Brazilian teenager sells candies, peanuts to chase jiu-jitsu dream

Dubai: Chasing a passion demands commitment and discipline, and reaching the top of what you love often takes Herculean effort. The inspiring journey of Brazilian teenager Kaue Henrique Fernandes is a powerful reminder that hard work can turn dreams into reality.

Kaue, now 16, discovered jiu-jitsu at just six years old while growing up in a modest neighbourhood on the outskirts of Rio de Janeiro. His childhood was far from easy, with his family frequently facing financial struggles, but the sport quickly became his sanctuary — a place where he felt focused, motivated, and confident.

Over time, jiu-jitsu became more than just a pastime. A trip to São Paulo in 2019 revealed to him just how transformative the sport could be. From that moment, he set his sights on a bold dream: competing at the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship.

In 2022, through sheer determination, he made it happen. Kaue spent the entire year selling candy on the streets to save enough money for the journey. He reached Abu Dhabi, competed, and won bronze. Before returning home, he promised himself he would come back and aim even higher.

And he kept that promise. This year, Kaue once again worked tirelessly to fund his trip — this time selling peanuts — and arrived more determined than ever. On Monday, he competed in the Youth Men’s GI Blue 73kg division. Even though he didn’t reach the podium, his journey reflects the spirit of a young athlete relentlessly pursuing his dream and proudly representing his community.

Changing life

“I started jiu-jitsu at age six, facing difficulties while growing up,” he said. “In 2019, I travelled to São Paulo and realised how much jiu-jitsu could change my life. In 2022, I decided to pursue my dream to fight in the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship.

“I worked all year selling candy on the street to save up the money, and I was able to make that dream come true. Today, after a lot of struggles and hard work, I am back again, this time selling peanuts, to participate.

“I was aiming for gold, but competing here already means a lot to me. The journey itself makes every moment worth it.”

Stories like Kaue’s highlight what the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship represents for the global jiu-jitsu community. It brings together athletes from all backgrounds, offers young competitors a platform to chase their goals, and showcases how the sport can unite people from every walk of life.