Brasil Wellness

Brasil Wellness Center is a welcoming, family-centered studio offering yoga, Brazilian jiu jitsu, and kids’ self-defence and bully-proofing classes in the heart of Aldergrove. Created out of a desire to share passion for jiu jitsu and yoga under one roof, Brasil Wellness Centre is the work of owners Dean Toews and Roberta Cruz-Toews, who opened the doors of the studio in 2011.

“We believe yoga and jiu jitsu can really complement each other,” says Roberta. “Both activities are good for improving well-being, and those who do jiu jitsu can have yoga and yoga is good for everyone.“This business is a second job for both of us— we do it for our own happiness and to help other people.”

A long-time yoga practitioner, Roberta worked as a journalist in Brazil before she moved to Canada and decided to start teaching yoga. Focused on yoga therapy, Roberta’s classes attract many students seeking relief from health issues. “It takes a while, but the yoga poses can really help alleviate chronic pain,” explains Roberta.

“As for my husband,” she adds, “his life rotates around jiu jitsu—all of his friends are from jiu jitsu.” Dean first decided to try jiu jitsu shortly after enrolling his son in classes back in the early 2000s, Roberta says, and he has been hooked ever since.