The mat became a space for learning, exchanging experiences and inspiration last Saturday (26th). Lotus Instituto, with the support of the Brasília Sport Jiu-Jitsu Federation (FBJJD), hosted a free seminar with Roberto “Cyborg” Abreu, one of the leading names in jiu-jitsu and grappling worldwide.
Held at the AABB Brasília Gymnasium, the event brought together athletes of different generations and admirers of the sport in a program that combined technique, community and encouragement for the development of new practitioners. Over more than two hours, Cyborg shared knowledge built throughout his international career and showed that the lessons of jiu-jitsu go far beyond the techniques applied on the mat.
“Jiu-jitsu teaches much more than technique. It helps build discipline, confidence and respect, especially among children and young people. When we bring new athletes closer to the sport, we are also opening paths for their personal development,” Cyborg said.
In addition to meeting the multiple-time champion, one of the program’s special moments was dedicated to the social project of Igreja de Deus, located at 409 Sul, which received kimonos donated by Lotus Instituto. The initiative encourages children and teenagers to stay on the mat, develop their skills and see new possibilities through sport.
From elite performance to grassroots development
The seminar is part of an effort that connects two important ends of sports development: supporting high-performance athletes and investing in the development of children and young people.
In September, Lotus Instituto supported the delegation made up of Fabrício Andrey, Wagner Rocha, Achilles Rocha, Roosevelt Souza and Jasmim Rocha, led by Cyborg, at the 2026 ADCC World Championship, held in Kraków, Poland.
For Lotus Executive Chairman Luiz Felipe Hernandez, supporting sport means investing in opportunities that can generate impact beyond competition results. “We want to help more people gain access to sport and find in jiu-jitsu an environment of learning, community and development. Supporting the sport means investing in opportunities that can have an impact far beyond the mat,” he said.
For Kiko Santoro, president of the Brasília Sport Jiu-Jitsu Federation, this mobilization helps raise the visibility of jiu-jitsu and encourages its growth in the Federal District. “An event like this energizes the entire jiu-jitsu community, brings academies, athletes and families closer together and gives visibility to a sport that keeps growing in Brasília. It is especially important when this mobilization also reaches children and young people,” he said.
For Lotus, supporting this ecosystem is part of a broader vision of social responsibility. The goal is to create conditions for good initiatives to scale up, inspire new partners and open opportunities for those who are just starting out.
