Our journey to the IBJJF European No-Gi Championship in Rome was more than a competition trip. It was a moment of growth, transformation, courage, and unity. Traveling with our young athletes, watching them step onto one of the most respected stages in the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu world, reminded me why Jiu Jitsu For Good exists.
This experience was not just about medals; it was about shaping character and proving to ourselves that where you begin does not define how far you can go.
As you read, I invite you to walk with us through the preparation, the challenges, the moments of learning, the victories, and the unforgettable memories that will stay with this team for a lifetime.
Understanding the IBJJF European Championship
The IBJJF European Championship is one of the largest and most influential tournaments in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Organized by the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF), it brings together athletes from every corner of the world — Brazil, the United States, Japan, Italy, France, the UAE, the UK, and beyond. It is often considered a gateway to the professional circuit, where young athletes first face the international level of pace, pressure, and strategic intensity.
To compete here is to honor yourself, your team, your teachers, and the time you have invested on the mats.
For many of our young athletes, this was their first time leaving Brazil, first time traveling internationally, and first time stepping into a global arena. They didn’t just show up. They arrived prepared. They arrived with discipline, courage, and belief.
The Mission of Jiu Jitsu For Good
Jiu Jitsu For Good is more than a project — it is a life mission.
Created by myself (Ana Fernandes) and my husband, Professor Jorge Fernandes, the initiative supports young athletes who demonstrate commitment, potential, and a desire to grow, regardless of financial or social circumstances.
The values that guide everything we do are:
- Discipline and consistency
- Respect and responsibility
- Community and service
- Emotional intelligence through sport
- Faith in the transformative power of effort
We do not simply develop competitors.
We develop human beings.
Strong in skill.
Strong in character.
Strong in spirit.
From Brazil to Rome – The Journey Begins
Our trip lasted six days, each filled with purpose.
We stayed in a house about 16 minutes from the competition venue, close to the coastline, surrounded by the quiet beauty of Italian mornings. Our goal was clear: stay focused, stay grounded, and stay connected to our mission.
Even away from home, the rhythm of training continued.
We visited a local gym and trained alongside athletes from Italy, France, and other parts of Europe. The exchange of technique was valuable and eye-opening. We observed that European competitors emphasize foot locks and leg entanglement systems, making timing, patience, and precision especially important.
The gym itself had wooden architecture, warm lighting, and a simple, humble environment — a reminder that greatness grows anywhere that discipline is present.
Learning from Rome Beyond the Mats
We also spent time experiencing Rome — not as tourists, but as students of life.
We visited:
- The Colosseum
- Historic cathedrals
- Cultural landmarks that hold centuries of story and resilience
These were not just sightseeing moments.
They were lessons in perspective.
Walking through a city that has seen empires rise and fall reminded the athletes that champions are not defined in a single moment. Greatness is built across time — through practice, patience, and perseverance.
These shared experiences strengthened the unity of the group.
They laughed together. They supported one another.
They learned how to breathe through nerves, stay calm under pressure, and carry themselves with confidence and dignity.
Competition Day – Intent, Composure, and Heart
When competition day arrived, our athletes stepped onto the mats with a level of maturity that made us proud before any result was known.
They fought with:
- Technique
- Strategy
- Respect
- Control
- And a deep sense of purpose
They encouraged each other.
They stayed present.
They competed with dignity.
And their performance reflected that.
Performance and Results
11 ATHLETES
9 MEDALS
8 GOLD
1ST PLACE JUVENILE TEAM TROPHY
Our team earned:
- Eleven young competitors on the world stage
- Nine total medals
- Eight gold victories
- And the 1st Place Juvenile Team Title
These results represent more than competitive success.
They are evidence of what happens when:
- Work meets opportunity
- Guidance meets effort
- Faith meets preparation
The athletes didn’t just win matches.
They proved to themselves that they belonged.
Why This Matters
For these young athletes, this was:
- Their first time traveling abroad
- Their first international championship
- Their first test against the world
- Their first realization that they are capable
The victory is a reminder that:
Talent can come from anywhere.
Opportunity transforms potential into future.
The environment you train in shapes the person you become.
This championship was not an ending.
It was a beginning.
A new standard.
A new belief in what is possible.
What Comes Next
The team now continues preparation for:
- IBJJF Pan Kids
- Brazilian Nationals
- World Championships
The mission remains steady:
To build champions — on the mats and in life.
Champions in skill.
Champions in character.
Champions who inspire others to rise.
Support the Movement
For those who feel called to be part of this story and help us expand opportunities for young athletes, support is welcome in the form of:
- Travel expenses
- Training uniforms and gear
- Tournament registration
- Nutrition and recovery resources
Instagram: @jiujitsuforgood
YouTube: Athlas Training Team – Competition Journey
If you support this project, you are not just helping athletes compete —
you are helping shape their future.
