The athlete spent 14 years away from sport, but now he’s going to represent Brazil in a world taekwondo championship.
An athlete’s career is marked by challenges, overcoming and achievements. In the case of Júlio César Ferreira Fernandes, this journey had an even more special meaning. A taekwondo athlete for nearly 20 years, he found in the Viva o Esporte project, run by the Ramacrisna Institute in partnership with Betim City Hall, the support he needed to restart his career and achieve one of his biggest dreams: joining the Brazilian national team.
Júlio began his Taekwondo career in 2003, when he took his first yellow belt exam. In 2006, he earned his 1st Dan Black Belt and accumulated important titles, such as champion of Minas Gerais and winner of the Games of the Interior of Minas Gerais (JIMI). However, at a certain point, he had to take a break to dedicate himself to his studies and work.
“I always had the dream of continuing in Taekwondo, but life took me in other directions. I had to stop for a while and focus on other areas, but I never stopped feeling that this was where I really belonged,” he recalls.
So, after 14 years away from the sport, he decided to resume training in March 2024, through the Viva o Esporte project, run by the Ramacrisna Institute in partnership with Betim City Hall. Júlio started competing again and quickly regained his place. In the same year, he became champion of Minas Gerais, runner-up in the Brazilian Cup and the Southeast Cup. In December, he also achieved another great feat: the 2nd Dan Black Belt exam.
The dedication and effort paid off. In February 2025, Júlio took part in the Grand Slam, a selection for the Brazilian Taekwondo team, and secured his place in the Master’s category up to 68kg. Now, his next challenge is to represent Brazil at the World Championships, which will take place in June this year. To this end, he is continuing his intensive training, maintaining the focus and commitment that have brought him this far.
“When I heard my name among the qualifiers, it was one of the most exciting moments of my life. Everything I went through, every sacrifice, every day of intense training, it was all worth it. Now I’m going with more strength and dedication to represent Brazil in the best possible way,” says Júlio.
More than just an athlete, Júlio has also become an inspiration to others. He is a reference in the Viva o Esporte project, as well as teaching at a private gym. For him, teaching is more than a profession, it’s a passion.
“Working with what you love is a privilege, isn’t it? It’s very rewarding to see the sparkle in the students’ eyes, to encourage and help them to achieve their dreams within Taekwondo. Many arrive in disbelief, thinking they won’t make it, and I always say: believe, because sport has the power to change lives,” she advises.
The Viva o Esporte Project promotes various physical, sporting, leisure and recreational activities, bodily practices and performance sport for children from the age of 4, teenagers, young people, adults and the elderly, with and without disabilities. The initiative helps to promote the health, quality of life and physical and mental well-being of those it serves, contributing to the exercise of citizenship and human transformation. The activities are free, carried out in inclusive environments and accompanied by specialized professionals.
The project is an example of social and sporting inclusion. It was this support that allowed Júlio not only to return to the mats, but also to become a teacher dedicated to transforming lives.
“I’m immensely grateful for everything the project represents. Thanks to this initiative and the partnership with Ramacrisna, I was able to get back on track, win titles and, above all, inspire other people. Sport goes far beyond competition, it teaches us values for life,” emphasizes Júlio.
Júlio’s path still holds many challenges, but he remains firm in his goals: to continue evolving in Taekwondo, to represent Brazil in international competitions and to expand his work as a teacher.
“I want to keep growing, learning more and sharing this knowledge with my students. One day I hope to be able to contribute even more to the Viva o Esporte project and Ramacrisna, helping to train new athletes and citizens. If there’s one thing I’ve learned along the way, it’s that nothing is impossible for God. And as long as I can, I will fight for my dreams and contribute to the dreams of others”.
Sport has transformed Júlio’s life and, through the Viva o Esporte project, he has the chance to give something back, inspiring new generations of athletes to believe in their own potential. May his career continue to be an example of overcoming, dedication and love for what he does.
At Ramacrisna, we believe that sport has the power to change lives. If you support this idea, contact us and collaborate with our projects. Contact Ramacrisna and make your donation.
