Heliópolis, one of the largest communities in São Paulo, was the scene of a transformative milestone: the inauguration of the Faculdade da Luta, which took place on Saturday (31). This is an innovative social project, which was created with the aim of opening portas e ampliar horizontes por meio da combinação de esporte, educação e cidadania.
The initiative is the result of a collaboration between the Centurion Association and the SiGMA Foundation, two entities committed to positive social impact.
With an accessible and completely free model, the project will offer a wide range of activities aimed at the personal and professional development of children, teenagers and adults.
Classes include various types of martial arts — such as MMA, Boxing, Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai and Wrestling —, as well as English courses, sports marketing workshops, financial education, self-defense programs aimed especially at women and consultations with nutritionists, psychologists and physiotherapists.
According to Roberto Gallo, president of Centurion, the project aims to go beyond encouraging the practice of sports. “More than a gym or educational center, the project is a space for welcoming, learning and empowerment.”
“The Faculdade da Luta was born with the mission of transforming lives. It is not just about sport, it is about dignity, future and citizenship”, he said.
The inauguration was attended by the community and authorities
The inauguration was open to the public and was attended by authorities, renowned athletes, community leaders and local residents. The event was a moment of celebration, inspiration and demonstration of the power that the union between sport and education has to change realities.
The expectation is that the space will become a reference point not only for Heliópolis, but for the entire city of São Paulo, proving that, with human investment and social commitment, it is possible to build a better path for everyone.
Gallo: “The project aims to change lives through sports and education. I know the place from the Heliópolis neighborhood, and my goal is to give this gift to the community.”
“Here we will create athletes who want to enter the professional world, with the Centurion Association, which is the mother of the Fighting College, we will open doors for those who want to fight and then we will help them enter the professional world of sport”.
“This project gives the opportunity to have a fully professional level of training. We have a nutritionist, physiotherapist, Muay Thai, boxing, wrestling and high-level MMA trainer, which would be inaccessible to many people, and now they can train with a fully professional structure,” concluded Roberto Gallo.
The project Faculdade da Luta
The Centurion Association is a social impact project born from the collaboration between Centurion FC and the SiGMA Foundation. This partnership is committed to transforming lives through education, martial arts and personal development.
Based in Heliópolis, São Paulo — one of the largest urban communities in Brazil — it operates a 1,000 m² training center. There, it offers completely free programs to empower young people and families.
The project’s mission is to generate real change by offering access to tools and knowledge that open doors to new opportunities.
