Snow, English and Judo: the routine starts for four Brazilians in Canada

The slashing cold and the abundant snow of Montreal, Canada, are a two of the biggest challenges faced by the four young Brazilian judokas who are in the freezing country of North America for a training and study exchange program of four weeks. Awarded during the Revelation World Cup of São Paulo City for their effort made in their still short careers, Ana Carla from Mato Grosso, Fernanda from São Paulo, Henrique from Paraná and Fabricio from Piaui, are surpassing the difficulties such as the different language, food, low temperatures and the demanding training sessions held by the Canadian judo team.

Ten days into the trip, it is noticeable that the group has already had a change in their attitude. They are more confident and comfortable with they everyday life in Canada and are finding their own rhythm. In the English school, the impact of their first day of classes has already faded way though the first week with the help of their teachers and with their own effort. Divided in classes of about 12 students from different countries, they are eager to learn something that will be most definitely valuable in their near future. It is forbidden to speak in Portuguese while in the buildings of the school.

From Monday to Friday, the school routine goes from 8:45 am until 11:45am, when they have their short and only break of 45 minutes. The classes start again at 12:30pm and finish at 2:30pm, when everyone goes back to their dorms or go to the Canadian National Judo Centre. In Canada, lunch isn’t the most valued meal, so during this time the great majority of the population only has a quick snack and with the Brazilian it hasn’t been any different. Following their own preferences, each athlete prepares what they will eat on their lunch break. During their weekend, the school offers short trips and group outings to cities near by like Ottawa or the capital Quebec. Next Friday, the list of activities features snowboarding lessons.


With information from the Press Agency of the Revelations Cup/Carlos Bortole