Last weekend marked a historic milestone for the continued growth of WBC Amateur MuayThai in Brazil, as the WBC Youth MuayThai Graduation Program expanded deep into the Amazon region — inspiring a new generation of young martial artists in one of the most remote and culturally rich parts of the world.
The weekend began on Saturday in Rio de Janeiro, where the program was conducted by Kru Tuniko Feteria Jr. and Kru Thiago “Sagat,” before journeying north to the state of Amazonas. On Sunday, the WBC Youth MuayThai Graduation Program officially arrived in the city of São Gabriel da Cachoeira, a remarkable destination known for its natural beauty, cultural diversity, and geographic isolation.
Leading the program’s implementation were Master Ricardo Thai, Technical Director of WBC MuayThai Brazil, and Kru Osmarino Muniz, whose dedication has been instrumental in developing MuayThai across Brazil’s northern territories. Their efforts represent a powerful commitment to bringing structured education, discipline, and opportunity to young athletes even in the most distant corners of the country.
Situated along the banks of the Rio Negro, near the borders of Colombia and Venezuela, São Gabriel da Cachoeira has no direct road access from Manaus—the journey takes between three to five days by boat or a short flight to its small airport. Founded in 1668 by Carmelite missionaries, the city today stands as a living testament to the strength and diversity of the Amazonian people.
São Gabriel da Cachoeira is recognized as one of the most ethnically and linguistically diverse municipalities in the world, home to more than 20 indigenous ethnic groups and 16 official languages, including Nheengatu, Tukano, and Baniwa. Spanning an area of over 109,000 square kilometers, it is larger than many nations and encompasses breathtaking landscapes of rivers, waterfalls, and mountain ranges—including the Pico da Neblina, Brazil’s highest point at 2,995 meters above sea level.
The arrival of the WBC Youth MuayThai Graduation Program in São Gabriel da Cachoeira marks far more than a new training initiative; it is a symbol of how sport can unite communities, bridge cultures, and create pathways for youth empowerment. It underscores WBC MuayThai Brazil’s unwavering mission to develop, educate, and inspire young athletes nationwide—spreading the values of respect, perseverance, and global friendship that define the art of MuayThai.