Robinho comments on jiu-jitsu work in Switzerland

Robinho

Student of professor Jair Lourenço, master of Kimura Nova União, Robson Pinheiro Dantas is one of the strong arms of jiu-jitsu in Switzerland. Better known as Robinho, in addition to teaching the gentle art there, the fighter will now have an important role in the country's competitions. After founding the Swiss Sports Jiu-Jitsu Federation (FHJJE), he is working hard to hold the first CBJJE European Championship, which takes place on the 19th and 20th of September. Robinho comments on the event and jiu-jitsu in the country:

What do you expect from this first European Championship?

For our first European Championship we had a goal in relation to the number of athletes registered and that, thank God, exceeded our expectations. With this we will give other possibilities to jiu-jitsu athletes, with more competitions, and consequently we will develop our sport further in Switzerland and Europe. We want this championship to be part of the athletes’ annual calendar.

Is there already a perspective of nations and teams that should participate?

We already have registrations from many countries. So far athletes from 15 nations have signed up for the event, the United States, Turkey, Brazil, Eastern European countries and several other corners of Europe. Furthermore, large teams have already confirmed their presence and are coming in force, such as Nova União, Gracie Barra, Alliance and BTT Europa, among others.

How is gentle art in Switzerland in terms of competitions, teams and athletes?

Jiu-jitsu in Switzerland is slowly taking its place, thanks to the good work of the teachers who are here, with organization and seriousness. But we still have a long way to go and I hope that with this new federation this will develop much more, with more events and good organization, which is the most important thing.

Comment on your work with jiu-jitsu?

I arrived here in 2008 brought by my friend Gilson Farias. With a proposal to grow jiu-jitsu and our academy, Kimura Nova União, I fought two European Championships in Lisbon (2008 and 2009) and won both. In less than two years, we created our federation, we are organizing the CBJJE European Championship and Kimura is doing a good job, showing its strength in Switzerland.