It's probably the most unusual martial arts studio ever. We often associate academies where boxing, kickboxing, Muay Thai, or jiu-jitsu are practiced with closed rooms and artificial lighting, in poorly ventilated spaces. Well, what happens at Prime Studio Martial Arts is completely the opposite.
Maria Cristina Bravo, a martial arts enthusiast for almost two decades, decided to transform her old family villa in São João do Estoril into a gym. She manages it with two partners, teachers João Diogo and Daniel Riou, experienced individuals in the field who have had several other schools and are the masters of many students. The studio was inaugurated in May 2023 and was installed on a deck in the backyard of the property — it has a view of the sunset, fresh air circulating, and an abundance of natural light.
It's a high-end club for people of all ages and levels of experience, from beginners to high-performance athletes who want personalized coaching. Prime Studio Martial Arts also offers natural gymnastics classes and, if all goes well, there will soon be yoga sessions. Private lessons can be booked, and the atmosphere is so comfortable and familiar that often upon leaving, there's lemonade and cookies to enjoy in Maria Cristina Bravo's Winter Garden. Yes, it's indeed the least conventional martial arts studio ever. Find more information about classes and modalities on the academy's webpage.