Photo: Carlos Ozório
Teacher at Gracie Barra headquarters in Rio de Janeiro Jefferson Moura was unable to compete at nor attend the Rio International Open championship that took place this past weekend in the Tijuca Tennis Club. He was struck down by a powerful flu, and couldn’t make it. However, Jeff is overjoyed for his team’s title, taking first in the competition.
“I’d like to congratulate all the teachers for their dedication in the name of Gracie Barra. It’s showing through at practice, at championships, and the proof was winning the Rio Open this year,” he states.
GB is undergoing a process of restructuring in Brazil, which, according to Jeff, has begun to reflect in the team winning titles. And success is come by not through the work of one, but through the union and organization of all the academies across Brazil and the world.
“I’d like to thank everyone for their patience, confidence and collaboration. I’d like to thank them for believing in this effort and for uniting, rather than competing on their own. There was a bit of everyone in this win, be them athletes, teachers or practitioners who don’t compete, but who train with their companions,” he says.
“Together we are strong, a true army! We shall reap further fruits by carrying on in this way,” says the black belt.