Davis’ tour of Brazil was a time to reflect on the old and explore the new. He spent time visiting and training with a number of Ribeiro Jiu-Jitsu schools across Brazil, visiting his Sensei’s, running his first international seminar and getting a chance to build on his grappling knowledge by cross training with Wrestling and Judo champions.
During the first two weeks, Sensei Davi had the opportunity to train at Ribeiro Jiu-Jitsu Guara (@ribeirojjguara) in the Brazil’s capital, Brasília. The school is runned by Sensei Diego Pereira and a great example of the power of Ribeiro Jiu-Jitsu in Brazil. With more than 200 students sharing the love for the Gentle Art. Brasília is also the current home for one of the best BJJ athletes at the moment, Yan “Pica-pau”(@yanpicapau). With some amazing sessions together it was possible to absorb a lot of knowledge to bring to Australia. Last, but definitely not least it was time to get together with Sensei Saulo Ribeiro, Sensei Xande Ribeiro and Sensei Fredson Aves. Having some great time together and trying to grasp all the greatness from three incredible Martial Artists.
After an amazing time in the country’s capital it wast time to head to his home town, Fortaleza. Located in the northeast of Brazil, the city is one of the main touristic destinations of the country. Fortaleza is a surprisingly large and sprawling place. It’s one of Brazil’s biggest cities, and an economic magnet for people from Ceará and beyond. It’s also a draw for tourists from Brazil and overseas, who come for its beaches, party atmosphere and the spectacular smaller beach spots, rolling dunes and fishing villages accessible from here.
For Sensei Davi it was time to see family and friends, but also to connect with the roots of his Jiu-Jitsu. In his words, “Jiu-Jitsu is part of my daily routine, a tool to keep me grounded and the best way to connect with people”. In Fortaleza, he visited his first Jiu-Jitsu teacher Guilherme Rocha “Caju”, who now runs an Alliance affiliated academy. “It was amazing to see him, a great friend and big supporter of my Jiu-Jitsu journey”. Another great moment it was to do wrestling session with the National champion Marcos Wesley (@_marcoswesley) organised by one of Davi’s great friends and Bjj teacher Sensei Fabricio. “The kid is an unbelievable wrestler, moves like water. Most of all it was amazing to share the mats with Sensei Fabricio, great man that I consider like a mentor”. To finish the tour Sensei Davi ran a seminar sharing Ribeiro Jiu-Jitsu methodology and some great techniques to more than 30 eager students.
A particular highlight was expanding the RJJ Perth’s family with the biggest RJJ clubs in Brazil. RJJ Perth are looking to develop sister school connections with the RJJ schools in the capital of Brazil, Brasilia and Manaus (@ribeirojjmanaus) which is owned and ran by Sensei Davi’s own Sensei, Fredson Alves.
This will be create amazing opportunities for cross training experience and assisting with the incredible social projects to assist under privileged kids to be able to train Jiu-Jitsu.