Using taekwondo to restore green spaces in Rio’s favelas

In Rio de Janeiro’s favelas, where scarce green spaces and poor infrastructure intensify the impacts of climate change, the Jadir Taekwondo Association uses the discipline of taekwondo to foster environmental awareness and empower young people as agents of change.

Belt promotion tests, a cornerstone of the sport, are reimagined to include environmental challenges alongside traditional physical assessments, forging a direct link between athletic achievement and ecological responsibility. Beyond the dojo, students take part in hands-on restoration work in areas such as Madureira and Sulacap, planting trees and revitalising ecosystems.

Through this approach, AJTKD helps youth grow as skilled martial artists while actively shaping a more sustainable Rio.