How This Brazilian Found Himself Coaching Singapore’s National Jiu-Jitsu Team | Singapore Hour

Key Concepts

• Newaza: A grappling art, specifically Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, central to the video's focus.
• Sena Competition: A beach games competition in China where Fabio is training athletes for.
• Evolve MMA: The gym where Fabio coaches in Singapore.
• Pro Bono Coaching: Fabio’s role as national coach for Singapore is unpaid, driven by passion for the sport.
• Cultural Adaptation & Identity: Fabio’s experience adjusting to life in Singapore while maintaining his Brazilian heritage.
• Mentorship & Athlete Development: Fabio’s approach to coaching, emphasizing skill development, mental fortitude, and support.

Fabio’s Coaching Philosophy & Singaporean Newaza Development

Fabio, a 36-year-old Brazilian, serves as the national coach for Newaza (Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu) in Singapore. He emphasizes skill development ("Skills, guys. Develop skills.") and fostering a strong mental game in his athletes. He believes in providing unwavering support, as demonstrated by his encouragement during competitions. A key example is his recollection of coaching Noah during the 2025 World Championships semi-finals against the Asian Games champion from Kazakhstan. He recalls shouting, “Noah, show me we are from Singapore. Let’s go. Don’t give up. Give your best. Let’s go,” which he believes was instrumental in Noah scoring a last-second win. This illustrates his coaching style – direct, motivational, and nationalistic pride-inducing.

Fabio stresses the importance of hard work and dedication, noting that his athletes train “for like the whole year” to prepare for competitions like the Sena competition in China. He demonstrates training drills, focusing on techniques like quick leg sweeps and heel taps, emphasizing proper form and control ("All the weight is in your hand. Push any side you are controlling the leaf.").

Athlete Successes & Testimonials

The video highlights the success of Singaporean Newaza athletes under Fabio’s guidance. One athlete recounts winning a silver medal at the 2025 Southeast Asian Youth Championships, attributing his success to Fabio’s constant encouragement during a particularly challenging match. Another athlete achieved a second-place finish at the 2025 World Championships, the best result for Singapore to date, crediting Fabio’s cornering and support throughout the competition. These testimonials underscore Fabio’s effectiveness as a coach and the positive impact he has on his athletes’ performance.

Fabio’s Background & Journey to Singapore

Fabio began training Jiu-Jitsu at age 14, traveling by bicycle to his training location. He quickly became a successful competitor in Brazil, achieving multiple titles including three-time state champion, two-time national champion, a bronze medal at the World Championship, and South American champion. Prior to coaching, he worked in supply chain management and was promoted shortly before receiving the invitation to coach in Singapore.

He accepted the opportunity in Singapore because it offered a chance to live doing what he loves – Jiu-Jitsu – in a first-world country. He is currently pursuing his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering online, having paused his studies to move to Singapore. He initially planned to stay for ten years but now expresses a desire to remain indefinitely, having applied for Permanent Residency (PR).

Cultural Integration & Personal Life

Fabio speaks fondly of his life in Singapore, describing it as feeling like “home.” He actively embraces the local culture, enjoying Singaporean food and engaging with the community. He acknowledges the challenges of being far from his family and friends in Brazil, but finds solace in the support of friends in Singapore, whom he describes as his “aho” (a Portuguese term of endearment).

His wife, Bruna, made a significant sacrifice by leaving her job in Brazil to support his career move. Fabio expresses deep gratitude for her unwavering support, acknowledging the responsibility he feels to make their life in Singapore successful. He also enjoys cooking Brazilian cuisine, particularly rice and beans with meat, as a way to maintain a connection to his culture. He jokingly refers to himself as a “white belt in the kitchen.”

Evolve MMA & Pro Bono Commitment

Fabio coaches at Evolve MMA, a large and well-respected gym. His colleagues at Evolve recognize his exceptional coaching abilities and dedication. It is emphasized that his role as national coach is pro bono – unpaid – driven purely by his passion for the sport and his desire to promote it. One colleague states, “Therefore, for him, it's a bigger meaning. He's trying to promote something that he truly loves and that has given him everything in life.”

Fabio’s Future & Perspective

Fabio expresses a strong desire to remain in Singapore long-term, having applied for PR. He feels a genuine connection to the country and its people, and is inspired by their dedication to the sport. He is proud to see Singaporean athletes succeeding on the international stage and is committed to continuing his work in developing the next generation of Newaza practitioners. He believes his passion for Singapore and its athletes is evident in his engagement with the community and his enthusiastic approach to coaching.

Synthesis/Conclusion:

Fabio’s story is one of passion, dedication, and cultural adaptation. He has successfully transitioned from a successful athlete and manager in Brazil to a highly respected and influential coach in Singapore. His commitment to his athletes, combined with his genuine love for the sport and his adopted home, has resulted in significant achievements for Singaporean Newaza. His pro bono commitment underscores his deep-seated belief in the power of Jiu-Jitsu and his desire to share it with others. He embodies a mentorship model focused on skill, mental fortitude, and national pride, making him a pivotal figure in the growth of Newaza in Singapore.