Chapter 3: Chapter 7-8-9
Chapter 7 – American Media Coverage
It was a typical morning at Iron Will, with students arriving early to train. Ricardo was organizing the day's activities when he received a call from his assistant, Felipe.
"Ricardo, did you see that? TMZ just published an article about you and Gisele's kids!"
Ricardo sighed, already anticipating the confusion. "Now it's the American media? What are they saying?"
Felipe read the headline out loud: "Gisele Bündchen signs her kids up for jiu-jitsu with elite Brazilian instructor – THEY LOVE IT!"
"Oh, great…" Ricardo mumbled, clutching his cell phone tightly.
"Man, this is blowing up. They're calling you 'Florida's most sought-after instructor.' Get ready because your life is about to get more hectic," Felipe joked.
Ricardo laughed, but he knew things could get out of hand.
On TMZ, the article not only talked about Ricardo but also highlighted his impressive career. The text included photos of Gisele leaving the gym with Benjamin and Vivian, as well as short paparazzi videos showing Ricardo joking with his students.
The article said:
"Ricardo Moreira, known as the 'GOAT of gi jiu-jitsu,' is more than just an instructor. A former Amphibious Commandos in Brazil and a close friend of the legendary Gracie family, he is now the darling of celebrities. And not just on the mat, the charismatic instructor is also an expert with weapons."
Other portals, such as People and Entertainment Tonight, also jumped on the bandwagon.
People: "From elite military man to mentor to the stars – meet Ricardo, the Bündchen family's jiu-jitsu instructor."
E! News: "Is Ricardo Moreira Hollywood's new darling? Gisele seems to approve."
The articles highlighted not only Ricardo's connection to Gisele, but also his growing list of celebrity students, including Demi Lovato and Gal Gadot.
On the morning show Good Morning America, the hosts took to the subject with enthusiasm.
"So it looks like Gisele has found the perfect teacher for her kids. This guy, Ricardo Moreira, is a real star in the world of jiu-jitsu," Michael Strahan commented, looking at the photos displayed on the screen.
"And he's a hottie," Robin Roberts added, drawing laughs from the studio. "But seriously, it's great to see someone with so much experience being recognized for his work."
The show also featured a short excerpt from an interview with one of Ricardo's American students.
"He's amazing. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced student, Ricardo knows how to teach in a way that makes everyone feel comfortable. Plus, he has a great sense of humor," the student said.
On Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok, the hashtag #RicardoMoreira began to gain traction. Videos of his classes, photos of him with celebrities, and memes about his career went viral.
@BJJFreak: "Ricardo is the real 'John Wick' of jiu-jitsu. I want to train with him!"
@StarGossip: "Could Ricardo and Gisele be the next couple? They would be beautiful together!"
@JiuJitsuMoms: "If he opens online classes, I'm signing up NOW."
On TikTok, clips of Ricardo teaching jiu-jitsu techniques were mixed with funny montages about his sudden fame.
Gisele found out about the repercussion when she received a message from a friend in the United States.
"Gisele, you're on TMZ! And who is this teacher? He looks like a movie hunk!"
Laughing, she opened the link and read the article. Even though she was used to the media's interest in her life, Gisele couldn't help but feel a little uncomfortable about Ricardo being caught up in her fame.
Later, when she was taking her children to class, Gisele approached Ricardo. "Ricardo, have you seen what's going on? The media is going crazy over you."
He smiled, trying to sound calm. "Yes, I have. It will pass. They always find something new to talk about."
"I'm sorry about that. I know how tiring it can be to deal with all this attention," she said sincerely.
"Don't worry. I'm used to challenges, remember? This is just one more," he replied with a light tone of humor, trying to lighten the mood.
The media coverage led to a significant increase in enrollment at Iron Will. Many parents, impressed with the idea of their children training with the "celebrity teacher," began to look for places. Over the weekend, Ricardo received an unexpected call from a Hollywood agent.
"Ricardo, my name is John Carter, and I represent several celebrities. I have some clients interested in private lessons with you. When can we talk?"
Ricardo realized that his routine would never be the same again.
Despite the buzz, Ricardo maintained his professional demeanor. During classes, he remained focused on his students, including Benjamin and Vivian, who were showing themselves to be increasingly passionate about jiu-jitsu.
"Mom, Professor Ricardo said that I'm getting better at armbars!" Vivian said excited after a class.
"And he taught me a new guard move. He said it was a technique he used in an important fight," Benjamin added.
Gisele smiled, pleased to see her children's progress and how much they admired Ricardo.
At the end of the day, after training, Ricardo sat alone in the gym's office, reflecting on the turnaround in his life. He had never sought fame, but it seemed that destiny had other plans for him.
He took out his cell phone and sent a message to Renzo Gracie:
"Renzo, remember when you said that jiu-jitsu would take me to unexpected places? I think you were right, as always."
Renzo replied almost instantly:
"I told you so, kid! Enjoy the moment, but never lose focus. OSS!"
Ricardo smiled, putting his cell phone away. Despite all the attention, he knew that his main mission remained the same: to teach, inspire and keep the legacy of jiu-jitsu alive.
Chapter 8 – Gisele on the Mat
The idea came about unpretentiously. During a conversation at the Iron Will reception, Gisele watched Benjamin and Vivian adjusting their kimonos for another class.
"Mom, you should try it too," Benjamin said enthusiastically.
Vivian, nodding, added: "Seriously, Mom. It's fun and you'll learn to defend yourself!"
Gisele laughed. "Oh, I don't know if I have time. You know how busy my schedule is."
"But we'll help you, Mom! And Professor Ricardo is also great with newbies," Vivian insisted.
Gisele looked at Ricardo, who was nearby organizing some equipment. He noticed her look and approached.
"Is there a problem?" he asked with a friendly smile.
"Actually, my kids are trying to convince me to start classes," she said, laughing.
"Well, I'd say they're right. It's never too late to start. "Besides, jiu-jitsu is great for relieving stress and improving your fitness," Ricardo said, crossing his arms.
Gisele hesitated, but the idea seemed more and more tempting. "Okay. I'll give it a try."
The following week, Gisele arrived at the gym wearing a new white kimono. She felt a little nervous, but the welcoming atmosphere at Iron Will helped ease the tension.
As she stepped onto the mat, she was greeted with smiles and waves from the other adult students, who were already accustomed to celebrities passing through the gym.
"Gisele! Welcome to the team!" said a woman named Lisa, who was a blue belt and had been practicing jiu-jitsu for a few years.
"Thank you. I hope I don't get in your way too much," Gisele replied humbly.
Ricardo called everyone to warm up, starting with simple stretching and mobility exercises. He noticed that Gisele kept up well with the pace, thanks to her impeccable physical shape.
"Great job, Gisele. It looks like you're getting the hang of it," Ricardo said as she completed a series of basic moves.
"I'm just trying not to get all tangled up," she joked, drawing laughter from her classmates.
The class focused on the fundamentals of jiu-jitsu: simple takedowns, basic escapes, and positioning. Ricardo demonstrated each technique patiently, adapting the moves so that Gisele could understand at her own pace.
"Now, let's practice the basic choke from the closed guard," he said, demonstrating with one of the more experienced students.
Gisele tried to replicate the move with Lisa, but her hands seemed clumsy at first.
"Don't worry, it's just like that in the beginning," Lisa said encouragingly.
After a few tries, Gisele finally managed to execute the move correctly.
"I did it!" she said, with a smile of satisfaction.
Ricardo, watching closely, applauded. "Very good! Now all that's left is to do it a thousand more times to make it feel natural," he joked.
After practice, Gisele joined the group for a relaxed chat in the locker room. Many students, while respecting her privacy, couldn't resist asking for photos.
"Gisele, I know you're here as a student, but can we take a picture? My mom has been a fan of yours forever," said one of her classmates.
"Sure, no problem," she replied, posing with the group.
Another student commented: "You're doing really well. And having Ricardo as a teacher is lucky. He's a legend!"
"Oh, I know," said Gisele, laughing. "My kids can't stop talking about him at home."
After everyone left, Gisele stayed at the gym to thank Ricardo.
"Ricardo, thank you for your patience today. I thought it would be harder, but you make everything more accessible," she said.
"You did really well, Gisele. Believe me, for someone who has never trained before, starting is always the biggest challenge. The rest is a matter of practice and consistency," he replied.
"Well, it seems that I am committed now. My children will not let me give up," she joked.
Ricardo laughed. "That's great. And if you need anything, just let us know. We are here to help."
In the following weeks, Gisele began attending classes regularly, always balancing training with her professional commitments. She quickly became a beloved figure at the gym, both among her colleagues and employees.
In addition, Benjamin and Vivian loved the idea of training with their mother.
"Now you can train with us at home, mom," Benjamin said.
"Just don't use the moves that Professor Ricardo taught you against us," Vivian joked.
Gisele laughed, feeling more and more connected to her children and the sport.
One night, as she was getting ready for bed, Gisele looked at her kimono hanging in the closet and smiled. Jiu-jitsu, something that seemed so distant from her life a few months ago, was now part of her routine.
She picked up her cell phone and sent a message to Ricardo:
"Thank you for introducing me to this world. It's been an incredible experience."
Ricardo responds a few minutes later:
"All the credit is yours. You're doing a great job. See you on the mat!"
With that, Gisele turned off the lights, feeling more complete than ever. After all, jiu-jitsu had become not only a workout, but also a new way to connect with the ones she loved most.
Chapter 9 – A Growing Connection
The weeks passed, and Gisele had already gotten used to the training routine at Iron Will. However, something in her had changed. It was hard to deny the fact that she felt something different every time she was around Ricardo.
He always showed professionalism during classes, but his patience, warm smile and the way he encouraged her awakened something inside her. Gisele found herself thinking about him outside the mat, something she hadn't felt for anyone in a long time.
That afternoon, Gisele arrived at the gym early. Benjamin and Vivian were busy with school, so she decided to take advantage of the opportunity to take a private class with Ricardo.
"You're early today," Ricardo commented when he saw her coming in. He was wearing a black kimono, which highlighted his imposing presence even more.
"I wanted to take advantage of the fact that I'm alone to train more. I hope I'm not taking up your time," Gisele replied, adjusting the white belt of her kimono.
"Absolutely not. That's what I'm here for. Let's warm up first," he said, leading her to the mat.
During the warm-up, Ricardo asked Gisele to practice a guard position.
"Lie on your back," he instructed, kneeling beside her.
Gisele obeyed, feeling her heart race as Ricardo held her legs to adjust the position. His firm, experienced hands seemed to guide each movement with precision, but she couldn't ignore his proximity.
"Relax your hips," he said, his tone calm.
"I'm trying," she replied, laughing nervously.
Ricardo noticed her hesitation and smiled. "It's okay. You're progressing faster than you think."
He demonstrated the movement several times, positioning his body close to hers so that she could understand the dynamics. Gisele tried to concentrate, but she could feel his heat and the subtle perfume he emanated, mixed with the characteristic smell of the mat.
After several repetitions, Gisele managed to execute the position correctly.
"That's it! Now that's it," Ricardo praised, moving away a little to give her space.
Gisele sat on the mat, taking a deep breath. "I don't think I've ever sweated so much in my life."
"It's like that in the beginning," he said, extending his hand to help her up.
When she held his hand, for a brief moment, their eyes met. It was quick, but intense. Ricardo looked away, turning his attention to the next technique, while Gisele tried to control the blush that rose to her face.
At the end of the class, Ricardo suggested a round of light sparring so that Gisele could apply what she had learned. She had fun, but was exhausted.
"You're getting better and better," Ricardo commented as they both set up the mats.
"Are you just saying that to motivate me?" she joked, as she tied her hair in a bun.
"I don't need to motivate you. Your progress is evident," he replied with a sincere smile.
As she left, Gisele felt an uncontrollable urge to prolong the conversation. "Ricardo, don't you ever think about taking a day off? It's like you live here."
He laughed. "Rest is for the weak, isn't that what they say?"
"But even a black belt needs some time for himself," she replied.
"Maybe I do," he admitted, looking at her in a way that made her heart race again.
At home, Gisele tried to focus on work, but her mind wandered to training and the moments with Ricardo. Everything seemed more intense: the way he encouraged her, the patience in correcting her mistakes and, most importantly, the care with which he touched her.
While reviewing some photos on her laptop, Gisele received a message on her cell phone. It was Lisa, one of her training partners.
Lisa: "Have you noticed how Ricardo treats you with special attention? I think he likes you 😉."
Gisele laughed to herself. "Nonsense, Lisa. He's like that with everyone."
Lisa: "No, dear. It's different with you. Everyone at the gym notices."
Gisele didn't know how to respond. As much as she tried to deny it, a part of her wanted to believe that Lisa was right.
The next day, Gisele returned to the gym for a group class. The workout was intense, but Ricardo seemed focused on following her more closely.
"Gisele, try this movement more fluidly. I'll help you," he said, kneeling behind her to adjust her posture.
She felt the warmth of his hands on her shoulders, guiding her firmly. The world around her seemed to disappear, and she focused only on Ricardo's voice.
"Is this better?" she asked, trying to hide her nervousness.
"Perfect. You're starting to master the basics," he replied, still close.
After training, while everyone was talking, Ricardo approached Gisele.
"You're more confident on the mat," he commented.
"You have a lot to do with it," she replied, looking at him in a way that almost betrayed her feelings.
Ricardo gave a discreet smile, but was soon called by another student, closing the moment.
At home, Benjamin and Vivian began to notice something different about their mother.
"Mom, you've been different lately. More excited," Benjamin commented during dinner.
"It's jiu-jitsu," Gisele replied, trying to sound casual.
"Or is it Professor Ricardo?" Vivian joked, making her brother laugh.
"Boys, stop that!" Gisele said, laughing, but feeling her cheeks flush.
The children exchanged knowing looks, realizing that perhaps there was more truth to the joke than they imagined.
Time passed, and the closeness between Gisele and Ricardo grew with each training session. Although they both maintained a professional demeanor, there was a palpable energy between them that was hard to ignore.
Gisele knew she was crossing a dangerous line, but part of her wanted to see how far this connection could take them. And Ricardo, with all his experience and discipline, began to realize that he was not immune to the charms of the student who had transformed his routine.
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