If there’s one thing people from Mooca have, it’s passion—for their local football team Juventus, their gestures, their food, and an unshakable pride in being born, raised, and living a lifetime in Mooca.
Mooca is a traditional neighborhood in São Paulo, where I grew up, went to school, and where to this day my family, all my childhood friends, and my best youth memories still live.
I didn’t discover CrossFit in Mooca—after all, I left Brazil over 8 years ago. But over the years, during my visits back home, I watched CrossFit Mooca grow from a tiny space to a huge community of athletes. Today, they represent at major competitions like Copasur and even the CrossFit Games. Always with “Mooca” printed on their shirts—and their hearts.
Come with me and meet this big family of dedicated warriors, proud of their roots and crazy passionate about their community.
My Drop-In
I landed in Brazil straight from Amsterdam at 5 a.m. on May 1st—a national holiday. I hadn’t slept much and I was tired, but after a warm, love-filled hug from my parents and a fresh pão de queijo at the bakery, I was back to life and ready for a WOD.
The only class that day was scheduled for 10 a.m., since it was a holiday. But CrossFit Mooca NEVER closes. No matter the day, they always offer at least one class. Christmas, New Year’s, any holiday—the rule is clear: one class, no excuses.
I arrived at the box around 9:30 and immediately felt my heart beat faster. Brazilian funk blasting. People laughing loud. Dogs. Heat. Chaos. Life!
Thirty minutes before class, there were already about 50 people. The clock ticked and people kept arriving. 9:45? 60 people. 9:55? 70.
10:00 a.m.? EIGHTY. Yes, you read that right. 80 people in one class.
The box is an old grain warehouse from the 70s with 530m², and the renovation kept many original structural details. The ceilings are high—essential for a tropical country—but the space feels warm and welcoming. And with 80 people in class? Unavoidably vibrant.
The WOD – Part 1
It was long and complex, but surprisingly well organized.
In teams of 3 (for obvious reasons)
For time – 20 minutes
700m run with med ball
- 60 med ball squats
- 60 power cleans (135/85 lbs)
- 60 pull-ups
300m run with med ball
- 50 med ball squats
- 50 clean & jerks (135/85 lbs)
- 50 chest-to-bars
140m run with med ball
- 40 med ball squats
- 40 thrusters
- 40 bar muscle-ups
Rest 3 minutes
THEN!!! Yes, there’s a THEN!!
For time – 20 minutes (all divided among team)
Split: 80 – 60 – 40 – 20
- Calories on machine
- Dumbbell snatches
- Box jump overs
After all that… of course we took the classic sweaty group photo.
Meeting Guto – Coach & Owner
Guto was one of the first 20 members when the box opened in 2013. Eventually, he got his Level 1 and became a coach there. After some leadership changes, he left for a while—but soon realized there was nowhere else like CrossFit Mooca. It was home.
So in 2021, he bought the box. Since then, CrossFit has become his life: friends, work, purpose, and dedication.
Living in Brazil isn’t easy. Living in São Paulo? Even harder. Being an athlete, working full-time, commuting 3+ hours a day, training at 5 a.m., eating clean, and still managing a social life—it’s literally a daily fight. That’s the reality for the athletes at CrossFit Mooca. Guto shared it all with me in our interview (link below).
What struck me most was how many times he said, “I fell in love with this place.”
It was incredible to hear such a real, deep love for the sport—and for the community.
Guto and Henrique (his business partner and co-owner) want more. A bigger space. A 100-person community WOD. Growth. And yes—it will always be in Mooca.
💬 Want to hear the full story?
👉 Click on the video to watch the full interview
If you’re looking for a genuine Brazilian CrossFit experience—with people, dogs, laughter, sweat, and soul—CrossFit Mooca is the place. In one of São Paulo’s most traditional neighborhoods, you’ll find charisma, dedication, resilience, and a lot of love for the sport and the community.
P.S.
Visiting CrossFit Mooca wasn’t just a drop-in—it was a return to my roots. It reminded me why I started Wod World in the first place: to tell stories that matter. Stories of people who wake up before sunrise, fight through traffic, train with grit, and build something bigger than fitness—a true community. Mooca isn’t just on the shirt. It’s in the soul. And that’s the kind of CrossFit I want the world to see.
Drop-In Information
📍 Address: R. Padre Raposo, 1042 – Alto da Mooca, São Paulo – SP, 03118-001, Brazil
💻 Booking & Payment: +55 11 99764-2182
💰 Price: €9
🎙️ Know other Crossfit boxes around the world that inspires you through fitness? Want to share your own journey?
DM me or reach out — Wod World is made to spotlight communities like yours.
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