Social initiative shows that discipline and respect can transform the lives of children, teenagers, and even adults in Duque de Caxias, paving the way for talents who dream of changing their lives through Jiu-Jitsu

Reaching Parada Angélica, in the city of Duque de Caxias, feels like visiting a borderland. The neighborhood marks the boundary between the municipality and Magé and, like many areas of Baixada Fluminense, faces challenges related to social vulnerability, lack of opportunities, and urban violence. It was in this setting that I came across the SilverBack Project (Lion of Christ), an initiative created to give new meaning to the time and dreams of children, youth, and adults in the area.

At the forefront of the project is Sérgio Benedito, pastor, app driver, and Jiu-Jitsu instructor. Talking to him was an immersion into a story of faith, discipline, and daily perseverance to keep a space of support and transformation alive. Read the full interview below:

Coluna da Neuza: When was the project created, and what is its purpose?

Sérgio: The SilverBack Project was founded in June 2021, after I received a belt promotion and lots of  responsibility from my instructor. The idea is simple, yet powerful: to take children, teenagers, and even adults out of idleness.

If they’re left without direction, they can end up getting involved in crime, something that harms not only their own lives, but also their families and the community. The goal is to show them a different world from what the neighborhood usually offers.

Coluna da Neuza: What exactly does the project offer?

Sérgio: The main focus is Jiu-Jitsu and self-defense. But here, it’s not just about learning how to fight. We work on hierarchy, discipline, humility, responsibility, commitment, and, above all, respect. We want our students to carry these values not only onto the mat but also into their daily lives.

Coluna da Neuza: What do you consider a victory?

Sérgio: Seeing the students come and stay. Without them, the project wouldn’t exist. Some have been here since the beginning, while others joined more recently. Another big victory for us was our success in competitions, like the Copa Magé, held at the end of March. We took six athletes and came back with four championship belts and two silver medals. That shows the potential we have.

Coluna da Neuza: What does leading this project mean to you?

Sérgio: Fulfillment. I feel incredibly good knowing that we have talents who can change their lives and provide better conditions for their families. I have many dreams and plans, and I believe that high-performance athletes can emerge from here.

Coluna da Neuza: What are the project’s biggest challenges?

Sérgio: One challenge is that some parents don’t fully understand the training and competitions. Many don’t believe in their children’s potential, which ends up discouraging them. We also deal with police operations that sometimes make it impossible to hold classes for safety reasons. And, of course, there’s the structural issue, we don’t have our own facility. We currently use a space made available by Professor Vando, leader of the Um Passo a Mais Capoeira project.

Voices from the mat

More than medals, SilverBack collects stories of transformation. I spoke with some of the students, like 16-year-old Luiz Otávio, who said he sees the project as “a place to relax, unwind, and learn. Here, I feel happy and confident. I want to reach high performance in the sport.”

For Alisson Cardoso, 15, Jiu-Jitsu became a refuge: “Before, I wasn’t doing anything with my life. Now, I train out of love. It changed my routine and the way I see the future.”

The testimonies show how Jiu-Jitsu profoundly impacts participants’ lives. Luiz Eduardo Benedito, 16, shared: “Jiu-Jitsu changed my life. If I could, I’d live on the mat. I dream of fighting abroad and pursuing a career in the UFC.” Wélson, 13, added: “I used to be fragile. After Jiu-Jitsu, I got stronger, learned how to breathe and even run better. I gained posture and endurance.”

The benefits also reach families. Rosana Gonçalves da Costa, mother and grandmother of two students, said: “They’ve completely changed. They’re more obedient, calm, and polite. They do their chores, go to school, and learn discipline. Even if they don’t become professionals, this change alone has been worth it.”

Finally, Vitória Martins, 14, sums up what many feel: “On the mat, I forget everything bad that happens outside. It’s my freedom.”

How to support the SilverBack project

Keeping the project running is a daily battle. The initiative survives thanks to the support of the local community. Those who wish to contribute can:

• Make financial donations via Pix: 21975597627
• Donate materials such as mats, punching bags, weights, and resistance bands
• Sponsor a student who cannot afford a uniform
• Volunteer their time in areas like photography, nursing, administration, or marketing
• Support the project’s Instagram profile with likes, comments, and shares

The SilverBack Project goes beyond sports. It is an antidote to the hopelessness that affects so many young people in Baixada Fluminense. As Sérgio Benedito told me, “the dream is that talents will emerge here, people capable of transforming their own lives, their families, and their communities.”

And after hearing the testimonies of those whose lives have already been changed on the mat, it’s clear to me that the SilverBack’s fight is, above all, a fight for a possible future.

Coluna da Neuza is part of Lupa do Bem, the Corporate Social Responsibility project by Sherlock Communications.