Kids at the Spartanos Complex Project in Brazil. Photo: Personal Archive
GMA member Jorge Britto supports a a new project called the “Spartanos Complex Project” to provide a way for at-risk children to develop through learning Jiu-Jitsu in Brazil by his friend Anderson Ribeiro.
Here is what he has to say about it:
My name is Jorge Britto; I am a 2nd degree black belt under Saulo Ribeiro and head instructor at Toronto BJJ Mixed Martial Arts academy. What is more important than all of my accomplishments and positions though, are that I am also a father, a brother, a son, and a human being.
Jiu-Jitsu has been an incredible, life changing force for me. It has tested and will always test me, making me a better person. It has sharpened my will power and improved my character. These improvements in turn made life off of the mats better… I can see more clearly, and I can overcome more obstacles with the tools that Jiu-Jitsu has provided me. The best way for me to show my gratitude for these wonderful gifts, is by helping to spread the benefits to those who need it most.
There are sons, daughters, brothers and sisters out there who have only known the most violent environment. Many of them don’t know where their next meal will come from, and in some cases will have to do terrible things to get that meal. Right now there are people doing what they can to help them get out of the darkness; and I would like to humbly ask that you give back through the sport that has given to you.
My friend and Gracie Humaita black belt Anderson Ribeiro has started an incredible project to aid these troubled youths; and he needs your help.
The “Spartanos Complex Project” is providing Jiu-Jitsu instruction, medical attention, nutrition, and most importantly –a place to go where the values of honesty, courage, loyalty, family, and hard work can be instilled. Its beginnings are humble but through donations and support they are looking to give better help and to more people who need it.
Right now the project is in its infancy and Anderson Ribeiro is helping as many as he can, with a few old mats and rooftop training area. But to provide a better environment for these children he needs to make improvements to the training area, protect the mats from the elements, provide counseling and medical assistance to the children, as well as nutrition and opportunities that they would otherwise never have access to.
This is the most important aspect of this project, to provide a better starting point and life skills so that they can grow as human beings and escape the life they were born into. Arte Suave – “The Gentle Art” isn’t about building fighters, it’s about building better people. The “Spartanos Complex Project” is about allowing other human beings the opportunity to grow and develop themselves, provide greater social integration, and give a chance to someone who wasn’t given any chances to start with.
To support this worthy endeavor you can make financial donations (to cover medical, counseling, facility improvement, and building maintenance costs) as well as donations of gis, supplements, and training equipment. If you are a business owner and would like to sponsor or otherwise support this project, that would also be greatly appreciated.
For more information on the project and what you can do, please visit the following website: http://