Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Comes to Chongqing
A Cultural Exchange That Brings More Than Just Martial Arts
In July 2025, something exciting happened in Chongqing, a large city in southwest China. A special cultural exchange event introduced Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) to local students and martial arts lovers.
The week-long event was more than just a sports gathering. It was a chance to learn, share, and build friendships between China and Brazil through a powerful martial art.
What Is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, also called BJJ, is a martial art from Brazil. It focuses on grappling, ground fighting, and submission holds.
Unlike boxing or kung fu, BJJ does not use punches or kicks. Instead, it teaches people how to defend themselves by using technique, balance, and leverage. A smaller person can defeat a larger one if they use BJJ correctly.
BJJ started in Brazil in the early 1900s. It grew popular around the world after being used in mixed martial arts (MMA). Today, BJJ is practiced in over 100 countries.
The Cultural Exchange in Chongqing
The cultural exchange in Chongqing brought together Brazilian coaches, Chinese students, and martial artists from across Asia.
The event was organized by the Chongqing Sports Federation with help from the Brazilian Embassy. It lasted one week and included:
BJJ classes and demonstrations
A friendly tournament
Talks about the history and values of BJJ
Cultural activities, including music and food from Brazil
Each day began with warm-ups, followed by group training. In the evenings, people gathered for storytelling, dance, and martial arts shows.
Students Discover Something New
For many Chinese students, BJJ was completely new. Most had only trained in traditional martial arts like kung fu, tai chi, or sanda.
Wang Hao, a 20-year-old student from Chongqing University, said,
“At first, I was confused. We are always told to stay standing and block punches. But in BJJ, you go to the ground on purpose. It’s very different—but really fun.”
Another student, Li Mei, shared,
“BJJ teaches you how to stay calm, even when you feel trapped. I used to panic when I was losing. Now I try to breathe and think.”
Even younger students, including teenagers and children, joined beginner classes. Coaches focused on safety, teamwork, and respect.
The Brazilian coaches praised the students’ attitude and effort.
“They were curious, polite, and hard-working,” said Coach Rafael Costa, one of the visiting black belts. “BJJ is about discipline and respect, and these kids already have that.”
Not Just a Sport, But a Way of Life
One of the main messages of the exchange was that BJJ is more than just a fighting style. It’s also about self-control, confidence, and community.
During one evening session, Coach Rafael told the group,
“In BJJ, you tap out when you lose. That’s not failure. That’s how you learn. Life is like that too. You fail, you get up, and you try again.”
This message touched many students. Some said the training helped them face not only physical challenges but also problems in everyday life.
“I used to be shy,” said 18-year-old Zhao Lin. “Now I feel stronger inside. I know how to protect myself, but more than that, I believe in myself.”
Celebration of Two Cultures
The week ended with a celebration. There was a friendly BJJ match, a traditional Chinese lion dance, and a Brazilian drum show. Food booths offered dumplings, noodles, grilled meat, and tropical fruits.
The event closed with a joint martial arts performance. Brazilian and Chinese students showed their skills side by side. Together, they bowed to the crowd and hugged each other.
One Chinese coach said,
“This is what cultural exchange should be. We don’t just teach fighting—we teach peace and respect.
What’s Next?
The success of this event has inspired plans for more exchanges in the future. Organizers hope to start regular BJJ classes in Chongqing, with support from Brazilian instructors.
There are also talks about sending Chinese martial artists to Brazil next year to experience capoeira, samba, and more BJJ training.
Mr. Chen Rui, the head of the Chongqing Sports Federation, said,
“Our young people are the future. When they learn from other cultures, they become more open-minded, confident, and strong. That helps our city, our country, and the whole world.”
Final Thoughts
The Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu exchange in Chongqing was more than just a martial arts event. It was a celebration of courage, culture, and connection.
Through grappling and ground fighting, students learned something deeper—how to face fear, how to respect others, and how to grow stronger together.
In a world that often feels divided, this event showed that two very different cultures can come together, roll on the same mat, and leave as friends.
About the Creator
sehzeen fatima
Sehzeeen Fatima is a writer with a Master’s in Science who shares inspiring stories about sports, life, and people. She writes in simple, clear language to connect with readers and spark meaningful thought.
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