Andre Galvao: The Atos Founder Who Redefined BJJ Coaching

Andre Galvao is one of the most decorated grapplers of his generation, a black belt whose trophy case spans blue belt to superfight gold. Fans know him as "Deco," a nickname that followed him from his early years training in Brazil to the mats of San Diego.

Who Is Andre Galvao?

Galvao was born September 29, 1982, in São Sebastião, São Paulo, Brazil. He built a reputation early: he won World Championships at his division and in the open weight class across consecutive belt levels on his way up, a rare feat documented in his BJJ Heroes profile.

How He Started

Galvao trained under top Brazilian instructors before turning pro. He competed relentlessly, entering nearly every tournament available instead of picking spots, a habit he later credited for his technical range. That volume of mat time shaped the pressure-heavy, high-pace style he became known for.

Competitive Record and Notable Wins

Galvao's ADCC resume includes gold at the 2011 World Championship and four Superfight titles, won in 2013, 2015, 2017, and 2019, according to Wikipedia. On the IBJJF side, he claimed World titles in 2005, 2008, 2014, 2016, 2017, and 2019. He also collected eight Pan American titles and multiple UAEJJF World Pro golds. In 2022, both the IBJJF and ADCC inducted him into their Halls of Fame.

Galvao briefly competed in MMA, most notably in Strikeforce, before returning to grappling full time in 2010.

Fighting Style and Signature Techniques

Galvao built his game around suffocating top pressure, sharp guard passing, and finishing sequences that end in the rear-naked choke. His matches rarely look flashy. They look inevitable, opponents slowly run out of room until the choke lands.

Legacy and Current Status

Galvao co-founded Atos Jiu-Jitsu with Ramon Lemos in 2008, and the team grew into one of the most successful competition squads in the sport, producing multiple ADCC and IBJJF champions under his coaching. In February 2026, Galvao faced public allegations of misconduct, which he has denied, and he stepped back from his leadership role at Atos around that time; the matter remains unresolved. His competitive record, six ADCC titles and six IBJJF World titles, remains among the most complete in the sport's history.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many ADCC titles does Andre Galvao have? Six total: one World Championship gold in 2011 and four Superfight titles (2013, 2015, 2017, 2019), plus an earlier medal from 2007.

How many IBJJF World titles did he win? Six, earned in 2005, 2008, 2014, 2016, 2017, and 2019.

What team did Andre Galvao found? He co-founded Atos Jiu-Jitsu with Ramon Lemos in 2008; the team is headquartered in San Diego, California.

Did Andre Galvao compete in MMA? Yes, briefly, most notably with Strikeforce, before returning to grappling competition in 2010.

Is Andre Galvao in the Hall of Fame? Yes, he was inducted into both the IBJJF and ADCC Halls of Fame in 2022.

The Bottom Line

Andre Galvao's record, six ADCC titles and six IBJJF World crowns, puts him in rare company. Whatever comes next for Atos, that competitive resume is already locked into BJJ history.