Jorge Santos runs Jorge Santos BJJ in the city center of Dublin, Ireland. He is growing a powerful team that is making waves on the Irish and Britsih BJJ scene. In this interview with BJJEE, Jorge talks about his humble beginnings, how he arrived in Ireland and his views on the Irish BJJ community:
Hi Jorge, can you please introduce yourself to the BJJ Community of Eastern Europe?
I’m Jorge Santos, 33, Black belt 1 degree, From Porto Alegre – Brazil
Academy Legiao Jiu Jitsu ( Was trainning there until my black belt graduation )
Now I have my own gym in Dublin Ireland
Main Titles :
South American Championship 2008
Vice Brazilian Championship 2009
South Brazil champion 2009
Irish champion 2012
ADCC Ireland 2013 ( 1st Place )
Irish Champion 2014
2nd place UK Selective 2014 ( Trials Abu Dhabi)
Open Munich 3rd Place 2013
Open Munich 2014 1st Place
How did you start training?
When little I was always suffering bullying from the big kids and I never enjoyed punch or kicks, so I decided to look for something that I could do without attacking people.
Due financial conditions I could only join Jiu-Jitsu classes When I was 20, and since this time I had good and bad times but on the Jiu I always found myself .
Jorge’s team in Dublin
How did you end up in Ireland teaching Jiu-Jitsu?
After Graduating in Black belt raking I saw the opportunity to open up my space and then I friend mine was living in Ireland and then he invit me to come to Ireland and start fresh here as Ireland didn’t know much about the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
How do see the growth of BJJ in Ireland? Will we see some world champions come out of Ireland one day?
Definitly yeah, the Irishs are strong and hard work and very confident inside of the tatami, and for sure I ll make a champion.
Tell us about your academy and students in Ireland. What do you do differently from other academies?
I started very small inside of a garage, some days I couldnt accomodate all the students, and then on 2013 I got a chance to get a bigger place right on the city centre of Dublin.
At the moment I have dozens of students included childrens and womens from all diffrent ranks and ages.
How different is the training mentality between the Irish and Brazilians? (For competitors and recreational students)
Mainly the knowlodge of the sport, sldo the power applied and the use of techniques, however the students here are quick learners and they self improve quick, also are always looking for new ways of improving.
What is next for you and your team in 2014?
I ll do my best to attend to the world championship in USA, also work out with my students to increase the they attendace on Internal events competitions.
Also provide more techniques to improve the game of my soldiers.
If you want to thank somebody or sponsors, feel free
I want to thank my family (especialy my parents), my 2 Little kids that even far have always support of this long way .
Thanks to all my students and training partners that have all respected me and support me
Thanks to My professor in Brazil (Luis Antonio -Soldado Guedes)
Also Thanks to all my supporters ( Irish strenght Institute, SEDA College, One on One martial arts Shop, Ronin Cross fit, Real transfer )
Thanks Jorge and all the best!
Thank you for the opportunity
