JIU JITSU • MUAY THAI • WRESTLING • JUDO • LUTA LIVRE
NO-GI • MMA
BROCHURE JUNE 2013
JIU JITSU IN RIO! LIVE YOUR DREAM
TRAIN WITH THE BEST RIO HAS TO OFFER
EVERYTHING MADE EASY
ALL THE DETAILS TAKEN CARE OF SO YOU DON’T HAVE TO
WORLD CHAMPIONS TO MASTERS OF BJJ
EXPERIENCE THE JIU JITSU LIFESTYLE
THE
IN RIO DE JANEIRO
ULTIMATE JIU JITSU VACATION
TRAINING AND ACCOMMODATION MADE EASY IN THE HOME OF THE ARTE SUAVE
ENJOY JIU-JITSU IN BRAZIL WITH CONNECTION RIO
SAFE & SECURE PLACES TO STAY TRAIN AT THE GYM OF YOUR CHOICE
JUNE 2013 // FREE
WeLcoMe
connection rio
A LOOK AT BRAZIL
YOUR CONNECTION
JIU JITSU LIFESTYLE
CAMPS IN RIO
BROCHURE SUMMER 2013 connection rio
WELCOME
A LOOK AT BRAZIL
YOUR CONNECTION TO RIO
JIU JITSU LIFESTYLE
CAMPS IN RIO
A PLACE WITH A VIEW
dennis asche connection rio
At over 800m tall the rocky monolith of Pedra da Gavea is the first thing you’ll see when stepping out of the Connection Rio house. Lush rainforest and blue skies will greet you every morning as you enjoy the sun from our expansive garden, which is the perfect place to train, relax in the pool, catch some sun or enjoy a barbeque with friends. With a view like this you won’t want to leave.
Picture: WiLLiAM BurKHArDt
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4: A LOOK AT BRAZIL connection rio
WELCOME
A LOOK AT BRAZIL
YOUR CONNECTION TO RIO
JIU JITSU LIFESTYLE
founder
CAMPS IN RIO
Train in rio and live your dreams wiTh ConneCTion rio, your ConneCTion To The real jiu jiTsu lifesTyle
your connection to rio de Janeiro Training in Rio de Janeiro is a goal of almost all grapplers. Few would turn down the opportunity to train in the birthplace of Brazilian jiu jitsu , but many find the prospect of travelling to Brazil a little daunting. Brazil is no third-world country, yet it is a developing nation and full of extremes. Even though dozens of martial artists travel there to sample the Arte Suave every year, the old misconceptions abound. As a result, people refrain from experiencing the amazing culture that Rio has to offer, not to mention the training, the beaches and the acai!
Why train in rio? The roots of jiu jitsu can be traced back to Japan, but our preferred style of grappling was watered, fed and blossomed in the South American country of Brazil. BJJ is one of the few activities to boast a national identity in its name. So surely a trip to Brazil would be in even a semi-serious practitioner’s plans? Of the thousands of people who practice jiu jitsu worldwide, an increasing number are making the pilgrimage to Rio de Janeiro to get a taste of the real stuff, direct from the source. Even though many of the sport’s top names have moved to open academies in the USA and Europe, there are still more black belts here than anywhere else in the world, and legions of coaches with decades of experience.
There is something special about training BJJ in Brazil. Like a judo player going to the Kodokan in Tokyo, or a boxer heading to Gleeson’s Gym in Brooklyn, there is a certain mystique about the place. With so many amazing fighters coming from one place, most people are simply curious as to what it is about the city that produces such amazing athletes.
common misconceptions Almost every gringo fears the worst about Brazil, but let’s clear up a few popular misconceptions right away. You won’t step off the plane into a favela, drug barons won’t kidnap you for ransom, and you won’t be ripped off by every single person you meet just because you don’t speak Portuguese. That said, flying halfway around the world to train jiu jitsu isn’t always as easy as it sounds. Finding suitable accommodation can be expensive and long-term apartment rentals difficult to organise unless you speak the lingo. Contrary to popular belief, there aren’t jiu jitsu academies on every street corner, and finding the right one to train at can involve a lot of legwork.
about connection rio This is where Connection Rio comes in. Founded by Dennis Asche, an American black belt who has been living in Rio for close to
ten years, Connection Rio helps visiting jiu jitsu practitioners get the most out of their stay. “I started Connection Rio because I knew first-hand how hard it could be to get everything straight,” says Dennis, who first visited Rio in 2002. “Back when I first came here, things were very different. The city has changed a lot and it’s a lot more accessible to visitors, but it’s still a crazy place sometimes. Connection Rio offers a helping hand to people looking to come to Rio, from accommodation and training to local experiences and expert inside knowledge of the city.” Connection Rio guests can stay in one of two large houses in the picturesque suburb of Barra da Tijuca. The amazing homes can accommodate up to 30 people at a time, and offer a range of options to suit all budgets. The sprawling HQ has dorm-style common rooms as well as en-suite double and twin private rooms. With a huge garden, outdoor barbeque area and a pool, its buzzing atmosphere provides for an exciting social experience. Across the street, the Premier house is a quieter abode more suited to the mature traveller. Mostly comprised of private rooms, its large sophisticated living areas allow for plenty of opportunity to mingle yet it provides a more intimate feel than its open-plan counterpart. “We get all sorts of guests here at Connection Rio,” says Dennis. “Some are really serious and just want to train twice a day for a few weeks,
while others want to enjoy their stay as much as possible and see the city. We try to accommodate everyone and the living arrangements we offer seem to suit all needs, from professional fighters to two-week tourists.” The people behind the scenes at Connection Rio know exactly what visitors to Rio need because they’ve been in their shoes too. Connection Rio is unique because it’s a long-standing Brazilian company, but owned and manned by gringos, all of who speak some level of Portuguese. “You can guarantee, almost anything that someone wants or needs, we’ve been there too,” says Dennis. “We had to find it out the hard way, but now we’re in a position to help others out, and it makes everyone’s lives so much easier.” From hooking guests up with hang gliding flights, steering them in the direction of the sightseeing spots, or leading the way to the top of the stunning nearby mountain Pedra da Gavea, the knowledgeable team are always on hand and able to help point visitors in the right direction.
people like you Grapplers quite literally travel from around the world to stay at Connection Rio. The majority of visitors come from Europe and the USA, but people from Japan, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Ecuador, Jordan, Russia and more have
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6: YOUR CONNECTION TO RIO WELCOME
A LOOK AT BRAZIL
YOUR CONNECTION
JIU JITSU LIFESTYLE
Connection Rio encompasses all aspects of the jiu jitsu lifestyle in the land where it was developed. We bring together practitioners from around the world – people just like you – to experience this amazing lifestyle and culture, and to share in the common interest of Brazilian jiu jitsu.
CAMPS IN RIO
all photos by WIllIaM bURKhaRDt WWW.bjjpIx.coM
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10: JIU JITSU LIFESTYLE connecTion rio
A LOOK AT BRAZIL
WELCOME
YOUR CONNECTION
JIU JITSU LIFESTYLE
CaMPS IN rIo
Train in rio for
frEE!
ConneCtion Rio Camps offeR moRe in Less time
Forget your mum and dad’s package holidays – this is an experience unlike any other. Visit Rio de Janeiro – the birthplace of Brazilian jiu jitsu – and train at the best academies, hang out on the best beaches, see the best sights and do it all in the space of a short trip!
BEcomE a connEcTion rio SponSorEd aThlETE Training Brazilian jiu jitsu in Rio de Janeiro is a dream for many, and Connection Rio have been helping people make that dream come true for many years. Now, we wish to offer something REALLY special.
We also facilitate special camps for groups of friends wishing to visit Rio. Been talking in the academy about going over to Rio? Go ahead and book it and we’ll take care of the details.
Connection Rio’s intensive camps offer all of this and more to travellers who need to make the most of their time.
No two Connection Rio Camps are the same – which is also why they’re perfect for returning visitors. Didn’t get to see everything you wanted last time you were here? No problem – you’ll go home with memories that will last a lifetime.
The truth is not everybody can give up a chunk of their lives to bum around for months on end in Brazil! Work, family commitments, a mortgage… All these things get in the way of your dream of relocating to Rio to become a full-time jiu jitsu athlete.
Join one of the Connection Rio Camps and experience the real jiu jitsu lifestyle in the home of Brazilian jiu jitsu!
While it would be nice to drop everything and spend a few months sharing the mats with some of the best grapplers in the world, there’s nothing stopping you from coming to Rio and sharpening your technique.
For more information on past camps – including testimonials, videos and more – go to our website. For an information pack and a custom quote email info@connectionrio.com.
The Connection Rio Camps offer
a tailor-made experience. You won’t need to worry about a thing, as all your accommodation, local travel and training requirements will be completely taken care of. Literally from the moment you step off the plane until the time you leave, we’ll help guide you in the right direction. The best thing is, our intensive camps are completely customisable. From tightly scheduled precompetition training camps to flexible vacations, we can organize as much or as little as you want. If
you would prefer us to take care of everything, that’s no problem. Similarly, if you want more freedom to choose your own path, we’ll gladly point you in the right direction and meet up again when you’re ready. What do We offer? • Airport pick-up and drop-off • A variety of accommodation options (you can even book your own) • A dedicated driver to shuttle you around the city • Training at the best academies in Rio • Private lessons with top black belts • Insider knowledge and expert advice of how to get the most out of Rio We have open camps scheduled throughout the year. Choose this option and you will join other jiu jitsu enthusiasts from around the world in the same position as you, ready to experience the real jiu jitsu lifestyle!
We are now offering rolling sponsorship deals to give people the chance to live and train jiu jitsu in Rio – for free! What are we going to offer? Connection Rio will provide FREE accommodation and UNLIMITED training at Gordo Jiu Jitsu, considered one of the best academies in Rio. As passionate fans of the sport and art of jiu jitsu, we wish to help people live their dreams and succeed in their goals. We want to give someone the chance to use this experience to develop as an athlete, as a competitor, and as a person. The sponsorship periods will run for up to three months, with the possibility of further extension. Accommodation will be provided at the Connection Rio jiu jitsu hostel in Barra da Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro, which is situated only 60 seconds walk from the gym.
Who WE arE looking for
You don’t have to be a multiple-time gold medallist or the next world champ: Active competitors are preferred, but personality and attitude is more important to us than straight-up ability. You will be passionate about jiu jitsu and committed to not only developing your skills and status as a grappler, but also in helping spread the message of jiu jitsu to the world. The position is open to male or female blue, purple or brown belts over the age of 18. It doesn’t matter what country or team you’re from – all that is required is you must be eligible for a visa to stay in Brazil.
WhaT WE ExpEcT from You
You will become an ambassador for Connection Rio and will represent us in a positive and responsible manner on social media, scheduled group outings and at select events. You will be featured in regular video blogs, photoshoots and even have opportunities to write for various websites and magazines. As part of the Connection Rio team you will be expected to create and contribute to a positive atmosphere, help out guests and assist in the smooth running of the houses. Your list of duties will be short and will not interfere with your training.
hoW To applY
To be considered for sponsorship, you must submit the following: • Your jiu jitsu resume: age, time training, belt, team and competition history (you can download the application form from our website). • A YouTube video (no longer than two minutes): Introduce yourself and explain why you’re the right person for the sponsorship. You can include competition and training footage as well, but it must not be longer than half of the video. You must title and tag the video as instructed. • Three recent jiu jitsu photos of you: competing (if applicable), training, and posing in a kimono.
To see The full insTrucTions and download an applicaTion pack, head To The
connecTionrio websiTe
Terms & Conditions
You must be over 18 years of age and be able to travel to and stay in Brazil. The sponsorship will run from between one to three months, depending on the availability of the selected athlete. Connection Rio will provide the sponsored athlete with accommodation and training (inc. one free private lesson with a former world champion), two kimonos and assorted Connection Rio apparel. Travel and living expenses are your own responsibility. Athletes will be required to sign a Code of Conduct as part of the sponsorship agreement.
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12: CAMPS IN RIO Bookings and general enquiries can be made to: info@connectionrio.com www.connectionrio.com facebook: connection rio twitter: @connectionrio instagram: @connectionrio
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“ Connection Rio is your passport to the homeland of Brazilian jiu jitsu, where you will experience the real jiu jitsu lifestyle “
connection rio
At Connection Rio the boundaries of countries and banners of academies fall away. Instead, your time in Rio is all about the arte suave. You’ll stay in an environment conducive to learning jiu jitsu, you’ll make new friends and create connections that will last a lifetime. Founded to help jiu jitsu practitioners travelling to Brazil, Connection Rio enables visitors to get the most out of their experience and allows each of our guests to dive into the cool, refreshing waters of Rio’s jiu jitsu lifestyle.
The primary focus of Connection Rio is fairpriced accommodation that is conducive to training jiu jitsu and experiencing life in Rio de Janeiro. Our objective is much more than simply providing accommodation: we create timeless connections between practitioners of the arte suave. These boundless, worldwide connections are built through time together on the mats. Connection Rio is your passport to the homeland of Brazilian jiu jitsu, where you will experience the real jiu jitsu lifestyle. With our innumerable connections in the Brazilian jiu jitsu community we have access to and knowledge of the best academies across the city, from famous masters to hidden gems. When Connection Rio guests go to an academy in Rio de Janeiro they are greeted with open arms and welcomed onto the mats. We allow our guests the freedom to explore Rio, but we provide the means through suggestions, advice, and a helping hand when necessary. Connection Rio can be as involved as little or as much as required and we can help tailor your time in Brazil to be exactly what you are looking for. Whether it is just a bed to crash in after training or a complete package with accommodation, transport, regulated diet and professional training regime, we will customise your experience to best fit your needs. Experience the trip of a lifetime, get a deeper understanding of Brazilian jiu jitsu, and enjoy the lifestyle that surrounds it. Train BJJ in Rio and live your dreams with Connection Rio.
Dennis A. Asche, Connection Rio founder
connection rio
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WELCOME
A LOOK AT BRAZIL
YOUR CONNECTION TO RIO
JIU JITSU LIFESTYLE
CAMPS IN RIO
A PLACE WITH A VIEW
At over 800m tall the rocky monolith of Pedra da Gavea is the first thing you’ll see when stepping out of the Connection Rio house. Lush rainforest and blue skies will greet you every morning as you enjoy the sun from our expansive garden, which is the perfect place to train, relax in the pool, catch some sun or enjoy a barbeque with friends. With a view like this you won’t want to leave.
Picture: WiLLiAM BurKHArDt
5
connection rio
WELCOME
A LOOK AT BRAZIL
YOUR CONNECTION TO RIO
JIU JITSU LIFESTYLE
CAMPS IN RIO
Training in Rio de Janeiro is a goal of almost all grapplers. Few would turn down the opportunity to train in the birthplace of Brazilian jiu jitsu , but many find the prospect of travelling to Brazil a little daunting. Brazil is a developing country, full of extremes and maybe not what you’re used to. Even though dozens of martial artists travel there to sample the Arte Suave every year, the old misconceptions abound. As a result, people refrain from experiencing the amazing culture that Rio has to offer, not to mention the training, the beaches and the acai!
Why train in rio? The roots of jiu jitsu can be traced back to Japan, but our preferred style of grappling was watered, fed and blossomed in the South American country of Brazil. BJJ is one of the few activities to boast a national identity in its name. So surely a trip to Brazil would be in even a semi-serious practitioner’s plans? Of the thousands of people who practice jiu jitsu worldwide, an increasing number are making the pilgrimage to Rio de Janeiro to get a taste of the real stuff, direct from the source. Even though many of the sport’s top names have moved to open academies in the USA and Europe, there are still more black belts here than anywhere else in the world, and legions of coaches with decades of experience.
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Train in rio and live your dreams wiTh ConneCTion rio, your ConneCTion To The real jiu jiTsu lifesTyle
your connection to rio de Janeiro There is something special about training BJJ in Brazil. Like a judo player going to the Kodokan in Tokyo, or a boxer heading to Gleeson’s Gym in Brooklyn, there is a certain mystique about the place. With so many amazing fighters coming from one place, most people are simply curious as to what it is about the city that produces such amazing athletes.
common misconceptions Almost every foreigner fears the worst about Brazil, but let’s clear up a few popular misconceptions right away. You won’t step off the plane into a favela, drug barons won’t kidnap you for ransom, and you won’t be ripped off by every single person you meet just because you don’t speak Portuguese. That said, flying halfway around the world to train jiu jitsu isn’t always as easy as it sounds. Finding suitable accommodation can be expensive and long-term apartment rentals difficult to organise unless you speak the lingo. Contrary to popular belief, there aren’t jiu jitsu academies on every street corner, and finding the right one to train at can involve a lot of legwork.
about connection rio This is where Connection Rio comes in. Founded by Dennis Asche, an American black belt who has been living in Rio for close to
ten years, Connection Rio helps visiting jiu jitsu practitioners get the most out of their stay. “I started Connection Rio because I knew first-hand how hard it could be to get everything straight,” says Dennis, who first visited Rio in 2002. “Back when I first came here, things were very different. The city has changed a lot and it’s a lot more accessible to visitors, but it’s still a crazy place sometimes. Connection Rio offers a helping hand to people looking to come to Rio, from accommodation and training to local experiences and expert inside knowledge of the city.” Connection Rio guests can stay in one of two large houses in the picturesque suburb of Barra da Tijuca. The amazing homes can accommodate up to 30 people at a time, and offer a range of options to suit all budgets. The sprawling HQ has dorm-style common rooms as well as en-suite double and twin private rooms. With a huge garden, outdoor barbeque area and a pool, its buzzing atmosphere provides for an exciting social experience. Across the street, the Premier house is a quieter abode more suited to the mature traveller. Mostly comprised of private rooms, its large sophisticated living areas allow for plenty of opportunity to mingle yet it provides a more intimate feel than its open-plan counterpart. “We get all sorts of guests here at Connection Rio,” says Dennis. “Some are really serious and just want to train twice a day for a few weeks,
while others want to enjoy their stay as much as possible and see the city. We try to accommodate everyone and the living arrangements we offer seem to suit all needs, from professional fighters to two-week tourists.” The people behind the scenes at Connection Rio know exactly what visitors to Rio need because they’ve been in their shoes too. Connection Rio is unique because it’s a long-standing Brazilian company, but owned and manned by gringos, all of who speak some level of Portuguese. “You can guarantee, almost anything that someone wants or needs, we’ve been there too,” says Dennis. “We had to find it out the hard way, but now we’re in a position to help others out, and it makes everyone’s lives so much easier.” From hooking guests up with hang gliding flights, steering them in the direction of the sightseeing spots, or leading the way to the top of the stunning nearby mountain Pedra da Gavea, the knowledgeable team are always on hand and able to help point visitors in the right direction.
people like you Grapplers quite literally travel from around the world to stay at Connection Rio. The majority of visitors come from Europe and the USA, but people from Japan, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Ecuador, Jordan, Russia and more have
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passed through the doors. Male or female and !! ' ( % ( % " ! thing: a house full of like-minded people, all brought together by their passion for jiu jitsu. A common misconception is that you need to be a high-ranking grade to make the most out of your time in Brazil, or worse, that lower ranked grades will get thrown about and beaten up. Nothing is further from the truth! Many of the people who stay with Connection Rio are white and blue belts looking to develop their games. ' ! ""( % " ! & ' !"
!" year,� says Laurino Scriva, a blue belt from Adelaide, Australia who is in Brazil for the second time. “But everyone was really warm and the coloured belts I would roll with – despite the language barrier – would help me and show me where I was messing up or how to apply a technique correctly. I certainly felt I developed a bond with the guys; it feels like my second ‘home’ now.� For the long-term guests and return visitors, there is always the chance that you might go home with a different coloured belt. More than a few Connection Rio guests have been promoted while in Brazil. Ahsan Gilani from Scotland got his blue belt from half-guard legend Robert ‘Gordo’. “I was absolutely gobsmacked. It’s a great feeling and I never expected it in a million years,� he says. “It was one of the biggest surprises I’ve had in my entire life. One of the reasons I came out here was to achieve something, and I’m so thankful for it all.�
WITH SO MUCH HIGH-LEVEL JIU-JITSU IN RIO, THERE ARE MANY DIFFERENT OPTIONS TO CHOOSE FROM Jeremy Arel spent close to one year on the ground in Brazil, and returned home with the coveted faixa preta tied around his waist. While not everyone is able to spend as much time in the country as Jeremy did, he’s a perfect example of what is possible. “Making the decision to stay at Connection Rio was one of the best decisions of my life. It gave me the ability to focus on my training while also being able to experience the real Brazilian culture. Gordo, Dennis and the other guests at Connection Rio helped me obtain one of my lifetime goals, earning my black belt in Brazilian jiu jitsu. Aside from this achievement I also created a network of friends and BJJ practitioners around the world that I continue to stay in touch with.�
MORE THAN JUST JIU JITSU While everyone who stays at Connection Rio has a shared interest in jiu jitsu, their reasons for wanting to come to Rio are often massively different. Short-term vacationers like to explore the city as much as possible and squeeze in some training at the same time. Longterm guests tend to shift their focus onto their training, sometimes training two or even three times a day. Many times their visits coincide with one of the many tournaments held in Rio, giving them an opportunity " " ! " ' ! !" !
level and Belgium is really amateur. They’re more aggressive here but they’re really good on the ground. I like their style. I think I’ll go back home and I’ll be better, because I’m training with such high quality guys.�
WHEREVER YOU’RE FROM, WHEREVER YOU WANT TO GO Back in the old days training at multiple academies ' ! & ( % ' % " " ! ran deep. Things have changed somewhat, and it’s not unusual for visitors to visit many academies during their stay here. With so much high-level jiu jitsu in Rio, there are many different options to choose from. Some will choose to stay and train at one of the many gyms in Barra da Tijuca, while others prefer the opportunity to train elsewhere. " " " " " " & % the gym that was right for me,� says Rory Quarrier,
" ' !"
" ! brown belt. “I’m the only gringo there, so I feel quite important! The guys have been very welcoming there. There are lots of academies in Rio, and the choice is yours.�
ACADEMIES IN RIO DE JANEIRO There is an overwhelming choice for anyone who wants to train BJJ in Rio. Connection Rio is based in Barra da Tijuca, but the below are all within easy travelling distance should you wish to explore the best jiu-jitsu the city has to offer.
Gracie Barra (Barra da Tijuca) Gordo Jiu-Jitsu (Barra da Tijuca) American Top Team (Barra da Tijuca) Escola de Jiu-Jitsu (Gavea) Brazilian Top Team (Lagoa) Nova Geração (Leblon)
Rory used his time in Brazil to take his game to the next level and received his black belt upon returning to the UK. “In England a lot of the time I train with lower belts. I don’t have the opportunity to train as much as I want to with high quality guys. For me the most important thing about training in Rio is I’m able to train with a different black belt every day. It’s really pushed my game up.�
Gracie Humaita (Humaita)
HOW YOU CAN DO IT TOO
Terere (Ipanema)
The hardest part of planning a trip to Brazil is committing to going. Once you’ve made the decision, thanks to Connection Rio the rest is easy. Dennis doesn’t just want people to enjoy a holiday; he wants to help make it the trip of their lives. “Wherever you’re from and wherever you want to train, Connection Rio can help make your dreams reality.�
De La Riva (Copacabana) Checkmat (Copacabana) Carlson Gracie (Copacabana) X-Gym (Recreio) Nova Uniao (Flamengo) For information and contact details, go to www.connectionrio.com
And it’s not only jiu jitsu they come for. Philip %! ! $# ( ! ) " % ' " " "! % ! " ! been mixing up his gi training with Muay Thai and ' !" !
!! ! !" training session I sparred with the guys, and I was really accepted by them,� he says. “It’s really high
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connection rio
WELCOME
A LOOK AT BRAZIL
YOUR CONNECTION
jiu jitsu lifestyle
Rio de Janeiro is the place to go to experience the real jiu jitsu lifestyle. From beautiful beaches to the best jiu jitsu on earth, from training with world champions and masters of the art to meeting people from around the world and seeing the amazing sights of the ‘marvellous city’. Your stay in Rio de Janeiro will take you closer than ever to the source of the arte suave. Contact us today to find out how we can make your dream a reality www.connectionrio.com
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JIU JITSU LIFESTYLE
CAMPS IN RIO
all photos by WIllIaM bURKhaRDt WWW.bjjpIx.coM
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connecTion rio
WELCOME
A LOOK AT BRAZIL
YOUR CONNECTION
JIU JITSU LIFESTYLE
CaMPS IN rIo
ConneCtion Rio Camps offeR moRe in Less time
Forget your mum and dad’s package holidays – this is an experience unlike any other. Visit Rio de Janeiro – the birthplace of Brazilian jiu jitsu – and train at the best academies, hang out on the best beaches, see the best sights and do it all in the space of a short trip! Connection Rio’s intensive camps offer all of this and more to travellers who need to make the most of their time. The truth is not everybody can give up a chunk of their lives to bum around for months on end in Brazil! Work, family commitments, a mortgage… All these things get in the way of your dream of relocating to Rio to become a full-time jiu jitsu athlete. While it would be nice to drop everything and spend a few months sharing the mats with some of the best grapplers in the world, there’s nothing stopping you from coming to Rio and sharpening your technique. The Connection Rio Camps offer
a tailor-made experience. You won’t need to worry about a thing, as all your accommodation, local travel and training requirements will be completely taken care of. Literally from the moment you step off the plane until the time you leave, we’ll help guide you in the right direction. The best thing is, our intensive camps are completely customisable. From tightly scheduled precompetition training camps to flexible vacations, we can organize as much or as little as you want. If
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you would prefer us to take care of everything, that’s no problem. Similarly, if you want more freedom to choose your own path, we’ll gladly point you in the right direction and meet up again when you’re ready. What do We offer? • Airport pick-up and drop-off • A variety of accommodation options (you can even book your own) • A dedicated driver to shuttle you around the city • Training at the best academies in Rio • Private lessons with top black belts • Insider knowledge and expert advice of how to get the most out of Rio We have open camps scheduled throughout the year. Choose this option and you will join other jiu jitsu enthusiasts from around the world in the same position as you, ready to experience the real jiu jitsu lifestyle!
Train in rio for
frEE! BEcomE a connEcTion rio SponSorEd aThlETE Training Brazilian jiu jitsu in Rio de Janeiro is a dream for many, and Connection Rio have been helping people make that dream come true for many years. Now, we wish to offer something REALLY special.
We also facilitate special camps for groups of friends wishing to visit Rio. Been talking in the academy about going over to Rio? Go ahead and book it and we’ll take care of the details. No two Connection Rio Camps are the same – which is also why they’re perfect for returning visitors. Didn’t get to see everything you wanted last time you were here? No problem – you’ll go home with memories that will last a lifetime. Join one of the Connection Rio Camps and experience the real jiu jitsu lifestyle in the home of Brazilian jiu jitsu! For more information on past camps – including testimonials, videos and more – go to our website. For an information pack and a custom quote email info@connectionrio.com.
We are now offering rolling sponsorship deals to give people the chance to live and train jiu jitsu in Rio – for free! What are we going to offer? Connection Rio will provide FREE accommodation and UNLIMITED training at Gordo Jiu Jitsu, considered one of the best academies in Rio. As passionate fans of the sport and art of jiu jitsu, we wish to help people live their dreams and succeed in their goals. We want to give someone the chance to use this experience to develop as an athlete, as a competitor, and as a person. The sponsorship periods will run for up to three months, with the possibility of further extension. Accommodation will be provided at the Connection Rio jiu jitsu hostel in Barra da Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro, which is situated only 60 seconds walk from the gym.
Who WE arE looking for
You don’t have to be a multiple-time gold medallist or the next world champ: Active competitors are preferred, but personality and attitude is more important to us than straight-up ability. You will be passionate about jiu jitsu and committed to not only developing your skills and status as a grappler, but also in helping spread the message of jiu jitsu to the world. The position is open to male or female blue, purple or brown belts over the age of 18. It doesn’t matter what country or team you’re from – all that is required is you must be eligible for a visa to stay in Brazil.
WhaT WE ExpEcT from You
You will become an ambassador for Connection Rio and will represent us in a positive and responsible manner on social media, scheduled group outings and at select events. You will be featured in regular video blogs, photoshoots and even have opportunities to write for various websites and magazines. As part of the Connection Rio team you will be expected to create and contribute to a positive atmosphere, help out guests and assist in the smooth running of the houses. Your list of duties will be short and will not interfere with your training.
hoW To applY
To be considered for sponsorship, you must submit the following: • Your jiu jitsu resume: age, time training, belt, team and competition history (you can download the application form from our website). • A YouTube video (no longer than two minutes): Introduce yourself and explain why you’re the right person for the sponsorship. You can include competition and training footage as well, but it must not be longer than half of the video. You must title and tag the video as instructed. • Three recent jiu jitsu photos of you: competing (if applicable), training, and posing in a kimono.
To see The full insTrucTions and download an applicaTion pack, head To The
connecTionrio websiTe
Terms & Conditions
You must be over 18 years of age and be able to travel to and stay in Brazil. The sponsorship will run from between one to three months, depending on the availability of the selected athlete. Connection Rio will provide the sponsored athlete with accommodation and training (inc. one free private lesson with a former world champion), two kimonos and assorted Connection Rio apparel. Travel and living expenses are your own responsibility. Athletes will be required to sign a Code of Conduct as part of the sponsorship agreement.
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