Competing and throwing opponents all around the world in countries including Brazil, Germany, Austria, Israel and Peru, this young Judo and BBJ champion has decided to bring his talent to Australia.
Hailing from São Paulo Brazil, Joao has competed on the world stage in Judo in arenas such as the European championships. His highlights of 2024 are 2nd in the Australian national championship, 1st in Qld championship and 1st in the Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra international opens!
When Joao is not competing he is coaching out of the Virtue BBJ gym on the Gold Coast. I first met Joao when interviewing Bridget Burt, one of his students who is a professional stunt performer for my Immortals Project.
I was intrigued by Joao not just for his athletic performances but because at only 23 he is sensei to some of Australia’s elite stunt performers that double in massive Hollywood productions such as Mad Max, Planet of the Apes and The Fall Guy.
Joao teaches these ‘stunties’ how to throw correctly and be thrown correctly, how to fall safely, and choreograph fight scenes for the movies they perform in.
I find it so inspiring that a young 23 year old has traveled across the globe to a foreign country with a different language to spread the message of Judo. (1.maximum efficient use of physical and mental energy 2. mutual prosperity (Welfare and Benefit) for self and others).
I can’t wait to keep track of where this journey takes him and to hopefully one day soon see him doubling in the next Hollywood blockbuster!
