News
A Global BBA student in Belo is crowned university Taekwondo champion
SKEMA Business School is proud to count a new Taekwondo champion among its students. Jeff Williams, a Brazilian student on the Belo Horizonte campus, has just won the university championship title for the State of Minas Gerais in 2025 – after previously claiming the titles of Brazilian and Pan-American champion. Currently enrolled in the Global BBA programme, Jeff reflects on his journey and the balance he has found between sport and study.
Can you introduce yourself in a few words?
My name is Jeff Williams, I’m 19 years old. I’m a Global BBA student at SKEMA, on the Brazil campus, and I’ve just won the university Taekwondo championship for the State of Minas Gerais, in my category.
How long have you been practising the sport?
I’ve been practising Taekwondo for seven years. I only stopped once—for three months—during a time when I felt overwhelmed. And it was during that break that I realised just how essential the sport is to me. Contrary to what some might think, Taekwondo doesn’t drain my energy—it gives me energy. It improves my stamina, my focus, and my ability to manage other aspects of my life.
How do you manage to balance your studies at SKEMA with your sporting practice?
Sport gives me structure. It helps me maintain a routine, manage stress and stay focused on my goals. I see Taekwondo as a real support in my academic journey. It provides both physical and mental stability, which allows me to move forward with greater peace of mind.
What does this championship victory mean to you?
It’s a source of great pride. The Minas Gerais championship is a tough competition, with a very high standard. I trained hard to reach this goal. And even though you train as part of a team, when it comes to the fight, you’re on your own. You have to give everything, stay sharp and determined. It’s an intense experience.
Have you taken part in other competitions before?
Yes, ever since I started. I won the Brazilian championship in 2022 and the Pan-American championship in 2020. These competitions taught me a lot, both technically and personally.
What are your plans going forward?
I’m continuing to train at the Marçal Tiger academy, where I was trained by Master Luciano Marçal. My ambition is to open my own academies one day. I hold a black belt certified by the national league, and beyond teaching, I want to develop an entrepreneurial project centred on Taekwondo. My aim is to introduce the sport to as many people as possible while building a sustainable model. That’s also why I chose SKEMA: to gain the skills I need to manage and grow such a project.
Any final words?
I believe sport and studies aren’t in opposition—quite the opposite. One feeds the other. Taekwondo gives me discipline, structure and energy that help me every day. That balance is what keeps me moving forward.
