After overcoming the loss of his father in childhood, Sensei Caliton Silva found a purpose in life through judo and today is transforming the lives of children and teenagers at the Ramacrisna Institute

Sport has the power to change destinies. At the Ramacrisna Institute, this transformation can be seen daily on the mat through the work of Sensei Caliton Silva Santos. His story of resilience, dedication, and commitment to his students shows how children’s judo can become much more than just a sport: it’s a tool for human development.

Since 2018, Caliton has led the Ramacrisna judo program in Betim (MG), helping children and teenagers discover values such as discipline, respect, self-control, and perseverance through the sport. However, before becoming a teacher and coach, he was also a child who found in sports a way to face challenges and build his own future.

A childhood marked by overcoming adversity

At the age of three, Caliton lost his father. As an only child, he was raised by his mother, who shouldered the responsibility for the family alone. “Losing my father at the age of three was a very formative experience in my life, because I was very close to him,” recalls Caliton.

Even so, raised by his mother, he developed a strong sense of responsibility from an early age. At the same time, an interest in sports was already part of his life.

Although the minimum age to enroll in classes was seven, his mother insisted repeatedly until she managed to get him enrolled when he was just six years old.

From that moment on, sports became part of his routine. On his own, he would take the bus from his neighborhood to downtown Betim to train. Furthermore, his mother’s trust and the lessons he learned during that time helped build the independence and discipline that would stay with him throughout his life.

In addition to judo, Caliton also excelled at soccer. At age 11, he passed a tryout for Atlético Mineiro, the club he’s supported since childhood. However, he had to choose which path to follow. In the end, he chose judo.

According to the sensei, the sport has transformed him at every stage of his life. It taught him values, provided experiences, and helped shape his identity. “A sport that has transformed me at every stage of my life. I am very grateful to Mr. Judo,” he says.

A turning point

Years later, his passion for the sport led Caliton to lead the Ramacrisna judo program for children. The invitation came after someone from the Institute found his resume on a job site.

At the time, he was balancing his career as an athlete with his work as a teacher and had only a high school diploma and a black belt in judo. Over the years, he managed to expand his academic background and today holds four undergraduate degrees and postgraduate certifications. According to the sensei, the Institute’s support was essential in enabling him to balance work, studies, and professional development. “The Ramacrisna Institute was a turning point in my life. Every athlete dreams of participating in a project capable of transforming the lives of children and adolescents through sports,” he reflects.

The judo workshop serves students aged 6 to 17 who participate in NAVE—the Center for Learning and Essential Experiences (formerly CAER)—using sports as a tool for inclusion and development. Classes are organized according to the participants’ age and technical level. While younger students work on motor coordination, logical reasoning, and teamwork, more experienced students delve deeper into the technical fundamentals of judo, physical conditioning, and self-control.

Thus, more than just teaching moves and techniques, the project promotes values such as empathy, respect, resilience, and perseverance.

Judo for children and the measure of success

In addition to their personal development, the students have also excelled in competitions. The team was the overall champion of the Minas Gerais School Games (JEMG) in Module I, in both the boys’ and girls’ divisions. Since then, the project’s athletes have won more than 90 medals in municipal, state, and national tournaments.

In 2024, the Institute reached an important milestone by winning its first medals at the national stage of the Brazilian School Games (JEBs), held in Recife. On that occasion, athletes Ray Lucas Matos de Araújo, Isabela Rodrigues Pereira, and Nicoly dos Santos Pereira won medals in national competitions, demonstrating the potential of the young people served by the project.

In addition, Ramacrisna athletes rank among the top ten in the country in competitions organized by the Brazilian Judo Confederation (CBJ). Similarly, students receive support from programs such as the Bolsa Atleta scholarship, at both the state and federal levels. “When I look at our students, I see a lot of effort, commitment, dedication, and happiness,” he notes.

For Caliton, serving as a teacher and coach is a great responsibility. Every training session represents an opportunity to teach, guide, and inspire. His greatest wish is for every child and teenager to continue believing in themselves and to be able to face life’s challenges.

“I believe that our true success is measured by the number of people we manage to uplift and transform along our journey,” he says.

This philosophy is present in every class held at the Ramacrisna Institute. In this way, judo becomes a tool for citizenship, education, and hope.

This is because Sensei Caliton Silva’s story shows that sports can change destinies. At the Ramacrisna Institute, this transformation happens every day, both on and off the mat.

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