Oliveira BJJ

I'm writing this with a very heavy heart for my brother who I've seen work so hard for 25+ years. It saddens me to think about how many people are going through similar situations because it's absolutely devastating. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 and state guidelines, my brother has not only lost his jiu-jitsu business but he's gone through his entire life-savings to try to save it. Still, he remains in major debt since rent and bills have piled up far beyond control within the past 6 months. We still do not know if we're in for another shutdown in the fall. There is no way to make a comeback from this being that there is a 33% capacity regulation, especially because jiu-jitsu is a hands on sport that requires constant physical contact. Not only is he losing his business but he is now struggling with his living situation as well. This is what he does for a living and it's being stripped from him without any choice. The state has given us no fighting chance, no financial aid and no opportunities to show that we can be safe in our training techniques. 

There are two parts to his business. There is the Oliveira BJJ (which is now permanently shut down) and there is the KEDA Fight Fitness kickboxing portion. KEDA is what we're going to try to recover and recreate in a way that follows state guidelines and ensures everyone's safety. That is the priority. Overall, he cannot catch up on his own and that is why I've started this fundraiser. This has caught everyone by surprise and it hasn't been a very pleasant one. 

This is way more than a Jiu-Jitsu academy that is closing. This is a safe place for our community. This is home to the kids and adults looking to learn self-defense in such a crazy world. This is a family for those who need the support. This is a learning environment for those who want to expand. This is therapy for those who need a physical outlet to cope. This is a sport for those who want to compete. This is a seminar for those who need their stories heard. This is recovery for those who have had traumatic experiences. This is a place to prepare. This is a place of all different kinds of individuals with all sorts of backgrounds and ideas. This is a place that welcomes everyone with open arms. For my brother, this is how he chose to give back. 

Thank you so much not only for your donations, but most importantly your time and consideration to what's going on right now. I know we are only one business of many but we hope to make a recovery as a team and make more of KEDA Fight Fitness now that we have lost Oliveira BJJ. Safety is the main priority, so stay tuned for all updates on our Facebook page. We look forward to seeing your faces soon. 

Thank you endlessly for your support during such difficult times. 


Sincerely, 

Thalia Mendes