Meet Ricardo De Sousa, a self-made local businessman and managing director of RSPS Construction, who has set up a non-profit association to help children and teenagers defend themselves against bullying in schools and on our streets.
Statistically, in Portuguese schools, the figures (2023) show that 15% of students reported being bullied in school, and 20% reported not feeling safe on their way to school and on the streets. Bullying in Portugal increased by 37% between 2021 and 2022 and it is a difficult subject to broach for most parents. None of us want to think that when we send our children off to school, whether it be in the public or private system, they may be subjected to bullying. We want to believe that with all the measures the schools have in place today, our children and grandchildren will be protected and safe.
Unfortunately, that is not always the case. Along with physical and physiological bullying, kids today also have to contend with cyberbullying. They are bullied for various reasons: their race, their sexuality or creed, they may not be part of the “cool kids” crew – the surfers, the footballers, the bikers – they could be on the spectrum, too tall, too small, a nerd, who knows … The first step is to have a conversation with your child in the safety of their own home if you have any suspicion that they may be a victim of bullying.
The project to combat bullying, Associação Todos Por 1 (All For One), was established three years ago under the umbrella of Fusion Studio, located at Iberlagos. Here, they are taught Brazilian jiujitsu, a martial arts self-defence technique that does not use kicking or punching but focuses on bringing your opponent down to the ground where they are forced into submission. This way, the situation can be contained, defused and controlled, it is all about protection. Through these classes, taught by professional teachers, the children gain confidence and become part of the Fusion family, participating in classes and competitions together.
Ricardo and his wife Patrícia are very invested in the local community; with two school-going children themselves, they are only too aware of the struggles that young people face today. Ricardo, who spent many years in the military, understands the importance of self-defence and wants to offer local children from age five and upwards the skills to defend themselves so that they feel protected and safe.
You can become a member of the Associação Todos Por 1 for just five euros a month. Classes are divided into age groups and, for 35 euros a month, members receive three classes per week.
The Fusion kimono, embossed with the association’s sentiments of ‘team spirit, never give up your dreams, respect, and no fear, is available for sale or can be rented. For families who cannot afford the classes or competitions, Ricardo’s company and other local companies often step in with sponsorship, and now the local câmara has started to give the association some support.
You can call Fusion Studio for further information about the association, classes, opening hours, sponsorship or donations telephone +351 936 622 966
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