BRAZIL-021 PROJECT

Changing lives through Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Brazil-021 Project

CHANGING LIVES THROUGH BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU

The Brazil-021 Project is a non-profit organization that provides affordable physical education / recreational activities in a safe, clean, and inviting environment for people of all ages.

The Brazil-021 Project is currently up and running in Brazil. Our goal is to also help kids all over North America, where we have our NA Brazil-021 School of Jiu-Jitsu locations.

Mission

The mission of Brazil-021 Project is to introduce the sport of Jiu-Jitsu to children and young adults at risk. To educate students on the sport and guiding principles in order to develop their spirit, mind and body. This character development program helps strengthen kids, families, and communities.

The students that the Brazil-021 Project seek to help are those growing up in environments of poverty, drugs, gangs, malnourishment, single parent families, and homelessness.

Students from Brazil-021 Project Lucas Silva and Natan de Jesus after competing at the IBJJF Worlds 2015. Both awarded bronze medals.

““After my son started training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, he has met different people, has good examples around him, people he can look up to, like Prof. Thiago, Prof. Andre and Hannette. He sees a future for him in the sport...””

— Marcia de Jesus (Natan's Mom)

Founders

Professor Andre Terencio began his Martial Arts journey in 1984 with Judo, later moving to the Santana Academy in order to train in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Rough neighborhoods, gangs, and threat of jail were norms for the youth surrounding him. However Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu’s precepts saved him from the fate of many in his neighborhood. Moreover it instilled a good foundation and example at home which spread outwardly to those around him.

Jiu-Jitsu has made him the person he is today. That is the foremost reason why he decided to start the Brazil-021 Project, to help and empower children whom face similar struggles. The belief that BJJ can change a person both physically and mentally is paramount to this project. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a way of life; its principles aid you to overcome challenging situations both on and off the mats.

““When I was young, I used to be bullied a lot because I was an obese child. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu helped me to build my confidence and made me the man I am today. I want other kids to be able to have the opportunity I had and that is why we decided to start this Project...””

— Andre Terencio (Founder of Brazil-021 Project)

Professors Hannette Staack and Andre Terencio had the same common goal. Helping and empowering other people with the elements of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Professor Hannette Staack started her journey in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at the end of 1997 and immediately fell in love with the sport. At the time, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu was solely a male dominated martial art and she was the only woman training at her school. During her career she was inducted into the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Hall of Fame in 2012 with a total of 7 World Titles from the IBJJF (International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation). In addition, she has won three other titles at the ADCC (Abu Dhabi Combat Club) Submission Wrestling World Championship. Considered a pioneer in the sport and one of the most accomplished women in the history of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Professor Hannette is fully committed to teaching Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and spreading its message. Her goal is to use BJJ to empower young women, give them confidence, and elevate self-esteem. She believes that Jiu-Jitsu can change a person’s life as it did with her.

Professors Hannette Staack and Andre Terencio share this common goal, to help and empower people through Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.