BJJ Gyms in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

OAF do Recife

The Fraternal Aid Organization (OAF) was founded on August 7, 1960, by an Olivetan Benedictine monk, Dom Ignácio de Lezama, from Uruguay, of the Abbey of São Bento in Ribeirão Preto, after a visit the religious man made to Recife. With the aim of serving and assisting people from impoverished communities, the monk sought support from Pernambuco society and the archdiocese of Olinda and Recife to acquire resources and create a non-profit entity, which was then named OAF of Recife. Initially, the institution began its work with a program similar to that of another NGO already existing in the city of São Paulo. On October 10, 1964, OAF obtained its own statute published in the Official Gazette of the State of Pernambuco, acquiring its own legal personality. ​ On November 22, 1965, the OAF of Recife was recognized as a Municipal Public Utility institution by Municipal Law No. 9,616 of June 18, 1966. ​ By including underprivileged youth, OAF benefits approximately 351 people, including children and adolescents, contributing to their artistic, educational, and cultural development, and reducing the risks of social vulnerability to marginalization, drugs, and dangers in general. ​ With a strong dedication to cultural projects, the OAF groups are now frequently invited to perform in schools and other institutions such as the Professor Fernando Figueira Institute of Integral Medicine (Imip). These activities help to consolidate the image of the Fraternal Aid Organization, which is now a reference in the Coelhos community in Recife.

Alliance Tijuca

Alliance Jiu Jitsu Tijuca is part of the prestigious Alliance team, one of the most successful Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu organizations in the world. Founded in 1993 by Romero "Jacaré" Cavalcanti, Fabio Gurgel, Alexandre Paiva, and Fernando Gurgel, Alliance has established itself as a dominant force in competitive BJJ, earning 15 world championship titles and building a network of over 300 affiliated schools worldwide. The Alliance lineage traces directly to the roots of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: Mitsuyo Maeda → Carlos Gracie → Hélio Gracie → Rolls Gracie → Romero "Jacaré" Cavalcanti → Alliance founders. This prestigious lineage represents decades of refined technique and championship-level instruction passed down through generations of masters. Alliance Tijuca offers comprehensive Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu programs for both children and adults, from absolute beginners to advanced competitors. The academy is led by Professor Anderson de Carvalho (Instagram: @carvalhojiujitsucoach), who carries forward Alliance's tradition of technical excellence and competitive success. Located in the vibrant Tijuca neighborhood of Rio de Janeiro, the gym welcomes students of all levels and offers a free introductory class to prospective members. Training at Alliance Tijuca means joining a global team with a proven track record of developing world-class practitioners while maintaining the core values of respect, discipline, and continuous improvement that define the Alliance philosophy.