If you’re travelling to Rio to train BJJ, then you should choose carefully which academy to train at depending on your goals.

Some people are looking to take home the latest technical developments, some want to prepare for an upcoming tournament, some are visiting their master to get promoted, but the truth is most just want somewhere to roll between hanging out on the beach.

But it’s difficult to judge what kind of person a gym caters for until you actually step on the mat, which involves the possibility of wasting time and money. Read on for some advice on choosing the right BJJ gym in Rio for you.

You Want To Be Up On The Latest Technical Developments

With the explosion of online training resources, such as the popular MGinAction or Mendes Bros Online, it’s easier than ever to get cutting-edge material from world-class coaches. But there’s still plenty of world class jiu-jitsu in Rio de Janeiro.

Gyms such as Checkmat, Terere’s new academy and Alliance in Leblon are among some of the trend leaders in sport jiu-jitsu. It’s true that Nova Uniao and Gracie Humaita enjoy plenty of success in tournaments but many see the styles of instructors such as Rico Vieira and Terere as being more modern, creative and dynamic.

There are many highly technical, modern BJJ coaches to train with in Rio

In cases such as this, it may be worth checking out some of the more old school masters such as Jose Henrique ‘Leao’ Teixeira of Escola de Jiu-Jitsu, as the gym receives 5th, 6th and even 7th degree black belts on a daily basis. Though the attitude of the gym is less directed toward competition, the level of insight and technical detail is off the charts, though it would probably suit someone with an already solid foundation looking to refine their skills rather than someone looking to ‘take home’ the latest techniques.

You Want to Prepare For an Upcoming Tournament

If you plan on competing in Brazil there’s no better way to get ready for an upcoming tournament than to spend a week or two in a competitive BJJ academy to finish your preparations. In cases such as this, it’s imperative you find an academy that is like-minded, as you’ll need everyone to be willing to train at the same level of intensity.

Right before big competitions the training always picks up a gear, but more so in academies such as Carlson Gracie, Nova Uniao, Gordo Jiu-Jitsu and of course GFTeam.

Get tournament ready by heading to one of the many BJJ gyms in Rio that focuses on competition

GFTeam, Carlson Gracie and Nova Uniao historically have always produced huge teams of competitors and so it goes without saying that training is spirited during competition season, but the gyms are more inclined to receive grapplers from within their own associations during these periods so as to avoid any political problems.

Somewhere to roll between hanging out on the beach

Not everybody wants to come to Rio and go balls to the wall. Many are here on vacation and simply want to experience jiu-jitsu direct from the source. In cases such as this, it’s obviously best to find a gym that welcomes visitors, but the vibe of the gym is probably more important. You don’t want to find yourself in the middle of a tough roll after a week of drinking beer on the beach!

Where you’ll likely be when you’re not in the gym

Summary

Whatever level grappler you are, there is a place for you to train here in Rio. From white belt to black belt, hobbyist to professional, you can find a BJJ gym in Rio to suit your needs.

Article written by Hywel Teague
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The post Which BJJ gym in Rio is right for you? The 3 Types You Will Encounter appeared first on Train BJJ in Rio.

Terere’s competition career peaked around 2003 and he fell away from the scene when he sadly suffered a series of personal problems. An incident on a plane in America saw him briefly jailed and the stressful experience saw him turn to drugs. He spent a number of years suffering with his addiction and various efforts were made to rehabilitate him, yet it wasn’t until an undiagnosed mental illness was finally given the correct treatment did he achieve balance.

After a period spent in Europe teaching at various academies and giving seminars and even a return to competition (including a silver medal at the 2013 European Championships) Terere has returned to Rio de Janeiro and worked hard to open an academy. Though new, it already boasts a strong team and is sought-after by visiting grapplers due to it’s ideal location in Rio’s south zone, close to the nearby tourist hotels of Ipanema and Copacabana.

A Typical Class
After a standard warm-up Terere will usually show around 3 connected techniques. His detailed instruction brings new light to old positions, and while he is comes from the ‘old school’ generation he is very much a modern grappler as evidenced by his recent use of techniques such as the reverse berimbolo in competition. You’ll be given around 5 minutes to drill each position he shows.

Rolling is competitive and spirited. Terere’s reputation as a former champion and high-level grappler has drawn hungry competitors from humble backgrounds keen to experience a similar level of success. He is building a strong team of highly competitive young guys, with extremely sharp and technical teenagers at white and blue belt, yet you will find belts of all colours on the mat including his friends from other academies.

The guys at Terere’s academy are versatile players and fight well from top and bottom, with grip fighting an important part of their toolbox. Though the gym is not large there is enough space for 4 pairs to roll comfortably at the same time.

During competition season the training becomes much more intense, with the team led through high-paced conditioning exercises and takedown drills at the beginning of each session. The team will also do a lot of supplemental training by swimming in the ocean and running on Ipanema beach and up the nearby hills.

Our thoughts
Healthy and happy, Terere has returned to the Rio de Janeiro community in which he was raised and he has opened a BJJ gym in Ipanema. The newly-opened academy is fast becoming a popular spot for visitors and in one session at his gym there were grapplers from France, Italy, Holland and Poland.

Following their leader’s example, everyone at Terere’s gym is extremely friendly and he warmly receives guests to his gym.

Academy Fact File:
Head instructor: Fernando ‘Terere’ plus 2 assistants.
Price: R$180 / month, drop-in fee R$35 for one class
Matspace: Approx 60sqm
Facilities: Matted room, shower, drinking fountain.
Av number of people per class: 12-20
Speak English?: Some
Location: Ipanema
Suggested transport: Bus stop within 5 min walk, General Osorio subway station within 10
MMA / no-gi: No
Other martial arts: No
Years open: Less than one. Opened late 2012.
Titles / champions / championships: Aside from Terere’s own accomplishments, he has Rio state champions at coloured belts training and assisting him with instruction.

Address:
Rua Alberto de Campos
Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro

Google maps link

Location:
A short walk from Visconde de Piraja, the main street running through Ipanema. Walk along Farme de Amoedo away from the beach, turn right on Rua Alberto de Campos and walk to the large concrete tower that houses the elevator up to Favela Cantagalo. The academy is just above the entrance and visible from the street.

Website:
www.facebook.com/AcademiaFernandoTerere

Timetable:
Mon-Fri: 9.00 / 10.30 / 8.00 / 10.00

Videos:

Links:
Fernando ‘Terere’ BJJ Heroes profile

The post Terere Academy appeared first on Train BJJ in Rio.