Cultural Programs
We at FAVELA ADVENTURES want to offer the most authentic favela experience for visitors. At this time we are setting up seven major programs for guests. In the future we will open up other arts and cultural programs here in Rocinha.
1. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu 2. Capoeira 3. Judo 4. Surfing 5. Bodyboarding 6. Muay-Thai and Western Style Boxing 7. Portuguese Language
All these programs are taught by instructors who live and were born and raised in the favela of Rocinha. Committing to creating job opportunities, FAVELA ADVENTURES believes in only hiring the best from the favela. By studying here in Rocinha, you will not only gain knowledge in your craft but also learn so much about the roots of Brazilian Culture.
By living in Rocinha, you will get the opportunity to share great experiences with other visitors and the residents in Rocinha and absorb the culture that will forever change you. All programs are open to those students 18 and over.
1 – Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Lessons
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Training in Rocinha
This program is the ultimate in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Brazilian culture and set in a favela community in Rio de Janeiro. Rocinha welcomes you to enjoy training with some of the most hardcore Jiu Jitsu practitioners in Rio. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu training in Rocinha is open to those over the age of 18 and no prior Jiu Jitsu experience is needed. Many of Brazils’ champions are from favela communites!
The FAVELA ADVENTURES Brazilian Jiu Jitsu training in Rocinha program enables you to get a true sense of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu’s roots, training with Brazilians and being trained by Jiu Jitsu champions. Nova Geracao is one of the most dominant teams in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Rio.
More info about Nova Geracao in Rio go here:http://www.novageracao.net .
The setting is spectacular too: Rocinha is the largest favela in Brazil with breathtaking panoramic views at the top of the hill and the beach just a 10 minute walk away. For those of you who also love being near the beach, Sao Conrado beach is just a short walk away.
Many foreigners come to Brazil to Train in Jiu Jitsu due to the high standard of Jiu Jitsu training and a unforgettable experience. We believe that as an avid Jiu Jitsu enthusiast, beginner, intermediate or expert, you should take a pilgrimage to Brazil, especially Rocinha.
You will have the opportunity to train alongside students in a class environment or you can take private lessons. Or you can combine to do both classes and private lessons. Please let us know what you would like to do.
By staying inside the favela, you will get to immerse yourself in the culture that is vibrant and never ending. Rocinha is a hub of constant activity. Your host family welcomes you to a cross cultural experience that you will never forget.
There are 2 schools of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu that you will have access to in Rocinha. The first one is located at Best Gym which is located in Largo do Boiadeiro an area at the bottom of the favela. The second is at the Prefeitura building just outside of Rocinha next to the pasarella. By training in both places you will gain an opportunity to see and experience different styles of Jiu Jitsu.
At Best Gym there is Jiu Jitsu Monday through Friday from 7-8:30pm and there are also day classes Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8:30am until 10am. This includes a gym membership to also workout in the gym . The gym hours to workout are: Monday-Friday 6am until 11pm. On Saturday the gym is open from 7am until 2pm.
The classes at the Prefeitura Building under teachings of professors from “Instituto Reacao ”. Although the non profit has focused more on Judo because of Flavio Canto’s influence, Jiu Jitsu is very popular as well. Flavio himself also trains and is a Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. The classes at the Prefeitura are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5-6:30pm. To learn more about their project in helping the community, go here:www.institutoreacao.org.br .
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brazilian_jiu_jitsu .
2 – Capoeira Lessons
ACORDA Capoeira Training in Rocinha
This program is the ultimate in Capoeira, Brazilian culture and adrenaline set in a favela in Rio de Janeiro. Rocinha welcomes you to enjoy training with some of the most skilled Capoeira practitioners in Rio. Capoeira training in Rocinha is open to all ages and all levels, no prior Capoeira experience is needed.
The FAVELA ADVENTURES Capoeira training in Rocinha program enables you to get a true sense of Capoeira’s roots, training with Brazilians and being trained by Capoeira champions. The setting is spectacular too: Rocinha is the largest favela in Brazil with breathtaking panoramic views at the top of the hill. Many foreigners come to Brazil to Train in Capoeira due to the high standard of Capoeira training and a unforgettable experience. We believe that as an avid Capoeira enthusiast, beginner, intermediate or expert, you should take a pilgrimage to Brazil, especially Rocinha. Your head Instructor is Mestre Manuel “Manel” Costa , who has been teaching Capoeira for 27 years. He and his 7 professors are sure you improve your capoeira skills.
The history of Capoeira was developed by African slaves and brought to Brazil. Capoeira still has deep roots and practice in every favela community. In Rocinha you will be training with Equipe ACORDA or Team ACORDA . You can be from a different school of Capoeira and will be welcomed to train with us!
ACORDA welcomes you to train in Rocinha. You will have the chance to train in a class like atmosphere or take private lessons. Or you can combine both. The private lessons you can work out with your instructor after arriving in the favela.
ACORDA also has classes in Berimbau, Maculele and Samba de Roda.
By staying inside the favela, you will get to immerse yourself in the culture that is vibrant and never ending. Rocinha is a hub of constant activity. Your host family welcomes you to a cross cultural experience that you will never forget.
For any questions, feel free to send us your inquiries or take a look at our Q&A section of this website.
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capoeira .
3 – Judo Lessons
Judo Training in Rocinha
This FAVELA ADVENTURES program is for those who have an interest in Judo. Flavio Canto who was a bronze medalist in Judo in the 2000 Olympics in Athens Greece, heads this program. He began this program “Instituto Reacao ”, to create opportunities for those individuals who live in the favelas. These programs serve both youth and adults. He also has programs in other favelas in Rio de Janeiro. The setting is spectacular too: Rocinha is the largest favela in Brazil with breathtaking panoramic views at the top of the hill and the beach just a 10 minute walk away. For those of you who also love being near the beach, Sao Conrado beach is just a short walk away. Many foreigners come to Brazil to Train in Judo due to the high standard of training and a unforgettable experience. We believe that as an avid Judo enthusiast, beginner, intermediate or expert, you should take a pilgrimage to Brazil, especially Rocinha.
Judo training in Rocinha is open to those over the age of 18, and no prior Judo experience is needed. You will have the opportunity to train alongside students in a class environment or you can take private lessons. Or you can combine to do both classes and private lessons. Please let us know what you would like to do.
By staying inside the favela, you will get to immerse yourself in the culture that is vibrant and never ending. Rocinha is a hub of constant activity. Your host family welcomes you to a cross cultural experience that you will never forget.
The classes at the Prefeitura, which is located just outside of the favela, they are Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 5-6:30pm.
This includes a gym membership to Best Gym . The gym hours to workout are: Monday-Friday 6am until 11pm. On Saturday the gym is open from 7am until 2pm.
More about Flavio Canto :http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flávio_Canto .
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judo .
4 – Surfing Lessons
Surf Instruction in Rocinha
This program is special because of the involvement of one of Rocinha’s famous surfers. Ricardo “Bocao ” Ramos is well known in surf circles all over Rio de Janeiro. He was born and raised in Rocinha and still resides there today. He has been surfing most his of life and wants to share the love of the sea with other surf enthusiasts. He knows all the best places to surf and is sure to make your expereince and enjoyable one. He is involved with Jack Johnson and the Surfrider Foundation and was one of the high lights in the movie “Surf Favela”.
For more about The Surfrider Foundation go here:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surfrider_Foundation .
The FAVELA ADVENTURES Surf Instruction in Rocinha program enables you to get a true sense of Favela Surfing roots, surfing with others from Rocinha and people all over Rio de Janeiro.
The setting is spectacular too: Rocinha is the largest favela in Brazil with breaktaking panoramic views at the top of the hill and the beach just a 10 minute walk away. For those of you who also love being near the beach, Sao Conrado beach is just a short walk away. Many foreigners come to Brazil to surf due to the high standard surfing training and elite competitors. We believe that as an avid surfing enthusiast, beginner, intermediate or expert, you should take a pilgrimage to Brazil, especially Rocinha.
You will have the opportunity to surf alongside students in a class environment or you can take private lessons. Or you can combine to do both classes and private lessons. Please let us know what you would like to do.
By staying inside the favela, you will get to immerse yourself in the culture that is vibrant and never ending. Rocinha is a hub of constant activity. Your host family welcomes you to a cross cultural experience that you will never forget.
Your surfing Instruction also includes a Gym membership to Best Gym . The gym hours to workout are: Monday-Friday 6am until 11pm. On Saturday the gym is open from 7am until 2pm.
We have different types of surfboards that you can use for your training. So, you do not need to bring a board.
If you need Bodyboard or Surf supplies, there are 2 shops one in Via Apia, USUTHU , in Rocinha that carries rash guards, shorts, boards and all accessories needed for your sport. This shop is good for both boadyboard and surf enthusiasts. The other is close to the top of Rocinha at Rua 1 called Paiol do Surf .
USUTHU , Via Apia, #8 tel: 21-8857-3019
Paiol do Surf Estrada da Gavea, #308 (near Rua 1), Rocinha, tel: 21-3204-7020
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surfing .
5 – Bodyboarding Lessons
Bodyboard Instruction in Rocinha
This class is taught by experienced instructor Wanderlei “Ley ” Silva, born, raised and a resident of Rocinha. He has been teaching for 10 years and is currently setting up a non profit to fund his program so he can involve more residents of the favela. He often has visitors from other countries seeking his expertise in teaching the skills of Bodyboarding.
The “Little School of Body Boarding” (Escolinha de Bodyboarding) was started five years ago by Wanderlei “Ley ” Silva, not to be confused with the famous mixed martial artist of the same name. This is a social project geared at the youth in the favela of Rocinha. They have survived barely from donations of a few people who care about Ley’s work with the community.
Ley is well respected by the students which now he has over 50 youth and adults enrolled in his program. For the youth, to take part in Ley’s Bodyboarding school, each student has to be in regular school and performing well in their academics. We all know how important it is for youth to take part in sport that they can carry the characteristics of discipline and good citizenship through to adulthood. He has recently seen an increasing interest from adults who want in learn bodyboarding as an alternative or add on to surfing. bodyboarding is one of the fastest growing water sports today!
In a city like Rio de Janeiro where violence is most exploited, this work of professor Ley done in the community of Rocinha is still most important.
We have different types of Bodyboards that you can use for your training. So, you do not need to bring a board.
If you need Bodyboard or Surf supplies, there are 2 shops one in Via Apia, USUTHU , in Rocinha that carries rash guards, shorts, boards and all accessories needed for your sport. This shop is good for both surf and bodyboard enthusiasts. The other is close to the top of Rocinha at Rua 1 called Paiol do Surf .
USUTHU , Via Apia, #8 tel: 21-8857-3019
Paiol do Surf Estrada da Gavea, #308 (near Rua 1), Rocinha, tel: 21-3204-7020
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bodyboarding .
6 – Muay Thai Lessons
Muay-Thai and Western Boxing Training in Rocinha
Mestre Marcio “Cocada” Souza and Marcelo Souza are the instructors of this program and have combined their skills to teach and interesting mix of Muay-Thai, and Western Style Boxing. But their training is deep rooted in Muay-Thai.
With the increased interest in MMA style competitions they thought it best to give those fighters and students a true MMA stand up style training. This program is the ultimate in Muay-Thai and Boxing, Brazilian culture and adrenaline set in a favela in Rio de Janeiro. Rocinha welcomes you to enjoy training with some of the most hardcore Muay-Thai and Boxing practitioners in Rio. Muay-Thai training in Rocinha is open to those over the age of 18 and no prior Muay-Thai experience is needed.
Muay Thai or “Thai Boxing” is a martial art that has a long history in Thailand. Modern Muay Thai uses kicks and punches in a ring and with gloves similar to those used in western boxing. Muay Thai is referred to as “The Science of Eight Limbs”, as the hands, feet, elbows, and knees are all used extensively in this art.
The basic offensive techniques in Muay Thai use fists, elbows, shins, feet, and knees to strike the opponent. To bind the opponent for both offensive and defensive purposes, small amounts of stand-up grappling are used: the clinch. The clinch is applied by holding the opponent either around the neck or around the body.
The FAVELA ADVENTURES Muay-Thai training in Rocinha program enables you to get a true sense of how Brazilians train in this art.
The setting is spectacular too: Rocinha is the largest favela in Brazil with breathtaking panoramic views at the top of the hill and the beach just a 10 minute walk away. For those of you who also love being near the beach, Sao Conrado beach is just a short walk away.
Many foreigners come to Brazil to Train in Muay-Thai since the emergence of popular MMA stars Wanderlei Silva and Anderson Silva of the famous Chute Boxe team here in Brazil. Their successes have added to the interest in students learning this style of martial art. Due to the high standard of Muay-Thai training we believe that as an avid Muay-Thai enthusiast, beginner, intermediate or expert, you should take a pilgrimage to Brazil, especially Rocinha.
You will have the opportunity to train alongside students in a class environment or you can take private lessons. Or you can combine to do both classes and private lessons. Please let us know what you would like to do.
By staying inside the favela, you will get to immerse yourself in the culture that is vibrant and never ending. Rocinha is a hub of constant activity. Your host family welcomes you to a cross cultural experience that you will never forget.
There is 1 school of Muay-Thai that you will have access to in Rocinha. This located at Best Gym which is located in Largo do Boiadeiro an area at the bottom of the favela. There is another class separate if you are just interested in Western Style Boxing which is included in this package.
At Best Gym there is Muay-Thai classes every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. There are two classes a day, one is at 10am the other is 10pm so you will have plenty of free time to also tour other places in Rio.
Your enrollment in this program includes a gym membership to also workout in the gym. The gym hours to workout are: Monday-Friday 6am until 11pm. On Saturday the gym is open from 7am until 2pm.
Please bring gloves, wraps, mouth piece, cup, shorts and proper clothing if you have them. There is a place “Real Combate ” along the Estrada da Gavea in The area of Curva do “S” , in Rocinha that sells equipment if you need it.
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muay-thai .
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boxing .
7 – Portuguese Lessons
Portuguese Language Instruction
For those individuals who have interest in learning or improving their Portuguese language skills, there are several instructors available to teach you here in Rocinha.
Basics such as reading, writing and speaking will be covered in your course. Your instructor will have books and handouts to help your learning development.
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portuguese_Language .
Any questions can be sent to us at: info@favelatour.org .Or CALL US at: 21-8221-5572