(Photo Courtesy: Jocqua Shropshire)
LAUREL, Md. – Jocqua Shropshire, a native of Maryland and Navy veteran who teaches at Laurel’s 2nd Gear BJJ, is proud to celebrate a new accomplishment: he recently opened a gym in Brazil. Not only is he helping to model good health practices, but also building international community and solidarity while providing a positive influence.
“In May 2023, ‘Evolution of Brother’ came to life in Brazil. Teaming up with Tiago Rodrigo da Silva and Lukas Vito, we embarked on a mission to bring Jiu-Jitsu back to the community. It all started when we met in Brazil, where they were involved in a social project at a local community center. Despite the center closing in early 2021, our shared vision sparked the opening of ‘Evolution of Brother’ in April 2023,” said Shropshire.
“Today, we’re not only a gym – we’re a family of over 50 children from ages 4 to 14, from the Jacarezinho community. We’re also proud to serve around 20 adults and 10 seniors. Beyond martial arts, we’ve expanded our horizons with Professor Jessica Ximenes teaching English to the children since November 2023.”
Evolution of Brother, located in Rio de Janeiro, is helping to build a diaspora connection between Black Americans and Black Brazilians. Brazil has nearly 21 million Black citizens, about half as many as the United States. Shropshire believes that building this community and identifying our shared roots can help to increase collaboration and raise awareness of global issues.
Shropshire recommends incorporating holistic health tips including regular exercise, mental health awareness, tending to community gardens and green spaces, empowerment programs, and just walking around your community to improve your physical and mental wellbeing.
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