Students of adapted jiu-jitsu project from Itaguaí win medals in South American competition

Part of the Itaguaí Action, Sports and Inclusion Project’s army went to the field – or rather, to the mat to compete for the first time. Led by black belt André Seabra, four students from the action that brings jiu-jitsu to people with disabilities participated in the South American Championship of the Sport Jiu-Jitsu South American Association (SJJSAF) last Sunday, in Rio de Janeiro.

The action, promoted by the Municipality of Itaguaí through the Municipal Secretary of Tourism and Sport, has nine other students. Those who saw action in the championship were Brian Souza, João Melo, Luana Regina and Gustavo Silva.

“It was an immense satisfaction to see them go to a championship for the first time showing all the technique and cognitive and motor development they learned. They are students with great commitment. This is gratifying for us as teachers”, highlighted André Seabra.

A 5th degree black belt in jiu-jitsu and 3rd dan in judo, Seabra is the founder of the project Making a Difference in Jiu-Jitsu (@fazendoadifjj), which for 26 years has used the gentle art as a tool for the inclusion of students with physical disabilities and mental.

“Adapted Jiu-Jitsu manages to give meaning to the lives of several athletes. In addition, it plays the role of including the perception of competence and personal identity. Identity is as an athlete and not as a disabled person. In addition to the general improvement in physical fitness, the Adapted Jiu-Jitsu helps in a huge gain in autonomy and self-confidence to carry out day-to-day activities, in addition to improving self-esteem,” explained the teacher.