Brazil Martial Arts Exchange

About the Program

The Brazil Sport for Social Change (SSC) program, held from July 22 to August 4, 2022, was funded by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs Sports Diplomacy Division’s International Sports Programming Initiative. The program brought together eight martial arts athletes and five coaches for a dynamic blend of sports, cultural exchange, and leadership training across Boston, Cambridge, and Hyannis, Massachusetts. In Boston, participants engaged in workshops on mindfulness, project planning, and adaptive sports at the University of Massachusetts Boston. They also learned about diversity and inclusion from Partners for Youth with Disabilities and participated in accessible sports sessions led by experts, including Paralympic athlete Joe Walsh. Cultural exploration included walking the historic Freedom Trail, visiting the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library, and enjoying an iconic Boston Red Sox game at Fenway Park, providing a rich introduction to American history and culture.

In Cambridge, participants visited Harvard University for sessions on strength and conditioning, taekwondo, and health and nutrition led by university coaches and professionals. They contributed to community service at Cradles to Crayons, supporting local children, and participated in martial arts sessions, including judo and capoeira, which highlighted discipline, resilience, and cultural heritage. A women’s empowerment workshop by Girls’ Leap emphasized confidence and leadership development. In Hyannis, the group engaged in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, and street soccer clinics that fostered teamwork and cross-cultural connections. Informal activities, such as a cookout with local Brazilian families and time at the beach, allowed participants to strengthen bonds and reflect on their shared experiences.

By combining sports, cultural exchange, and lessons on inclusion and leadership, the SSC program equipped the athletes and coaches with tools to inspire positive change in their communities. The program demonstrated the power of sports to bridge cultural divides, promote personal growth, and create lasting social impact.