This was the case for João Gonçalves. João started practising martial arts at 16 and, a year later, he was already working as a coach. His passion was so strong that he tried to balance both roles, fighter and coach, but life, Covid and a few injuries ended up forcing him to focus on training.

The Fighter’s Path

João’s secret is to never give up. His experience as an athlete was marked by the relentless pursuit of speed and strength. He made mistakes, of course, but he learned from them.

As an amateur, with protection, he participated in about 15 fights, with two losses, three national championships, and two national open titles. At that time, fighting events were scarce. As a professional, he won a national championship title and a WAKO runner-up position in a world tournament in Portimão. João also had the opportunity to fight on big stages, such as in China or Tenerife, representing both Portugal and Spain.

As a coach, he follows the teachings of his master, who always guided him and set excellent training examples. Due to bureaucratic issues, he did not take the official Muay Thai coaching course, but instead invested in the training as a class instructor and personal trainer. This allowed him to broaden his perspective and combine fighting techniques with movements and simple exercises to improve athletes' performance.

Teaching Values, Not Just Techniques

João’s teaching style extends beyond Muay Thai and Kickboxing techniques. His goal is to instill values such as respect, loyalty, honor, commitment and dedication. The key is to adapt the approach to each individual, discover what motivates them, and challenge them to surpass their limits. „I believe that martial arts can shape individuals who are better for society and, most importantly, for themselves. I see my students as an extension of my family.“

In a society where values and respect seem to be in decline, João notices a striking difference in young people who practice martial arts. Importance of discipline, self-control and perseverance are among the qualities they gain. "Furthermore, they learn that things don´t always go as they planned and that adaptation is essential in overcoming obstacles – a valuable life lesson.“

Credits: Supplied Image;

João still has a young team, but he has already trained some regional and national champions, even in the beginner classes. The results of their hard work are beginning to show, including a fellow coach who won a gold medal in a world tournament organized by the WIFM, the world's largest Muay Thai Federation /equivalent to the Olympic Games of the sport/.

„Starting next year, I intend to introduce some of the older students to competitions. This is the next goal I want to achieve with these young students. “

Training the Next Generation

João also trains children aged 5 to 12, a program he started last year. Martial arts offers significant mental and physical benefits for children - confidence, self-discipline and respect for themselves and others. Regular practice helps them to develop better balance, coordination, and body control. Physical activity and the focus required for martial arts are effective ways for children to alleviate stress and manage emotions constructively. Skills that help them cope with challenges, such as school-related stress.

Credits: Supplied Image;

TopTeam Legacy in Albufeira

The Top Team Albufeira, where he coaches, has always been a reference point in Muay Thai, thanks to the great Master Florin Vintila. With the evolution of galas and combat styles, it also improved kickboxing.

Kickboxing has several different styles and João prefers the K1 style /kickboxing with one knee/ which he also enjoys to teach. "As an athlete, I was a hasty and technically imperfect fighter, but I made up for it with strength, speed, and a willingness to exchange blows. The feeling of the crowd cheering the competitors on was incredible. Even today, outside the ring, it is wonderful. It's good to see that galas are gaining more and more traction and that people are watching the fights. Competition is unique; it demands intense preparation, weight loss, exhaustive training, overcoming limits, and, in the end, complete satisfaction.“

A Philosophy of Happiness

For João, martial arts is about more than fighting—it’s about fulfillment.

“I believe everyone should learn a martial art and do what they love. That is already halfway to happiness.”