Joao Gomes, the midfield powerhouse for Wolves, has had to put his passion for Jiu-Jitsu on hold since moving to the Black Country from Brazil. Despite being a blue belt in the martial art and starting at a young age with Flamengo, he has been unable to find a group of people he trusts enough to practice with in his new home.
Gomes explained, “I haven’t joined any Jiu-Jitsu groups here because I haven’t found one where I feel safe and can trust the members not to harm me. They need to be more advanced than me so I know they are knowledgeable and won’t cause any injuries that could affect my football career.”
Although it may seem unexpected for a midfielder, Jiu-Jitsu has actually benefited Gomes on the field. He believes it has not only improved his physical attributes like mobility and flexibility but also his mental game. With its emphasis on strategy and using opponents’ strengths against them, the martial art has taught him about respect, control, and the importance of hierarchy – all of which he sees reflected in football.
Despite Wolves’ struggles this season, Gomes remains positive and believes that mentality is key to turning their fortunes around. He stresses the importance of focusing on the positive and not being afraid of failure, as they prepare to face tough opponents like Liverpool. With the right mindset and hard work, he is confident they can achieve a positive result.
