From an early age, Thor Fontes, a native of Niterói (RJ), has shown an unwavering passion for martial arts. Influenced by the sporting environment provided by his father, a businessman dedicated to managing MMA athletes, Thor began to make his way in the world of jiu-jitsu. At an impressive 11 years old, he has already collected outstanding medals in various championships, establishing himself as a promising player on the sports scene.
The young athlete, known professionally as Thor Koringa, has a unique achievement on his CV: he is the only child in the world to boast the sponsorship of Badboy, the largest globally recognised fighting brand. This unprecedented achievement attests to his exceptional ability and potential in Brazilian jiu- jitsu.
Thor Koringa is currently in the midst of preparing for an exciting clash against Pedro Azambuja, a battle that promises to rock the city of Gravataí, in Rio Grande do Sul. Despite facing the demands of a childhood routine and school commitments, he maintains an admirable balance between his daily responsibilities and his dedication to mixed martial arts.
From a very young age, you showed a passion for martial arts. Can you share more about what motivated you to get involved in this world?
The motivation came from my father. Until I was seven, I didn’t do any sporting activities. That’s when my father enrolled me in a Jiu-Jitsu school. I really identified with martial arts.
At the age of 11, you’re already a promising figure on the sports scene, collecting medals at various championships. What’s it like dealing with this pressure and expectations?
It’s difficult. It ends up affecting my day-to-day life, which is very busy. I have to have discipline to balance my activities. In the morning, I do weight training. In the afternoon, I go to school, and in the evening, I train Jiu-Jitsu.
You’re recognised as the only child in the world to be sponsored by Badboy, a globally recognised brand in fighting. How does it feel to be an inspiration to other young athletes?
I’m happy to be an inspiration to other children. I try to see it as something positive and I take care. I’m proud to be part of the BadBoy team.
We know you’re preparing for an exciting match against Pedro Azambuja. What are your expectations for this battle and how has your training routine been?
I’m going to win. I train harder than all my rivals. Pedro is a tough rival, but on the 12th, I won’t give him a chance. My training routine is heavy, four hours a day. It will be a two-round fight, with an interval. I’m training specifically for this fight.
Maintaining a balance between a child’s routine, school commitments and dedication to Brazilian jiu- jitsu can be challenging. How do you manage these responsibilities successfully?
With discipline. It’s not easy, but this is the life I’ve chosen, so I have to work hard to do my best.
How has the support of your family, especially your father who manages MMA athletes, influenced your career in the world of martial arts?
Here at home, I grew up in the middle of fights. My father’s friends, who always came round to our house, were all MMA, Jiu-Jitsu and wrestling fighters. My godfather is a black belt in Judo and Karate. I think that’s why I can’t kick a ball, hehehehe. I live Jiu-Jitsu 24 hours a day!
Apart from jiu-jitsu, do you have any plans to explore other martial arts disciplines in the future?
My future belongs to God. I want to live the dreams he has for me. I really want to make a living out of Jiu-Jitsu, to reach the top, to be a World Champion. After that, we’ll see what lies ahead. But I won’t deny that fighting MMA and becoming UFC champion would be very cool.
What would you say to encourage other young people who want to pursue a career in martial arts from an early age?
Keep going, don’t give up on your dreams. It’s not easy. My father always says that to be number one, you have to pay a high price, you have to give up a lot. While your opponent is resting, you have to be training. So if you really want that for your life, go out and get it. That’s what I do every day!
How do you see Brazilian jiu-jitsu evolving and what do you hope to contribute to this development in the coming years?
Jiu-Jitsu is constantly evolving. Today, it’s possible to make a living from the sport, whether by teaching classes, giving seminars or competing professionally. Before, Jiu-Jitsu athletes migrated to MMA in search of money. Today, professional BJJ is already a reality. In the US, there are professional events every week. I’m going to be a black belt and live BJJ on and off the mats. I want to have my own academy in the USA, teach Jiu-Jitsu to children, have a social project, in short, there are many dreams!
Finally, why the nickname Koringa?
I always have a card up my sleeve, a surprise. That’s why I’m Koringa!
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