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BRAZILIAN

Jiu Jitsu

Faro’s
No.1
in
Jiu-Jitsu

Located in the heart of the Algarve, Família Marola Faro was founded with a clear mission: to bring authentic Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to the community, built on respect, friendship, and passion for the gentle art.

Led by Giovanni Capella, a 4th-degree black belt and regional coordinator of Família Marola in the Algarve, our academy proudly represents the first Marola school established in the region — right here in Faro.

As Giovanni explains, “When I arrived here, specifically in Faro, there was no Jiu-Jitsu in the city — I was the first to introduce the sport.”

Since then, the team has grown and expanded with new schools in Faro, Olhão, Ferreiras, Tavira, and Vila Real de Santo António, all under the same lineage of Master André ‘Marola’. At Família Marola Faro, we believe Jiu-Jitsu goes beyond the mats. We train bodies and minds, cultivating humility, mutual respect, and lifelong friendships.

 Here, success isn’t just about winning fights — it’s about growing together as one family, united through discipline, spirit, and love for Jiu-Jitsu.

PROF. GIOVANNI CAPELLA

Born in Rio de Janeiro, Giovanni Capella is a 4th-degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and the regional coordinator of Família Marola in the Algarve. With decades of dedication to the art, Giovanni combines deep technical knowledge with a strong philosophy based on respect, discipline, and personal growth.

After moving to Portugal, Giovanni played a pioneering role in spreading Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu throughout the Algarve. As he recalls, “When I arrived here, specifically in Faro, there was no Jiu-Jitsu in the city — I was the first to introduce the sport.”

Under his leadership, the Família Marola Algarve project was born, beginning with the academy in Faro and expanding to Olhão, Ferreiras, Tavira, and Vila Real de Santo António. Each school follows the same lineage and values established by Master André ‘Marola’, preserving the authentic spirit of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Giovanni’s teaching goes far beyond techniques — his goal is to build strong, humble, and united practitioners who carry the principles of Jiu-Jitsu both on and off the mats.

"Jiu-Jitsu is not about fighting others — it’s about fighting your limits."

What is Jiu Jitsu

The word “Jiu Jitsu” comes from Japanese and means “the gentle art” — “Jū” (gentle or flexible) and “Jutsu” (art or technique). The name perfectly reflects its philosophy: defeating strength through technique and intelligence.

Jiu Jitsu originated in feudal Japan, developed by the samurai as a form of unarmed ​self-defence. It focused on leverage, holds, and throws, allowing a smaller person to overcome a stronger opponent using balance and control rather than brute force.

In the early 20th century, master Mitsuyo Maeda brought the art to Brazil, where he taught the Gracie family. From there, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) was born — a refined evolution of the traditional Japanese style, emphasising ground fighting and technical efficiency.

Over the years, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu spread across the world, earning global recognition in academies, championships, and mixed martial arts (MMA). Today, it’s much more than a combat sport — it’s a way of life, teaching respect, discipline, resilience, and self-control.

YOUR JOURNEY

Every belt tells a story — of discipline, growth, and perseverance.
In Jiu Jitsu, progress isn’t just measured by the colour of your belt, but by the lessons you learn along the way.
Each stage represents a new challenge, a deeper understanding of yourself, and the constant pursuit of mastery — on and off the mat.

Benefits of Jiu Jitsu

On the mat, you’ll discover more than techniques — you’ll find confidence, focus, and a supportive community.

01

Self-Confidence

Through constant practice, you learn to face challenges and trust your own progress — on and off the mat.

02

Self-Control

Jiu Jitsu teaches patience, discipline, and how to stay calm under pressure.

03

Physical Fitness

Each class boosts strength, flexibility, and endurance while improving posture and overall health.

04

Self-Defence

Learn practical techniques to protect yourself — based on leverage and intelligence, not brute strength.
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Real Stories. Real Progress.

Worried About Start​ing?

1. Will I get hurt if I start training?

No. Safety is our priority. Instructors guide every technique, and training is controlled. Injuries are rare, and we focus on learning, not fighting.

2. Do I need to be strong or athletic?

Not at all. Jiu Jitsu is about technique, leverage, and strategy. Anyone can start, regardless of size, strength, or fitness level.

3. Is Jiu Jitsu only for adults?

No. We have classes for all ages. Every student progresses at their own pace, with guidance appropriate to their experience.


4. I’m afraid of sparring — do I have to?

Sparring (rolling) is always optional for beginners. You learn gradually, and instructors ensure it’s safe, respectful, and controlled.

5. How long until I feel confident on the mat?

Everyone’s journey is different. Most beginners feel comfortable and start enjoying training within a few weeks, as skills and confidence grow together.

OUR FAMILY GALLERY

One Family, Many Homes

Find the nearest Marola family to you and join the energy that’s spreading across the Algarve.

Família Marola
Ferreiras

FAmília marola
OLHÃO

FAmília marola
TAVIRA

FAmília marola
VILA REAL DE STO ANTÓNIO

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