Rafael Pousada Monteiroson of a Galician father and a Brazilian mother, has transformed his passion for martial arts into a career recognized throughout the province of Cádiz. Since his arrival in Spain in 2006, his life has been marked by effort, perseverance and teaching disciplines such as Brazilian jiu-jitsu, judo and other combat arts, until he managed to open his own center in Jerez.
“I arrived in Spain more or less when I was 25 or 26 years old. I was curious to know Andalusia and see what it was like here, because I have always had that Galician and family side in Spain and I liked the climate of this area,” remembers Pousada. After settling in Puerto Real and passing through different towns such as Cádiz and San Fernando, he began teaching classes while studying Physical Education teaching, since his studies in Brazil were not validated.
His teaching career in Spain began pioneering way in the provinceintroducing Brazilian jiu-jitsu, a then little-known martial art. “I started teaching classes wherever I could, sometimes in gyms with very few students, sometimes on the street, because no one knew about the sport. I spent more than I earned, but it was pure love of art,” confesses the teacher.
For years he combined teaching with security work and other jobs, while spreading the discipline throughout Cádiz, San Fernando, Puerto Real, El Puerto, Sanlúcar and Jerez. His efforts contributed to the consolidation of Brazilian jiu-jitsu in the area, and many of the current teachers passed through his training team.
In 2017 he founded, together with Alberto Bremgartner, the Fusion BJJ Spain team, which has managed to maintain a prominent place in national competitions. His latest sporting achievements include the title of champion at the Internacional Open Madrid 2018 (IBJJF) and absolute champion of Spain in black belt 2019 (AEBJJ). However, Pousada assures that “I have always prioritized teaching over competition, because to be a good teacher you need experience, but also know how to transmit it.”
The great leap of your own premises
The big leap came with the opening of its own center in Jerez, located on Esla Street, near Arcos Avenue. “I bought the place last year, but we opened in September because we had to do renovations. Now I can fully dedicate myself to teaching and organize the classes the way I want,” he explains. He currently has about 50 students, including Judo children and Brazilian Jiu-jitsu students of all ages.
Pousada highlights that his method is not limited to teaching fighting techniques, but seeks to provide confidence and security to his students. “The environment is familiar and healthy. You learn to use the techniques in a practical way, also as self-defense. It is not about hitting, but about control and reduce risk situations“, he points out, adding that his training includes police grappling and physical preparation for private security.
In addition to physical discipline, Rafael emphasizes the importance of didactics and constant learning. “To teach, it is not enough to be a black belt; you have to train as a teacher, know the body, know how to transmit knowledge. That is the real value of what we offer at the center,” he explains, reflecting his professional approach and his educational vocation.
Today, the Rafael Pousada Training Center opens its doors as a consolidated space for the practice of martial arts and self-defense in Jerez, with the intention of continuing to grow and train new generations. “It would be great May my story serve as an example for others.to show that with work, perseverance and passion the objectives can be met,” concludes the instructor.
