Brazilian black belt overcomes difficulties to make a living doing Jiu-Jitsu in Ireland

Currently aged 42 and living in Ireland for 12 years, black belt Jorge Santos is one of several Jiu-Jitsu athletes/teachers leaving the country in search of better opportunities. However, unlike the majority, who head to the United States or the United Arab Emirates, Jorge chose Dublin, the Irish capital, as his place to start writing a new story in the gentle art.

The decision changed the life of the Brazilian, born in Porto Alegre-RS, but who is reaping the rewards today: “Ireland has given me many opportunities, one of which was bringing my two children here, having my own business and helping many people directly and indirectly. I like the country a lot. Of course, there are cons, and the biggest one is being away from my family, but on the other hand, it’s a very safe country compared to Brazil. I don’t want to go back and I don’t regret anything because everything happened at the right times”.

The road to success, however, was not easy. Coming from a humble family, Jorge was always a rebellious child, he ran away from home a few times and got involved with bad influences, but at the age of 14, that would change. Watching the legendary Royce Gracie, the then teenager discovered Jiu-Jitsu. Then, for six years he organized himself financially until, at 20, he started practicing the sport with professor Luis Fernando. Months later, he met Luis Guedes, his master until today.

A born competitor, the young man collected medals in some of the main championships in the country and envisioned the chance to fight in the United States. And even with only 27 dollars and without the support of those who should encourage him, Jorge Santos left in search of his dream.

“Before taking my first international trip, a lot of people said it would be impossible, that I wouldn’t get a visa, money for expenses, etc. This came from people who should encourage me, but I’m glad that on the other hand there are a lot of good people , which helped me in this process”, recalled the teacher, who continued:

“I went to the US with 27 dollars, no credit card, no English, with raffle sales and help from friends. I was lucky to book a hostel with breakfast included, which saved me. I didn’t win the championship at the time , but I gained a lot of experience and a desire to leave Brazil”.

Upon returning from the United States, Jorge Santos focused on saving money and leaving his home country again. That’s when Seda College – renowned exchange school – entered history, and in March 2021, the gaucho went ′′ suitcase and guide ′′ to Dublin. Studying English and with the right guidance, the Jiu-Jitsu athlete saw his career take off little by little.

“Within a week in Ireland, my friend Rafael Gonçalves helped buy some tatami mats for me to give private lessons at home. I started with a student and in two months I was already teaching in a bodybuilding gym. With five months I decided invest in a studio to live in and teach, but I went through financial difficulties and had to reinvent myself. I decided to close the studio, I went to work in a coffee shop and things got better”, said the black belt, who added:

“After much struggle, I rented a garage in an alley in the center of Dublin, but it soon became too small and with the help of my student and guardian angel, Tiago Mascarenha, I managed to open a real gym in the center, exactly on Capel Street , where I stayed for three years and then we decided to move to a bigger place. Today we are on Parnell Street with one of the biggest and best academies in Dublin. That immigrant who started with a student in the living room today has more than 300 students and six branches, one in Sweden, one in Hungary, one in Mexico, two in Ireland and we are opening a new one in Dubai. Never give up on your dreams”.