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

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