Rocinha Jiu-Jitsu Academy is the last of the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu schools in Rocinha. In the past there were several others, but none survived because of lack of funding. Leo Dalla Costa and Tata currently run Rocinha Jiu-Jitsu Academy. The program is offered to children and adults of Rocinha for free. They rent the space for the Academy as well as provide the mats and gis (kimonos or uniforms) for the students to wear. Tata, along with a few others from the adult program, donate their time to teach the children's class. I made my first trip to Brazil in November 2002. During this time I met Leo Dalla and Tata and was given the chance to go up into Rocinha. When I walked in and saw the children pouring in I knew instantly that I wanted to help in some way. My friend Marco Perazzo (a.k.a The Professor Perazzo) and I (a.k.a. Meow) came up with a plan to utilize my photography and his connections to raise money for the program. Until the day comes that I will be able to display my photographs to the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu world I am trying to show the rest of the world. The children in the program were a delight to see. All appreciative of being able to attend class as well as pose for a photograph. They worked instensely during training, but enjoyed themselves throughout the class. The smiles on the children's faces seemed to separate them from the favelas. You would never know they were poor or maybe didn't eat a good meal every day. It is evident that the Rocinha Jiu-Jitsu program gives a lot to these children. When I started inquiring about the program Tata revealed he has to turn children away every day. He does not have enough uniforms or supplies for more children. He funds this completely on his own through his own organization, but he can only give so much. Jiu-Jitsu in Brazil (for those of you who do not know) is like Basketball or any other major sport to us in the States. Children, no matter their background, can make something of themselves through jiu-jitsu. Given the opportunity and guidance these children will be the FUTURE of BJJ. There are phenomenal Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu fighters today that came from the slums of the favelas. They were given an opportunity to make something of themselves. Why can't we help as many as we can. SO HERE'S YOUR CHANCE! YOU CAN GIVE TOO! Check out the photos of the children as well as the items for sale section. Anything you buy helps the children and donations are always accepted! Thanks for checking out my site. Thanks for taking the time to read about the Rocinha Jiu-Jitsu project and if anything I hope you enjoyed the photographs. |