Bringing BJJ into Rio's Schools
Beyond competition, Rogério Poggio's most enduring contributions to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu lie in education and community development. He played an instrumental role in introducing BJJ to schools across Rio de Janeiro, building structured programs that brought children between the ages of three and ten onto the mats — a grassroots initiative that positioned the art as an accessible and formative activity for youth at the earliest stages of development.
The Cidade de Deus Project
This work reflects a broader philosophy within Infight that pairs elite black belt production with meaningful outreach. The team runs a social project in the Cidade de Deus — the City of God — one of Rio de Janeiro's most well-known favelas, using Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as a vehicle for youth development, discipline, and community engagement. In communities where access to structured athletic programs carries significant social impact, the project represents a sustained commitment to extending the benefits of martial arts training beyond the competitive circuit.
Poggio's dual focus — developing high-level practitioners through Infight while building pathways for children and underserved communities — defines his legacy as a black belt, coach, and founding member of one of Rio de Janeiro's most notable BJJ institutions.