Few stories capture the essence of loyalty and redemption quite like the bond between master Fernando Tererê and his devoted student Alan Finfou.
During one of the darkest periods of his life, the legendary Tererê found himself in desperate circumstances. Battling personal demons and financial hardship, the revered master was forced to make an unthinkable decision – selling his cherished black belt for a mere dollar to survive (5 Brazilian reals). The belt, a symbol of decades of dedication and mastery in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, represented everything he had worked for throughout his career.
When Alan Finfou learned of his master’s situation, he immediately stepped forward to purchase the belt. But this wasn’t just a transaction – it was an act of profound respect and foresight. Finfou made a promise that day: he would keep the belt safe and return it to Tererê when his master had overcome his struggles and found his way back.
Years passed, and that pivotal moment finally arrived in 2013 during a European championship tournament in Lisbon. Both master and student had advanced through their respective matches, and fate brought them face to face in what would have been a competitive bout.
As Finfou reveals, when the judge called them to compete, something extraordinary happened.
“There I was, him and some other guys. I would not compete with him in any way,”
Finfou declared, expressing his unwillingness to match his master.
“It’s the only match that, my friend, will never happen. It’s like a son raising his hand to his father. That doesn’t exist.”
The emotional weight of the moment was palpable as Finfou continued:
“When the judge called us, I entered, he entered. The judge shook hands and said, the match will not happen.”
Without hesitation, Finfou conceded the match to his master, saying,
“give the victory to the master, I will never compete with him.”
But the most powerful moment was yet to come. As the judge raised Tererê‘s arm in victory, Finfou removed his own black belt and addressed his master with words that would resonate throughout the Jiu-Jitsu community:
“I took it, removed the belt and said here, here is the belt that you sold to me. That one day I said I would return to you.”
The emotional intensity of the moment deepened as Finfou revealed the profound nature of his commitment:
“And when I said I would return it, in my mind, you would be deceased and I would return it to you in your casket. Today you are here, where many would never expect you to be.”
The reunion culminated with Finfou expressing his overwhelming joy at seeing his master’s recovery:
“And you have no idea of my happiness. To have you here again.”
