The Jiu Jitsu Instructor

Chapter 16 – Cheering from Home

It was late afternoon in Indian Creek, and Gisele's house was in full anticipation. In the living room, Gisele, Benjamin and Vivian were gathered on the couch, accompanied by a bucket of popcorn. The TV was tuned to the live broadcast of the IBJJF World Championship, which was taking place in Las Vegas.

Ricardo had already informed everyone about the times of his fights and that they would be broadcast online. Ever since he left, Vivian and Benjamin had been full of anxiety, counting down the days until they could see their teacher in action.

"It's almost starting, Mommy!" Benjamin said, pointing to the screen that showed the competitors warming up.

"Calm down, Ben. There are still a few minutes," Gisele replied, trying to hide her own nervousness.

Vivian was sitting next to her mother, holding a pillow against her chest. "Do you think he'll win, Mommy?"

"I think so, honey. He is very dedicated and experienced," Gisele replied, but in her mind, she was more worried than she let on.

The camera focused on the competitors preparing, and the narration highlighted the most anticipated names of the championship. When Ricardo's name was mentioned, Benjamin cheered.

"It's him! It's him! Look, Mom, he's there!"

The image showed Ricardo adjusting his kimono and talking to one of the coaches. He seemed calm and focused, as always.

"It seems so different to see him like this, doesn't it?" Vivian commented.

Gisele smiled, without taking her eyes off the screen. "Yes, dear. But he always takes everything seriously, especially when it's something important like this."

Ricardo's first fight began, and the family was completely involved. The opponent seemed strong, but Ricardo demonstrated his technical superiority. With quick and precise movements, he controlled the fight on the ground, showing all his skill.

"Look at that! He already passed the guard!" Benjamin shouted, impressed.

Vivian watched in fascination. "It seems so easy for him..."

"That's because he trained so hard to get to this level," Gisele replied, taking in every detail.

Ricardo finished his opponent with an armbar, and the room erupted in celebration.

"I knew he was going to win!" Benjamin exclaimed, throwing a handful of popcorn into the air.

"That was incredible," Vivian said, with a smile from ear to ear.

Gisele couldn't hide the pride she felt. Seeing Ricardo on the mat, dominating with such confidence and skill, only reinforced the admiration she had for him.

As the broadcast progressed, Ricardo faced different opponents, each one more challenging than the last. With each victory, the confidence in the room grew.

In one of the toughest fights, Ricardo was on the bottom for the first few minutes, but used his patience and strategy to reverse the position and win with an impressive submission.

"I can't believe it! He was almost losing and he turned the game around," said Gisele, emotionally.

"He always says that in training, Mom. That you have to stay calm," commented Vivian.

Benjamin raised his arms as if celebrating a goal. "He's the best in the world! No one can stop him!"

The last fight was the grand final, and the tension in the room was at its peak. Ricardo's opponent was a renowned athlete, known for his explosive and aggressive style.

"This one will be tough," said Gisele, crossing her arms.

"But he can do it, Mom. I know he can," replied Benjamin, confident.

The fight began with both competitors studying each other's movements. Ricardo used his experience to keep calm, while his opponent tried to impose his pace.

At a certain point, his opponent gained an advantage, putting Ricardo in an uncomfortable position.

"No! Get out of there, professor!" Benjamin shouted, getting up from the couch.

Vivian grabbed her mother's hand, squeezing it tightly. "He's going to make it..."

Gisele kept her eyes fixed on the screen, her heart racing.

With a burst of technique, Ricardo managed to escape, turn the tables and take his opponent's back. The crowd in the arena went wild, and in the living room, the cheers of celebration echoed.

"He did it! He did it!" Benjamin shouted, jumping for joy.

Ricardo finished the fight with a perfect choke, raising his arms in celebration as he was declared world champion.

In the living room, Gisele, Benjamin and Vivian were euphoric.

"He's the best! I knew he would win!" Benjamin said, hugging his sister.

"I knew it too," Vivian replied, laughing.

Gisele was thrilled. She felt a mixture of pride and joy at seeing Ricardo achieve such a grand goal.

"He deserves this. He worked hard to get here," she said, as she wiped away a tear that had escaped.

Later that night, Benjamin insisted that they call Ricardo to congratulate him.

"Please, Mommy! Just a minute! I want to say happy birthday to him," the boy begged.

Gisele agreed and dialed Ricardo's number. After a few rings, he answered.

"Hello?"

"Professor Ricardo! You were amazing! We watched the whole thing!" Benjamin said, speaking quickly.

Ricardo laughed on the other end of the line. "Thank you, Benjamin! I'm glad you enjoyed it."

"Did you enjoy it? It was the best day of my life! You're the best in the world, professor," the boy said excitedly.

Vivian picked up the phone and wanted to talk too. "Congratulations, professor! We're so proud of you."

"Thank you, Vivian. That means a lot to me," Ricardo replied.

Finally, Gisele picked up the phone. "Congratulations, Ricardo. It was exciting to watch. You showed why you're the best."

"Thank you, Gisele. Knowing that you were rooting for me made it even more special," he said, with a sincerity that touched her heart.

After the call, Gisele stayed in the living room for a few minutes, staring at the TV screen that was now showing replays of the fights. She smiled, remembering each moment. Ricardo was not just a champion on the mat; he was someone who was, little by little, conquering a special place in her life.

As she turned off the living room lights and went up to her bedroom, Gisele felt even more connected to him. Maybe that championship was just the beginning of something much bigger between them.

Chapter 17 – The Champion Returns Home

The sun was shining brightly in Indian Creek, and Iron Will was busier than usual. There was an air of anticipation, as everyone knew Ricardo was about to return after his victory at the IBJJF World Championship. Ever since he had been crowned champion, the students had been eager to celebrate his achievement.

Gisele, Vivian, and Benjamin were among the first to arrive. Benjamin, always excited, was already running around the mat, helping to organize balloons and decorations alongside other students. Vivian, more shy, carried a banner that read: "Welcome, Champion!"

"Do you think he'll like it, Mommy?" Vivian asked, looking at the banner carefully.

"I'm sure, honey. Ricardo deserves all this and more," Gisele replied, as she tied a balloon to the entrance of the gym.

When the clock struck 10:00, the gym door opened, and Ricardo walked in. He looked relaxed, wearing a sports sweatshirt and carrying his backpack. He barely had time to notice the decorations before he was greeted with a chorus of applause and cheers of celebration.

"Surprise!" everyone shouted in unison.

Ricardo paused for a moment, visibly moved. He looked at the familiar faces of his students, friends and colleagues and couldn't help but smile broadly.

"Did you do this for me?" he asked, laughing as he looked at the decorations.

"Of course, professor! You deserve it!" Benjamin replied, running to hug him.

"A world champion has to be welcomed like this, right?" said Gisele, with a warm smile.

After greeting everyone, Ricardo was taken to the center of the mat, where a table with a small tribute had been prepared. On it was a plaque of recognition signed by all the students and a cake decorated with the IBJJF logo.

One of the oldest students, João, asked for silence.

"Guys, before we give it all away, I want to say a few words," said João. "Ricardo, you're not just our teacher. You're our mentor, our friend, and for many of us, an inspiration. Your victory is more than a trophy. It's an example of what we can achieve with dedication and hard work. On behalf of everyone here, thank you for showing us that the impossible can be achieved."

Ricardo, his eyes shining, stood up to speak.

"I don't even know where to begin," he said, looking around. "This surprise means a lot to me. Each of you is part of my journey, and seeing your support motivates me even more. Winning the World Championship was incredible, but what matters most is being able to share it with you. Thank you for being by my side."

After the speech, the atmosphere was relaxed. While the students enjoyed the cake and chatted, Ricardo mingled with the group, listening to stories and receiving congratulations.

Vivian and Benjamin stayed close to him the whole time, as if they wanted to absorb as much of that winning energy as possible.

"Professor, we watched all your fights! You were incredible," Vivian said, with a shy smile.

"And you're really good, professor! It didn't even seem like you were struggling in that final fight," Benjamin added.

Ricardo laughed. "Oh, you saw everything, right? That opponent was tough, but that's part of it. The important thing is to never give up, and that's what I want you to take with you for life."

Gisele approached, with an expression that mixed admiration and affection.

"You know it was incredible, right? We watched from here and it felt like we were in the arena with you," she said.

Ricardo smiled at her, with a look that carried more than simple gratitude. "Knowing that you were rooting for me gave me strength. It's good to come home and see that I have a family here."

After a while, Ricardo suggested that everyone go to the mat. "Come on, guys. I want to see what you learned while I was away."

The proposal was received with enthusiasm. Ricardo began training with the students, joking and correcting techniques. He made a point of paying attention to each one, showing how much he valued everyone there.

When it was Benjamin and Vivian's turn, he called them for a special session.

"Let's see if you've been training for real," he said, defiantly.

Vivian tried to use a guard technique he had taught her, while Benjamin tried to get past her. Ricardo watched with a smile, correcting small details.

"That's it, Vivian! Stay calm. Benjamin, don't force it, use the technique," ​​he instructed.

Gisele watched from the sidelines, enchanted by Ricardo's patience and affection for her children.

Later, as everyone began to disperse, Gisele approached Ricardo.

"I know you must be exhausted, but I wanted to tell you again how happy we are for you. This victory is just the beginning of many more," she said with a sincere smile.

"Thank you, Gisele. Hearing that from you means a lot," he replied.

For a moment, the surroundings seemed to disappear. There was something in that look that connected them in a unique way, as if time had stopped.

"You deserve all of this, Ricardo. And I'm sure your students think the same," she added, looking away, slightly blushing.

Ricardo smiled, feeling a mix of gratitude and something else that he couldn't quite define.

When night fell, the gym was finally empty. Ricardo sat alone for a few minutes, on the mat, reflecting on everything that had happened. He looked at the plaque signed by his students and felt a warmth in his chest.

He knew that his journey in jiu-jitsu wasn't just about medals and titles, but about the connections he built with the people around him.

And, among all these people, he knew that Gisele and her family were becoming something more than just part of his routine.

"One step at a time," he muttered to himself, standing up with a smile before turning off the gym lights.

Chapter 18 – A Moment of Surrender

It was a quiet afternoon at the Iron Will gym in Indian Creek. Classes had ended, and Ricardo was taking advantage of the silence to organize the mat. He was wearing his black kimono pants and a tight T-shirt that highlighted the muscles of his chest and arms. Gisele, who was finishing her workout in the gym's weight room, appeared in the doorway, watching him for a moment without being noticed.

Ricardo seemed so focused on his work that Gisele had time to think about everything she was feeling. Ever since she started training, she had found herself increasingly drawn to him to the way he moved, his confidence, his steady but gentle gaze. It went beyond admiration.

She cleared her throat, and Ricardo looked up.

"Gisele," he said, smiling warmly. "I didn't know you were still here. Do you need help with anything?"

"Not really. I just came to say thank you… for everything. You've been amazing with the kids, and with me, too."

Ricardo laughed lightly, approaching her. "You know they're great. And you… well, you have a lot of potential, Gisele. I'm impressed with your dedication."

As they talked, Ricardo's eyes locked with hers, and Gisele felt the heat rise through her body. There was something different about that moment, something more intense.

"I learn from the best," she replied, with a shy but provocative smile.

Ricardo tilted his head slightly, assessing her expression. He wasn't a man who forced situations, but he felt that there was something in Gisele's eyes that called to him, like an irresistible attraction.

"Gisele…" he began, but stopped, as if he didn't want to cross a line.

"Yes?" she replied, her voice almost whispered.

It was as if they had both been pulled by an invisible force. Gisele took a step forward, and Ricardo did the same. Before he could say anything else, she gently cupped his face and kissed him.

The kiss started out soft, but quickly intensified. Ricardo wrapped his arms around Gisele's waist firmly, pulling her closer. His hands moved confidently, one up her back, the other down to hold her hip.

The touch was intense, but not rough. When their lips parted for a moment to catch their breath, Ricardo looked deep into her eyes. "You don't know what you're doing to me," he murmured, his voice hoarse.

Gisele laughed, almost breathless. "I have an idea."

Ricardo wasted no more time. He turned her gently but firmly, pressing her against the nearby wall. His hands explored her body confidently, one of them squeezing her butt hard, eliciting an audible gasp from Gisele. He began to kiss her neck, moving slowly downwards, as he felt her fingers close in his shirt, pulling him closer.

"Ricardo..." she murmured, barely able to form words.

"You're beautiful," he whispered, between kisses. "I don't know how I managed to hold myself back until now."

After a few intense minutes, Ricardo stopped, resting his forehead against hers as they both took deep breaths.

"Gisele, I don't want you to think this was impulsive. I respect you, and the children... I want this to be something real."

She touched his face tenderly, her fingers stroking his beard.

"I know, Ricardo. And I trust you. I want this to be real too."

The two of them stayed there, hugging each other for a few more moments, letting the silence speak for them. Ricardo knew he was crossing a line that would change everything, but he couldn't ignore what he felt. And Gisele, for the first time in a long time, felt desired and connected to someone in a genuine way.

"I don't think I can look at you during training without remembering that now," she joked, laughing lightly as she tried to catch her breath.

Ricardo smiled. "Well, I guess I'll have to be even more professional, then."

After a few more exchanges of glances and words, Gisele said goodbye, promising that they would talk more about it soon. Ricardo walked her to the door, watching as she got into her car and drove home.

He returned to the mat, still feeling the heat of the moment. As disciplined as he was, he knew that what had happened between them was inevitable. And, for the first time in a long time, he allowed himself to simply enjoy the moment.

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