions with the Gracies, they're a testament to this concept in how to apply the breath not just for staying calm in very intense situations but to be in such physical condition, getting winded is almost non-existent. They're conditioning is by far some of the best in history.