The São Paulo police force is organizing its first major Jiu-Jitsu championship, and the numbers show the power the sport holds among their ranks. With more than 280 signed up so far, the championship will take place on May 21 at the Police School of Physical Education in São Paulo starting at 9 am.
Organizing the event has been tasked to lieutenants Marcelo Vinícius, a black belt in taekwondo, and Hallison Pontes, a purple belt in Jiu-Jitsu under Gabriel Vella.
“I was surprised by the number of black belts on the police force; I had no idea. We have dozens, and the folks from the Riot Police haven’t even sent their competitors’ names in yet,” remarked Pontes, 35. “Another interesting tidbit has to do with the ladies. When we announced the championship, initially just for men, the girls were offended. There are a number of girls training, and they’re going to compete too.”
The championship is only for police personnel, and sign-ups end May 17.