Gracie Barra is always trying to find an even better way to broaden our students’ experiences beyond the perimeters of a GB school. That’s why the leaders of our team around the world are always looking to expand our team’s philosophy through events, camps, Jiu-Jitsu competitions and conferences.

Our European leader, Professor Victor Estima is doing a fabulous job of integration, union and expansion in the year of 2017. Earlier this year we were champions of the European Championship and right after accomplishing that, Victor visited several countries leading the regional conferences in Europe.

Last month we had the Summer Camp in Spain, a super successful event that gathered members from all over Europe and also other continents for a week of learning and fellowship with big names from the Gracie Barra Jiu-Jitsu.

Towards the end of the year, the 3˚ Degree black belt is working hard to launch the “Ambassador’s Program,” a program that aims to sponsor our European athletes to defend the red shield in the competition’s arenas around the world.

Check out the interview with the GB champion: Victor Estima

 

1- Gracie Barra won the most prestigious championship in Europe in 2017. What are the next TEAM GB goals when it comes to competition?

We are very happy with the development of our TEAM GB. We will be organizing a strategy to bring our competitors to train together regularly in Lisbon at our annual camp. The announcement of the GB Europe ambassador’s program will greatly encourage our athletes.

 

2- In the last two years Gracie Barra has organized and strengthened a lot in the European continent. To what do you attribute this success?

The strengthening of the GB here in Europe was due to the organization of the association in the continent. We were finally able to establish a team work dedicated exclusively to the development of Gracie Barra. We have been able to organize and communicate much better the vision of our master through a communication strategy in our events like conferences, camps and competitions. Resulting in an approximation of our instructors and regional collaborators.

 

 

3- You are working hard to organize Gracie Barra events in Europe. Why this focus that goes beyond the mats of the Schools?

 

The idea of focusing on this came after we understood the strength we have when working together. We are the biggest Jiu-Jitsu school in the world and with that we have our challenges, like for example the fragmentation of our team. Events are important to maintain this union and for our students, teachers and school owners to remain motivated to continue working to keep the legacy alive.

 

4 – Tell us about a remarkable moment between you and Master Carlos Gracie Jr.

At the conference we had in Florianopolis in 2016, I had a remarkable conversation with him. Especially because I was living an important moment of my life where I was analyzing what should be the next step in my career. Master Carlinhos helped me to find the purpose in my career. I was able to understand how Jiu-Jitsu is bigger than I thought. Today I am 100% dedicated to the Jiu-Jitsu For Everyone’s project, in the direction of being an improved version of myself every day and helping all the people around me and do the same.

5- What makes you want to wake up every day and challenge yourself in the mission of taking our Jiu-Jitsu For Everyone?

Every day I wake up with the thought of making a difference in people’s lives through Jiu-Jitsu. Today I have a leading position within our organization and I feel the responsibility and also the privilege to be working to make a difference specially here in Europe.