Last Night Speech:
We are honored to be awarded as Camarillo’s 2024 Business of the Year. We extend our gratitude to everyone who contributed to creating Vilanova Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and this amazing community.
A heartfelt thank you goes to all our instructors and coaches who have invested so much heart and dedication in building the Vilanova family. We also want to thank our students, families, and friends for their unwavering support.
We deeply appreciate the warm welcome from the people of Camarillo. Our mission is to give back to this beautiful community.
Thank you to the West Ventura County Business Alliance for selecting us as Camarillo’s 2024 Business of the Year.
Yesterday, I felt unstoppable, convinced that I would deliver my speech flawlessly. For the past five days, I had read and reread this speech hundreds of times, and by yesterday afternoon, I had every single word memorized. But when the moment arrived, I found myself speechless. My words disappeared.
The instant Robert began reading the Vilanova BJJ Bio, a flood of memories played like a movie in my mind, leaving me blank. That was when I truly realized what this award meant to me.
From growing up in Brazil, to my childhood, my mom’s illness, my sisters, beginning my Jiu Jitsu training, falling in love with it, moving to the US, getting hurt by someone I looked up to, starting Vilanova BJJ, Vilanova BJJ surviving COVID shutdowns, and now being honored as the best business in Camarillo—each memory was overwhelming. I wasn’t prepared for the rush of emotions.
How I’m Feeling.
I feel blessed to have so many incredible people in my life that sometimes I wonder if I deserve it. My heart is full of gratitude for my family, friends, and community. I thank God for everything I have, and I want to give back to those around me. Vilanova BJJ isn’t just a martial arts school; it’s a community where we support each other. My love for Jiu Jitsu and knowing the positive impact it has on people’s lives will give me the strength to keep going.
Thank you, Mike Thomas, for nominating us. I am both happy and surprised. Thank you to the West Ventura County Business Alliance for selecting Vilanova BJJ. At Vilanova BJJ, we pour our hearts into creating the best possible welcoming environment for all. My friends know my actions are driven by love, not the pursuit of awards. Being recognized means a lot. I was surprised when Andy Conli contacted me about the award.
Thank you to our instructors and friends, Renan Vital, Liz Exell, Talita Nogueira, Neeta Puthanveeti, and all the coaches for sharing the same passion for Jiu Jitsu.
Thank you to all our members, family members, and friends for your unwavering support.
Thank you to my sisters, Josy and Alexandra, for giving me opportunities and support. We couldn’t have built Vilanova BJJ without you.
Thank you to my wife, Alicia, for giving so much to our family. Since day one, we have been thriving, and we won’t stop. I Love you with all my heart. Thank you to my daughter, Amelia. I am a better man because of you. You are the best part of me.
With sincere gratitude,
