testimonials

“Rio Sports Tour delivered a different experience compared to other “Jiu-Jitsu camps” offering top services to Alliance members in the city Rio de Janeiro.”
Fabio Gurgel (5th degree BJJ black belt and Team Alliance co-leader)

“A trip to Rio with Rio Sports Tour, at a high-level sport in the academy of BJJ of your dreams, visits of traditional or original sites and the spare time where you can take advantage of the City, the beach and Cariocas. It is also a meeting with guys who share the same passion as you, sometimes they come from other country and you spend really good times with them. You got only one regret, it is to leave. I keep an excellent impression of this trip and Francis is for many there. Merci mon ami, i will never never never forget this trip.”
Christophe Garrido (FRA)

“Francis, you better get Rio ready for me again. Cause I’m coming back for sure. For those who haven’t been, do yourself a favor and plan to go. The city is beautiful. The food is great. The sunsets and sunrises are mind blowing. The training is unbelievable. Gentlemen, the girls don’t wear much, and ladies, neither do the guys. Surfing, volleyball, soccer, beaches, water, mountains, parties, drinks, Açai & sooooo much more is waiting for you. Rio Sports Tour can make your trip the best!”
Dan Stenning (CAN)

“The trip i took to Rio was absolutely amazing, it was everything from a reality check looking at the favelas and less fortunate people to the best beach I have ever seen! I’m not the type to write a full paragraph so all I have to say is if your planning on going to Brazil in a group, alone, sports or what ever you most definitely have to contact Rio Sports Tour they care about you and let you know they do and will bend over backwards to make your trip once in a lifetime. Can’t wait to go back next year!  Also 1.000 thanks you too Francis and everyone else that helped make my trip unreal.”
Jon Matzov (CAN)

“I can’t even begin to describe how unforgettable this trip was! The city is breathtaking, the people are great, and the training was amazing! The people we had the pleasure of training with were all very welcoming and more than willing to share what they had to offer. They all really inspired me to train that much harder to improve my Jiu-Jitsu and helped create a whole new perspective and appreciation of the art. The training alone would have made the trip, but we all had the opportunity participate in a bunch of other activities. Hang gliding!!!!!, a helicopter ride, a tour up to Sugar Loaf, touring the city…etc!! The food was amazing and our hostel was in the perfect location! Close to everything…including the beach!! There definitely wasn’t a dull moment the entire trip! A HUGE thanks to everyone who helped make this trip memorable! Thanks Francis for making us feel at home and for all your hard work! This trip with RST was by far the greatest experience of my life! I look forward to coming back next year!”
Meghan Goba (CAN)

“Rio de Janeiro, Brazil was the time of my life. I went to Rio in ’08 when i was a junior in high school for wrestling in the Oregon Cultural Exchange. Now i am in college and wrestling for the Olympic Training Center in Northern Michigan University. Rio was super nice and the best time of my life so far. Francis was a great friend who introduced me to more friends and the people were beautiful just like the ocean and the beaches. It was so nice and green with fresh air. When i was there i had a chance to wrestle and train with some of the people who represented Brazil in the Olympics. The shopping Mall and market were cool too they had everything. The best part of Brazil was the food and the scenery. The driving there is different than the States because its crazy but fun. The food was amazing. The Jesus statue was awesome, and so was the view of the stadium. There was “A LOT” to see and there was never a dull moment when I was there. I plan on coming back again in the near future. Thanks for the amazing time i had in Brazil Francis.”
Jacob Mitchell (USA)

“From the moment I stepped out of the airport we felt welcomed and Francis was waiting with a air conditioned ride for us. The people of RIO were generally just as inviting with people often offering to help if they realized you were lost or struggling to order with our limited Portuguese. The training at Gracie Tijuca was awesome with Vinni running an awesome class suitable for all levels. His attention to detail and simple explanation made it very enjoyable and informative. Would definitely recommend training in Rio if you love BJJ as the experience is amazing.”
Stewart Hilton (AUS)

“I went to Rio de Janeiro for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and it was the best experience of my life. I don’t know why I waited so long to make the trip. I met and ROLLED with more belts than I can remember. I met 3 Grand Masters. I attended multiple Rickson Gracie seminars. I got to watch the Rio Open tournament and meet some of highest level competitors of Jiu-Jitsu in the world. I got to meet Kyra Gracie… And the whole time I had multiple daily classes with 7th degree black belt Mestre Sylvio Behring and his club. I’ve never had training on a daily basis of that caliber. My BJJ game greatly improved because of this trip and I’m coming back next year for sure. Francis is the man. He knows EVERYBODY! There is not a black belt in Rio that this man is not personal friends with. He will introduce you to anyone you would like to meet and find you the right people to train with to improve your specific game. He has so many different options to offer it’s unbelievable – and he’s there for you any time you need him. Completely dedicated to making your time in Rio the best. I can’t say enough about RST. See you in 2011.”
Eric Hoff (CAN)

“Rio Sports Tour brought safety, professionalism and a trouble free trip with 24/7 personal attention to my students in Rio de Janeiro”
Sylvio Behring (BJJ master, 7th degree red/black belt)

“Thank you again for organizing an absolutely outstanding camp in Rio for the Renato Tavares Association. I had a blast and can’t wait to do it again!”
Wayne Marble (USA)

“I have always dreamed of understanding the origins of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and training with Brazilian masters who want to share the sport with athletes from around the world. Francis made that dream possible for me and I will never forget my experience training BJJ in Brazil. They picked me up in a comfortable sedan at the precise time we arranged. We visited 5 of the top BJJ/MMA academies in Rio and stopped by for a delicious lunch at a chic bar & grill that I would have never found on my own. We finished the day with a visit to a large BJJ tournament. I watched so many brown and black belts compete on the mat that it almost became routine (it’s always special to watch black belts compete in the US…but in Brazil it’s a regular feature at any tournament!). The day was a life-long dream come true for me. I could not have done it without the help of Rio Sports Tour!”
Jerry R. (USA), 5 Years Training BJJ

“Thanks again for such a great experience. Thank you for your patience and all the work you did to keep us well taken care of down there in Brazil. The trip would not have been the same without you.”
Brian Marett (CAN) – BJJ instructor and Karate Sensei

“They can set up training as many times daily as you want at whatever Rio gym you choose (or you can make your rounds at several), shows you all around the city, takes you to great places to eat. You pretty much get to pick where you want to stay (hotel, hostel, nice hotel), your food budget, and where you want to train and he organizes it all out and takes you to train plus see some of the most beautiful parts of the city.
He’s a friend of mine and just to be another bilingual person to help with the larger group (Francis speaks English nearly without an accent and is a Black Belt in BJJ). However, for anyone wanting to go for a week or two, I would HIGHLY recommend you at least send him an email and see what Francis could set up for you. It could make your life so much easier and safer.”
Hillary Williams (USA) – World Class Grappler (IBJJF, ADCC)

“I just wanted to send you a short note to tell you how much i appreciate all that you did to make this most recent trip even better than the last. I’m so thankful for having a friend in Brasil that can take care of myself and my friends, and who i can trust to hire only an excellent driver and introduce us to the best people. I’m already looking forward to next year. Your pal…”
Thomas Daley (CAN) – BJJ student

“Everything went very smooth, it was well organized and the kids had a great time. It was an experience of a lifetime!”
Guy Harris (USA) – wrestling

“If your planning a trip to Rio all you need to do is contact Rio Sports tours they will make sure your trip to Rio is enjoyable. You just have to worry about how your gonna get there. You will not be disappointed!”
Tim Snelgrove (CANADA) – BJJ student

“Rio Sports Tours was very helpful during my stay in Rio de Janeiro. They provided me with an excellent tour guide and were able to accommodate me with great food and a lovely apartment. They made my stay very comfortable and enjoyable. I was able to get to anywhere I needed to go and see many of the tourist attractions, as well as train at the Black House Academy!”
Ashlin Kanawaty (CANADA) – BJJ student

“It was an unforgettable experience, the most amazing trip I’ve ever had. The training was intense and definitely challenging. The glue that held the whole trip together, made it very relaxing, and made sure that everything went as it was planned, was the hard work of our tour guide. He was always there if we needed anything and made sure everybody was having a good time. He organized various group activities, showed us the sites, and made sure we were taken care of. We felt safe the entire time. I highly recommend Rio Sports Tour for athletes, Martial Artists, groups and individuals. The only thing you have to do is get there – Rio Sports Tour will do the rest!”
Angelo Panoussis (CANADA) – BJJ instructor and Karate Sensei

“When we decided to travel to Brazil, we didn’t know what to expect, especially with all the negative publicity the country seems to receive. However, after arriving our concerns were quickly relieved. Rio Sports Tours had friendly and easily identifiable staff available to greet us upon our arrival and they enabled us to experience the “Real Rio” in a very safe manor. From sightseeing to surfing to shopping, RST organized it all at a very affordable rate. We were always given first class service and without RST we don’t think we would have had such an unforgettable experience. We would definitely recommend RST to anyone looking to travel to Rio and would not hesitate to use their services again in the future. In fact, we are already planning on coming again next year!”
Mike and Rebecca Tapley (CANADA) – BJJ students

“The best experience ever! Everything is very well planned. Great training!”
Fernando Carranza  – BJJ student

“I have been on many trips, but this trip was the best of my life. I plan on visiting Rio regularly!”
Darryl Jackson  – BJJ student

“There is nothing I would have done differently, once in a lifetime experiences!”
CJ MCcormack – wrestling assistant coach

“Outstanding, fantastic trip, interacting among it the wrestlers will be a moment that will stay with me for a long time”
Jerry Siegal – wrestling camper relative

“This was a great experience. Rio is a beautiful place for competitions and culture exchange. The people of Brazil have been extremely warm and helpful. We will be back soon!”
Jim Day – wrestling coach

“Excellent service, went above and beyond personal service.”
Mary Siegal – wrestling camper relative

“Admirable, fun, lovely, perfect.”
Spencer Polaske – wrestling camper relative

“Was great trip, hope I could come back.”
Jack Rudy – wrestling camper relative

“A fantastic time in Brazil: wonderful food, people, experiences and tour guides.”
Jack Hull “Choa” – wrestling camper relative

“Thank you for a wonderful time!!”
Kathleen Polaske – wrestling camper relative

“The trip was awesome and probably the most fun ten days in my life. Rio Sports Tour provided us with great experience in Rio de Janeiro, complete with training sessions, matches, jiu-jitsu/submission training, sightseeing, a lot of fun on the beach.”
Dan Williamson– wrestling coach

“That was the best time of my life. I made life long friends that I´ll never forget.”
Bobby Deleon – wrestling athlete

“This trip will be remembered for ever.”
Keegan Davis – wrestling athlete

“It´s fun you wouldn’t want to leave.”
Norman Richmond – wrestling athlete

“Rio Sports Tour gives an opportunity of a lifetime! It shows Rio´s way of life, culture, tradition and just plain of fun.”
Tim Patrick – wrestling athlete

“This trip is the best experience of my life. If you have on trip to make go to Rio.”
Andrew Wolfe – wrestling athlete

“If you are looking to truly enrich yourself with na international experience, this is the way to do it. Travel, train and grow.”
Quinn Collett – wrestling assistant coach

“Rio Sports Tour provides intimate exposure to the Rio de Janeiro culture while offering great competition… Rio will be a future destination for my teams!”
David Vizzini – wrestling coach

“These tours are like none I´ve been on before. I liked all the experiences.”
Andy Howe – wrestling athlete

“The whole trip was a great experience plus the people were very kind and welcoming.”
Nathan Shay – wrestling athlete

“This was the experience of a lifetime, and Rio Sports Tour made it possible.”
Jake Vizzini – wrestling athlete

“Rio Sports Tour was an unforgettable experience. I enjoyed every minute of it and hope to come back soon.”
Tyler Weathers – wrestling athlete

“The camp was fun and the athletes have a strong desire to learn
wrestling and its details. The Brazilian Wrestling Federation provides
the best conditions for training and development of wrestlers at their
Training Center. Rio Sports Tour is a great way to know the beauties of
Rio de Janeiro, besides the wrestling activities. Rio is great!!”
Patricia Miranda – 2004 Olympian (Team USA – wrestling)

“Recently I had the opportunity to visit the City of Rio de Janeiro. With much
affability I could know the project denominated RIO SPORTS TOUR, which intends to offer to our athletes, the possibility of sharing sport with culture.
The sports facilities, the lodging and the program of tourist visits are of first order,
reason by wich I am sure that who participate will live an unforgettable experience with a great benefit for the preparation of your athletes.”
Francisco Lee – Presidente of Pan-American Committee of Associated Wrestling Styles (CPLA)

“Rio de Janeiro has the athletes with the biggest sports potencial in the country.
I believe that wrestling in Brazil at 2007 Pan American Games will reach the best
results in history. This is the commitment of the entire Brazilian technical team.”
Alejo Moralles – wrestling Cuban coach

“Basically I didn´t know what to expect, I went to Rio in January and stepped into the sun, and was greeted by a wild aray of colors and tastes and above all laid back and very warm hearted people.
After the training we would go for an açai drink and a steak sandwich, go for a swim or chat up some girls. If we weren´t too blown from training we´d go surfing or paragliding. Life goes on outside in Rio and people generally train a lot in everything, there is a very healthy and positive spirit especially along the beaches.
I can´t recommend Rio Sports Tours enough, they really introduced me to the Carioca way and helped me out with everything and anything. Next time I´ll do a language course as well ´cos a language gets you further than a credit card ever will… go Rio!”
Felix – bjj student (Berlin, GER)