Kyra Gracie in absolute final against Lana Stefanac at 2009 Worlds / Photo: Alicia Anthony/GRACIEMAG archives

Kyra Gracie, 26, took up another mission as a Jiu-Jitsu black belt. To repay Jiu-Jitsu for all it has done for her, the Gracie wants to be a role model for children living in regions with a dearth of nearly everything. “Being here and feeling the children’s energy, seeing them become better people—that is worth more than all my medals combined,” reflects Kyra in the following video.

JIU-JITSU AS A LEVER FOR SOCIAL GOOD

The clip is a trailer for a new movie directed by Stuart Cooper, “The Main Tournament of my Life”. Watch it to find out a bit more about the affection Kyra has for her Instituto Kapacidade outreach project and how Jiu-Jitsu serves as a powerful tool of social benefit.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=llMmVM2Xts4

Kyra ensinando, em foto de Ray Santana.

O Instituto Kapacidade, idealizado pela atleta Kyra Gracie, tem um novo professor. Desde o dia 30 de abril, Cláudio Heinrich está ensinando as técnicas da arte suave uma vez por mês na instituição, para cerca de 40 crianças.

Fã da arte marcial, o ator sempre quis unir a paixão pelo esporte com a vontade de fazer um trabalho social. “Dar aula para essas crianças é um prazer indescritível. O Jiu-Jitsu é um esporte maravilhoso e que pode realmente fazer a diferença na vida delas. Tive uma recepção muito carinhosa e saí de lá com as baterias renovadas”, conta Cláudio, que chegou a interpretar um professor de luta nos primeiros anos da série “Malhação”.

Fruto de uma parceria do empresário Bruno Neves e da tetracampeã mundial, o Kapacidade atua juntamente com a ONG Ação Social Frei Gaspar, em Vargem Grande, Rio de Janeiro. Atendendo atualmente cerca de 150 crianças e adolescentes carentes, o instituto busca reinserir jovens à sociedade por meio do Jiu-Jitsu.

“O esporte ensina lições como o respeito e a competitividade. Além de ser formador do bom caráter e promover o cidadão”, explica Bruno. “Mais do que campeões dentro do tatame, queremos formar campeões na vida”, completa Kyra.

Photo of Kyra Gracie by Ray Santana

Although the main focus of the camp is for the multiple-time world and ADCC champion to hone participants’ Jiu-Jitsu skills through supervised training, Kyra also has other activities planned for the eight-day excursion. Besides the hikes up scenic trails that are part of the Gracie tradition, no trip to Rio would be complete without visiting the beach, where Kyra has some yoga lined up. Attendees will also get to see the Gracie’s goodwill project, Instituto Kapacidade, where she helps underprivileged youths through the gentle art.

Check out some more of what’s on the syllabus below, and check out Kyra’s website for more  here, or write graciekyra@gmail.com:

– Double room at Tropical Hotel in Barra
– Daily breakfast
– Sugar Loaf tour
– Corcovado tour
– Jiu-Jitsu training every day
– Two semi-private classes with Kyra Gracie
– One private class with Kyra Gracie
– Training with Kyra Gracie
– Visit to Kyra Gracie’s social project
– Transportation to all activities including transfer to and from airport
– Certificate signed by Kyra Gracie
– Visits to Rio secrets spots, like beaches and waterfalls
– Pedra da Gávea trekking
– Yoga training at the beach

Only ten spots available, so better rush to make sure you’re among them.

Kyra with students at one of her camps in Rio / Photo: personal archive