Valente Brothers ™

While on a recent trip to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Professor Joaquim Valente and Jiu Jitsu student - helicopter pilot Jared Schmelzer met with Commander Adonis Lopes of C.O.R.E. (Coordenadoria de Recursos Especiais), the SWAT Team of Rio de Janeiro State Police (Polícia Civil do Estado do Rio de Janeiro). This police unit has proven a great versatility in serving Brazil and protecting its’ citizens with a helicopter division. The helicopter and its team has been directly responsible for saving many lives and strongly combating the criminals of the drug trade, which affects the country as a whole.

With the upcoming Olympic Games, FIFA World Cup, and the overall expansion of Brazil’s world importance, this unit proves to be essential. The beauty of the Brazil’s scenery on a flight can only be equaled by the difficulty, and danger of the C.O.R.E. operations. The six bullet holes from a recent mission had been repaired prior to the day’s flight. The renown Bell Huey II helicopter was operation ready by the time of our meeting, and we were “skids off” for an unforgettable flight around Rio. We did a high recon over the favelas where the drug dealers thrive and then flew along the famous beaches of Leblon, Ipanema, Copacabana. The Huey then climbed upwards along the pinnacle of the Sugar Loaf mountain and over to the majestic statue Cristo Redentor on the Corcovado mountain. The beauty of Brazil is incomparable. During this meeting with Commander Adonis and his team, Professor Joaquim discussed the practical application of Valente Brothers Defensive Tactics and how it has been successful and embraced by Miami Dade Police Department and related tactical teams. Additionally, it was of interest to the C.O.R.E. team members to hear about the Valente Brothers recent training of forces in the Middle East conflicts and how the methods are being deployed in combat applications.

Originating with and tested by Grandmaster Helio Gracie, the Valente Brothers’ approach remains focused on practical defense techniques against ruthless adversaries and varying levels of control and submission. The methods taught by the Valente Brothers will provide the confidence of practical and effective techniques to keep C.O.R.E. operators in the fight and safe during missions.