André Galvão is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) legend and one of the most accomplished grapplers in the history of the sport. Born on September 29, 1982, in São Paulo, Brazil, Galvão has left an indelible mark on the world of BJJ and submission grappling.
Galvão began his martial arts journey with judo at a young age, later transitioning to BJJ. He received his black belt in 2005 from Luis "Careca" Dagmar, though he also trained extensively under Fernando "Tererê" Augusto.
His competitive achievements are extraordinary:
Galvão's ADCC career is particularly noteworthy. He won double gold (weight and absolute) in 2011 and held the Superfight title from 2013 to 2019, making him the longest-reigning ADCC Superfight champion in history.
In 2008, Galvão co-founded Atos Jiu-Jitsu with Ramon Lemos. The team, based in San Diego, California, has become one of the most successful BJJ teams globally, producing numerous world champions.Beyond BJJ, Galvão had a brief but notable MMA career from 2008 to 2010, competing in promotions like DREAM and Strikeforce. He retired from MMA with a record of 5-2.
Galvão is known for his well-rounded game, combining strong takedowns with a devastating guard and top game. He's particularly renowned for his back takes and rear-naked choke submissions.As an instructor, Galvão has authored the book "Drill to Win: One Year to Better Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu" and has produced numerous instructional videos. He continues to coach at the highest level, developing the next generation of BJJ champions at Atos.In recognition of his contributions to the sport, Galvão was inducted into both the IBJJF Hall of Fame and the ADCC Hall of Fame in 2022.
Despite losing his ADCC Superfight title to Gordon Ryan in 2022, André Galvão's legacy as one of the greatest grapplers of all time remains secure. His combination of competitive success, coaching prowess, and contributions to the sport have cemented his place in BJJ history.
