Your Jiu Jitsu Professor:
35 years old, practicing Jiu jitsu for 26 years and a 7 year Black Belt under Francisco “Toco” Alburquerque of Nova Geracao in Rio de Janeiro. Marcos is a resident of Dioneia in Rocinha, and also a Tennis Instructor. Marcos Speaks English. He also teaches at the non profit “Instituto Reacao” created by Brazilian Olympic Bronze Medalist Flavio Canto. About Francisco “Toco” Alburquerque here: http://www.novageracao.net/historico_english.htm.
Your Capoeira Instructor:
Has lived in Rocinha his whole life and has dedicated 27 years of his life to the training and teachings of Capoeira in Rocinha. He and his 7 professors under his tuteledge also teach “samba de roda”, “maculele” and the musical instruments like the “berimbau”, that accompany in the practice of Capoeira. Mestre Manel first started his programs in the community center in Rua 2. His programs have been going strong for the last 10 years and consists of just over 200 students. He has two sons who also are professors of Capoeira and assist in the teachings.
Your Judo Professor:
24 years old, a resident of Rua 4, in Rocinha. He is a black belt in Judo under Olympian Flavio Canto and Eduardo “Duda” Soares. He has been practicing Judo for 9 years. He is also a purple belt under Alexandre Pulga and Marcos Costa. When he is not on the mat, he likes popular culture, music and likes to workout. He is currently in school studying physical education at Universidade Gama Filho in Rio de Janeiro.
Your Surf Instructor:
37 years old, surfing for 24 years. He works in the community with a surf program called Surf Escola Rocinha, which enables numerous children from the favela an opportunity to learn to surf, who otherwise would not have this opportunity. His life is committed 100% to surfing. He is knowledgeable of all the best places to catch the best waves. You will surf Sao Conrado, Pepinho and Barra Da Tijuca as well as other beaches.
Your Bodyboard Instructor:
33 years old with 10 years of Bodyboarding coaching experience. He learned from Australian Bodyboarder Mike Steward. Ley was born in Roupa Suja but now lives in Cachopa, both areas of Rocinha.
Ley has two classes a day, each are two hours in length. Tuesday and Thursday from 8am until 10am and the second class is from 3pm until 5pm. There is also a class on Saturday from 12 noon until 2pm. Bodyboarders will surf Sao Conrado beach which is a short 10 minute walk from the bottom of Rocinha.
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 acessories needed for your sport. This shop is also good for surfing enthusiasts. The other is close to the top of Rocinha at Rua 1 called Paiol do Surf.
USUTHU, Via Apia, 08, tel: 21-8857-3019
Paiol do Surf Estrada da Gavea, 308 (near Rua 1), Rocinha, Tel: 21-3204-7020
Your Muay-Thai Instructor:
31 years old, Training and Competing in Muay-Thai for 20 years is a resident of Rua 2 in Rocinha. He also runs a children’s program out of the Community Center in Rua 2, which charges no fees for any resident of the favela. He teaches with his brother Marcelo Souza, who is also a instructor of Muay-Thai and Boxing. Both Marcio and his brother have committed their lives to a 100% Muay-Thai lifestyle.
For any questions, feel free to send us your inquiries or take a look at our Q&A section of this website.
For more information please contact us at: info@favelatour.org.