Brazil Martial Arts Experience

Interested in learning martial arts, but with a bit of a Latin twist? Looking to travel to South America and learn a language on the way? Then join the Brazilian Martial Arts Programme to study two unique forms of martial arts in arguably the most beautiful city in the world.

The programme is based in Rio de Janeiro, a city renowned for its beautiful beaches, bronzed sunbathers and unique nightlife! You’ll be able to spend your mornings studying Portuguese, your afternoons on the beach, your evenings learning martial arts and your nights in some of Rio’s famous bars. All in all, this programme gives you a sporting experience with a distinct Latin Flavour!

Programme Age Limit
Minimum age 18, maximum age determined by potential participant’s health

Programme Requirements
Participants should ensure they are fit enough to join a programme of this nature.

Programme Information
This programme has been designed to offer you an introduction into two popular Brazilian martial arts, whilst also giving you opportunities to learn all about the local culture and way of life. The programme is best suited to self-motivated travellers, who are happy to use their free time to explore the highlights of this beautiful city. With structured Portuguese lessons and daily training sessions, you’ll have the perfect balance to experience the best of Rio and Brazil!

Martial Arts
Martial arts are not normally the first sports that spring to mind when you mention Brazil. Football is the most obvious choice and beach volleyball and basketball are not far behind. However, Brazil is a lot more famous in the world of martial arts than most people realise and in some cases, it is the world leader! Through this programme you can experience the typical Brazilian style and flair in both Capoeira and Jiu-Jitsu.

Capoeira
Capoeira is a very distinctive martial art. Combining dancelike moves with music, clapping and singing, participants form a circle (“Roda”), while 2 people spar in the middle.

Unlike many of the other martial arts, Capoeira often doesn’t involve any contact with your opposition; instead, the “players” use feints and emphasised body movements to demonstrate the power and skill of a particular move. However, some forms of Capoeira do allow full body contact, though this is not common for beginners.

It is believed that Capoeira originated in Brazil about 400 years ago, when the slave trade was transporting thousands of people from Africa to the Americas. Although there are many theories to its exact origin, it is generally accepted that Capoeira stems from Angolan and Mozambican slaves, who used music to disguise the fact they were practising a form of self-defence common in their own countries. Hence, the art has a dance-like appearance. Due to its origins, Capoeira is an important part of Brazil’s African heritage and therefore a key element of Brazil’s cultural expression.

What you will learn
As well as learning about the physical expressions and movements of Capoeira, you’ll learn about the historical and cultural elements too. Training mainly with local Capoeiristas (people who do Capoeira), what you learn largely depends upon when you start the programme, your experience of Capoeira and how long you are there. Either way, this is a great chance for you to make local friends and experience traditional Capoeira in the country of its origins.

You will have the opportunity to learn about:

The Mestre (Master) will conduct your classes in a mixture of Portuguese and English. Because you will be learning alongside local people, this is an added opportunity for you to pick up/practise your Portuguese.

Jiu-jitsu
An ancient martial art, jiu-jitsu traces its origins back as early as the 8th century. It was developed by the Samurai in Japan mainly as a secondary art, to the weapon arts such as kenjutsu (sword art) and kyu-jutsu (art of archery). The Samurai practiced and developed Jiu-jitsu as a practical system of self-defense to utilize in close-quarter combat situations. Today, Brazil has adopted this sport and advanced it to such a degree that it is now one of the leading nations worldwide and one of the best places to travel and learn this martial art.

The essence of Jiu-jitsu is the ability to move or flow from one technique to another in order to defend yourself efficiently and effectively. The ability for an exponent to adapt in any situation, to fight empty handed, grapple, or use any type of weapon against an opponent, helps define Jiu-jitsu as the ultimate self-defense art.

The literal translation of Jiu-jitsu is the art of gentleness or pliancy. Jiu-jitsu is not a contest of muscular skill and strength; rather it relies on natural biomechanics, balance, leverage and timing. Because of this, Jiu-jitsu is the perfect art for self-defense and does not rely on any one advantage such as size, weight, height and reach between opponents. Jiu-jitsu is equally accessible to men and women and is an extremely practical and effective form of self-defense.

What you will learn
Depending on your previous experience of Jiu-jitsu, you will be introduced to some or all of the following skills:

Like the Capoeira classes, the Jiu-jitsu classes will be conducted in both Portuguese and English, to accommodate your needs and those of the local people training with you.

Language and Culture Programme
The language school placement is a key part of your cultural experience, as it is a big advantage being able to speak some Portuguese.

Our language school is located just moments away from your accommodation in Rio, which makes getting up and going to class much easier! The school itself has been operating for over 30 years and is geared towards providing tailor-made courses to foreign students with differing needs.

The school provides a unique Portuguese language experience with emphasis on participants understanding the culture, as well as learning the language. Fun cultural activities will be arranged, such as visits to a Samba school and more.

The aim of the school is to make the lessons interesting and fun, as this is the best way to learn a language quickly and easily. The teaching approaches are dynamic and varied and the classes are intensive, yet challenging and enjoyable.

The course is designed to enable students to actively participate in classes. As quickly as possible, students will learn how to communicate, comprehend and use accurate pronunciation in Portuguese. The small classes and active participation training provides the flexibility to meet your individual needs and offer you a comprehensive course.

The classes are based on the communicative approach in order to be useful in practical real-life situations; this enables you to achieve your daily objectives/needs, rather than learning words and grammar that will not assist you. However, the classes consider Portuguese as a whole and as well as there being an emphasis on speaking abilities, they also take into account grammar, pronunciation, vocabulary, pragmatic use and cultural understanding.

Language classes will generally consist of 5 to 6 students but you will never be with a group of more than 10. With smaller, more intimate classes it allows the school to tailor the programme to your specific needs. In order for you to be placed in the correct class according to your Portuguese proficiency level, you will have a written test and/or oral evaluation exam during your first day of class.

Please Note: If class sizes are less than 3 people, your lessons may be given as intense language classes, and therefore may have fewer hours of tuition than stated.

Throughout the course your progress is assessed by your teacher/Academic Director. Once a week, after your Portuguese classes you will have the chance to participate in afternoon cultural activities:

Accommodation and Meals
During your stay you’ll be accommodated at a hostel located just 2 blocks from Ipanema beach! Rooms will be on a shared dormitory-style basis. This hostel is popular with travellers from all over the world and has all of the necessary facilities to keep you comfortable during your stay.

These facilities include:

The language school, where your Portuguese classes are held, is nearby and many other important amenities are within reaching distance i.e. banks, supermarkets, shops etc.

Breakfast is included at the hostel; however, you will need to self-cater for your other daily meals when in Rio. You should budget £30-40/week for this to eat well, more if you wish to eat out on occasion.

Project Support
During your programme you will have the support of our local coordinator. They will provide you with competent support and assistance (if required) and help you with any questions or support you may need during your stay.

In addition, we will provide you with a 24 hour emergency contact number before you depart, so that you can contact one of our UK staff at any time should you need to.

Local Orientation
Once you have been met and picked up from the airport, you will be taken to your accommodation to settle in. On your first full day, your coordinators will guide you through your Rio orientation and help to answer any questions you may have. Your orientation will cover:

For further information, or to secure your place on this programme, please call the Latin America Team today on 01892 516 164, or email our Latin America Programme Manager at matt.fenton@realgap.co.uk