Luis Fortes 
Entrepreneur / Artist
Rotterdam, Holland

Luis Fortes was born on the island of S. Vicente, Cabo Verde. In 1963, he followed on the footsteps of his fellow countrymen and immigrated to the Netherlands in search of a better life.

His first job in a country that is best known for its beautiful tulips was a sailor on a marine merchant vessel. A few years later he decided to settle on land and chose Rotterdam for his permanent residence.

In order to keep himself occupied, in 1968, Luis Fortes registered at a nearby martial arts school focusing on karate style where he quickly began to win tournaments and conquering medals and titles. In fact, it wasn’t long before Luis Fortes became a champion and represented Holland in many victorious international matches. By 1975, Luis had gained enormous popularity as champion of Europe and winner of multi-national tournament in preparation for a world title competition.

Luis Fortes was the first Capeverdean to participate in a film of martial arts. ‘Kung Fu Against Godfather” made its debate in 1974 and quickly became one of the most famous karate movies in the world.

For fifteen years, Luis was the proud teacher and owner of a very successful karate school in Rotterdam. He is one of many high achieving entrepreneurs of the Capeverdean community in Holland and an active promoter of its culture and traditional values.

Luis Fortes is an avid musician who loves to play guitar, sing and entertain. He enjoys a healthy life and is fully engaged in counseling and mentoring the youth of the community to resist drugs, alcohol and other addictive habits of life.

Luis Fortes shares a strong vision of the transformation of Cape Verde and never hesitated to throw his support and full attention to the promotion of Cabo Verde Fast Ferry in Holland and throughout Europe.

Luis Fortes
Empresário / Artista
Luis Fortes nasceu na ilha de S.Vicente, Cabo Verde. Em 1963 emigrou para a Holanda, tal como muitos conterrâneos à procura de uma vida melhor.

O seu primeiro trabalho no país das túlipas foi de marinheiro num navio de longo curso. Mais tarde fechou a sua residência na cidade de Roterdão.

Em 1968 entrou para a escola de artes marceais, com o estilo de karateca, conquistando vários torneios e acumulando medalhas e títulos.

Foi campeão da Holanda, da Europa e de um torneio de preparacão para um campeonato mundial de karate em 1975.

Foi o primeiro caboverdiano a participar num filme de artes marceais que ficou famoso no mundo inteiro com o nome de "Kung Fu Against Godfather" em 1974. Com muito sucesso, foi professor de karate em Holanda, durante 15 anos.

Luis Fortes é um dos empresários caboverdianos de sucessos na Holanda e um dos grandes defensores da cultura caboverdiana em todas as suas vertentes.

Tem como Hoby o gosto pela musica, canta e toca violão e é apologista de uma vida saudável aconselhando por isso sempre os jovens a não enveredarem pelos caminhos que levam a degradacão da integridade física e mental do ser humano como o uso de bebidas alcoólicas, drogas e outros vícios nocivos à vida.