It’s not just in the USA and in Europe that Jiu-Jitsu academies are spreading like wildfire. Proof is the work being done by Sul Jiu-Jitsu, a traditional Southern Brazilian team that has just opened its twentieth branch.
Founded seventeen years ago by Walter Mattos and José Mario Sperry, Sul Jiu-Jitsu academy this week reopened its branch in the city of São Leopoldo, in the state of Rio Grande do Sul.
According to Fernando Paradeda, the team’s technical director, the goal now is to standardize all the branches in terms of facilities and technical focus. “Now we’re targeting children in the region, without neglecting our adult competitors. We’ll place special attention on the kids, not just to produce great athletes but to contribute to shaping the individual character of the people of Rio Grande do Sul and surrounding areas.”
Team black belt Juliano Seidl contunues: “Last year we started with programs attending to needy children at the headquarters in Porto Alegre and at the Gravataí and Caxias do Sul branches. We harbor the same plan for São Leopoldo. We know how much Jiu-Jitsu can contribute to society. We have great examples within the team.
And the fight continues. Around twenty of the team’s athletes shall embark for Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, the coming week, to compete at the World Pro.
