Emmanuela Oliveira 
Jiu-Jitsu professor Valter Pessanha has dedicated over 30 years to the Gentle Art. He was only 13 years old when he started training, just to improve his physical condition, and he never imagined that the practice would become a profession years later.
“I was inspired by Roger Gracie’s successful career in the sport, as he specializes in the cross choke. By the way, I use it a lot in competitions and teach it to my students.”.
At Haja Jiu-Jitsu, Valter imparts knowledge guided by values such as self-confidence, discipline and respect. The goal is to ensure that students learn more than just a martial art, but also that they are able to improve their physical and mental health, as well as encourage teamwork.
“We know that each person is unique and each person enrolls in Jiu-Jitsu classes due to some objective, which may change over time. In general, each person needs a different type of training. Training is separated by age group, with separate schedules, for example: we have training to combat violence against women, children who train with a more social or recreational objective. Beginners are trained to develop the technical part. Competitors, on the other hand, work in a more specific way, based on national and international competitions.”.
Through Jiu-Jitsu, Valter Pessanha exerts a transformative influence on the lives of his athletes
Another aspect of teaching Jiu-Jitsu that really interests Valter is seeing the sport as a tool for social inclusion. In an interview with VF Comunica, the professor shared an experience he had with one of his students, the young Ramon.
“Ramon is a boy from a poor community from Rio de Janeiro, very dedicated to training and well-mannered. Every year, the professors would take his students to compete in the CBJJ Brazilian Nationals. He always said that his dream was to compete in the Brasileiros and be champion. Since his parents were not present at the training sessions, I asked them for permission in 2019 to take him to the competition. When he got there, he was champion on his first time outside of Rio de Janeiro, in his first participation in a competition of this level. That was very important for him at the time.”.
Stories of transformation that have Jiu-Jitsu as the main agent are not rare. Over the years, Valter has learned to value this perception and whenever possible reinforces this benefit of dedication to the sport.
“I see Jiu-Jitsu in communities as a life-changing experience. Children don’t spend time on the streets, but rather in a gym training after school. Including the family and the student in training and competitions strengthens family ties. In addition, Jiu-Jitsu in communities promotes a supportive environment that is created on the mat, in a way that motivates and welcomes, making the practitioner feel safer and more supported.”.
Valter, who continues to positively influence his students by teaching Jiu-Jitsu, wants to leave as a legacy the lesson that anyone is capable of achieving their dream, if they give their best. Helping others, with fewer opportunities, is also one of the black belt’s mottos.
“I have been helping some athletes from Rio de Janeiro. This year I brought three, in February I want to bring five more. I am helping these young people so that they have the opportunity for a better future in the sport, to gain international experience by competing here in the United States. I welcome them into my home, my wife makes their meals, they train with me here at the Gracie Barra academy, and whenever I can I take them for a walk and get to know South Florida.”.
