Dream Art Project: The Talent Development Program Creating Champions
Dream Art Project: The Talent Development Program Creating Champions
The 17 athletes supported by the project dominate local tournaments in Brazil, now they have their sights set on the international level.
The Dream Art Project, founded by Alliance World champion Isaque Bahiense in Sao Paulo, is an initiative dedicated to improving not just the jiu-jitsu but also the quality of life for a team of selected athletes.
The 17 athletes supported by the project have already started dominating local tournaments in Brazil, with their sights set on the upcoming circuit of major tournaments at the international level.
“Our mission is to make dreams come true. To give young fighters the opportunity to achieve their potential. To become true champions inside and outside of the tatami. To change their lives," says Isaque.
The athletes from the Dream Art Project put in an incredible performance over the weekend at the CBJJ Floripa Fall International Open in Florianopolis, Brazil.
Sending out 14 athletes, they brought home 17 gold medals to Sao Paulo after winning 12 weight classes and five open divisions. The team had a win/loss record of 51-2 at the tournament.
As we have previously covered in a series of videos, the Dream Art Project was founded by Bahiense to support the careers of 17 young athletes from all over Brazil. The athletes receive a place to live, food, travel expenses, doctor visits and physical therapy, English courses, along with training under the World champion Isaque.
"Our goals go way beyond the medals. They go from making them professional athletes, strengthening their values, meeting new countries and people, learning English," says Isaque.
"To be good citizens, practice kindness and compassion. A nonstop search for human growth. Thank you very much to Starboard Partners for believing in our dream. The kindness and caring of them makes all the difference."
Up next for the athletes from the Dream Art Project will be the Abu Dhabi World Pro later this month, where they are sending 15 athletes. After that will be the CBJJ Brasileiro in Sao Paulo, with all 20 athletes expected to compete.
Here is a list of the champions from Dream Art in Florianopolis:
Brown adult
- Ana Rodrigues, featherweight & open class
Purple adult
- Leticia Yuka, lightweight and open class
- Ronaldo Silva, open class
- Gabriel Lucindo, light-featherweight
- Dimas Moraes, featherweight
- Luiz Paulo Medeiros, lightweight
- Salenco Coutinho, medium-heavyweight
Blue adult
- Robson Gomes, open class
- Nathannael Jackson, roosterweight
- Lucas Carvalho, light-featherweight
- Gabriel Mendes, featherweight
- Alef Ribeiro, lightweight
- Rui Alves, medium-heavyweight
Watch the Dream Art series of videos and see inside the Project in Brazil
Dream Art: The Alliance Project Turning Colored Belts Into Champions Part 1
Dream Art: The Alliance Project Turning Colored Belts Into Champions Part 2
Dream Art: The Alliance Project Turning Colored Belts Into Champions Part 3
