Angelica Galvao - Iron lady of BJJ

Angelica Galvao, the name in BJJ does not require any introduction. She holds a First Degree Black Belt under Andre Galvao, her husband, and one of the top male BJJ competitors and coaches in the world. She holds titles including the 2015 European Champion and Black Belt World No-Gi Champion, and she has served as the head instructor for the renowned Team “Atos”.

Angelica Galvao opened her eyes in a small town in Brazil’s state of Sao Paulo. She has been a sports lover since her school. She participated in basketball and volleyball tournaments.

Her interest in Jiu-Jitsu began by seeing a local tournament in 2003 where she first saw her better half Andre Galvao (Blue Belt at that time)  on the mat executing elite BJJ techniques. However, that was not the place where her relationship started. But she was surprised to see Andre’s performance.

Angelica was captivated by Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu after seeing the first tournament. She decided to practice Jiu-Jitsu and enrolled in Ales, Sandro de Souzá Academy.

In 2004, Angélica competed as a Blue Belt fighter in Rio de Janeiro. It was the place where Angelica and Andre first met. They both were married in early 2005.

Angelica took a short break in 2006 when she gave birth to her daughter (Sarah). She said in her interview given to “Women Who Fight '' that she started Jiu-Jitsu practice after the 3rd month of Sarah's arrival. But failed to pursue it with consistency. She also said that

While enjoying her Motherhood, she tries to come back on the mat but she never succeeds until 5 years. She motivated other female athletes by saying:

Andre Galvao started his BJJ academy “Atos” in San Diego, California. Angelica moved to America in November 2010 to support her life partner. She started coaching at Atos.

In 2011, the day came for the return of Angelica on the mat. Angelica was hesitant to resume her practice at the time but was encouraged by her husband. She shared her feeling by saying:

“you must surround yourself with people who care and support you”
And
“If you are a lady, I would suggest looking for a safe environment where you can have support, encouragement, and training partners that truly respect and include you. And don’t give up! It is confusing in the beginning, but after a while, you will regret not having started it before.”

Andre motivated her to come back on the mat after settling in the United States.

Angelica won her first Purple Belt IBJJF tournament (International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation) in 2006. She received her Blue Belt in 2004. After that, she never looked back and continued to climb the ladder. Due to her dedication and hard work, she was promoted to Brown Belt within a year.

Hard Work of Angelica Galvao enabled her to earn Black Belt. She earned the Black Belt in 2014. Although that was not an easy journey for a mother and a wife. But she proved herself as an iron lady of BJJ history by balancing all these things.

During practice, Angelica Galvao injured her knee, restricting her from participating in any championships in 2016. The accident happened during a conditioning session following a workout. The injury necessitates surgery, which will keep the athlete out of competition for 6 to 9 months.

After earning the Black Belt, she decided to start coaching. She started to coach All-Women BJJ classes at Atos. She proved herself a diligent coach. Her super athletic qualities transferred to her students, who also won big titles.

Angelica gave some valuable tips to her students or women who aspire to do BJJ.

“Nothing beats hard work. Hard work is NEVER in vain. And it is applied to everything in life. Find a thing you have passion about and invest in it. Your priority will define the way you live, what time you get up, what time you go to bed, what kind of food you eat, and the people you hang out with.” 

Angelica is always happy to share her personal experience and tips on “How A woman Can Become World Champion”. Apart from hard work, she added, “a healthy mind and body are the main ingredients of your success on the mat.”

Angelica shared her routine before going to the mat:

Angelica conducted several seminars on Jiu-Jitsu in her coaching career.

Art of Jiu-Jitsu conducted a free women's seminar on 26 April 2014 that was led by Angelica Gavao in Costa Mesa. Angelica started the seminar with a spider guard and inspired all the participants with her techniques.

On the invitation of Andre’s prodigy, Mike Carbullido, both BJJ Champions (Andre Galvao & Angelica Galvao)  are going to host a BJJ seminar at the Island in Atos Jiu-Jitsu Guam. He and his wife Angelica will host Atos members-only seminars, while their daughter Sarah will lead children's clinics.

Angelica’s BJJ techniques videos are now available on youtube. You can check various moves and tips by just clicking on the links below.

BJJ Moves By Angelica Galvao

BJJ Submission With Angelica Galvao

How to attack from Omoplata - Angelica Galvao

Omoplata Shoulder Lock Variation Byu Angelica Galvao

This was the final of the World Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2011, Galvo won her final against Cathilee Albert-Zingano with an inverted triangle and a wrist lock in less than a minute. Galvo was extremely happy because this was her first time winning the World Championship.

Angelica Galvao faced Leena Dittrich in the 2015 Open Class IBJJF Championship. This was a thrilling match. Angelica attacked with her famous close guard and maintained her dominant position. Leena Dittrich tried her best to escape from Angelica’s strong grip but she couldn't succeed.

• 1x IBJJF World No-Gi Champion
• 1x UAEJJF Abu Dhabi Pro Champion
• 2x IBJJF World Champion
• 4x IBJJF Pans Champion
• 1x IBJJF European Open Champion
• 1x USBJJF/IBJJF American Nationals Champion
• 1x IBJJF Seattle International Open Champion
• 1x IBJJF Dallas International Open Champion
• 1x IBJJF Pans Championship 2nd Place
• 1x USBJJF/IBJJF American Nationals 2nd Place
• 2x IBJJF World Championship 3rd Place

Angelica Galvao x Leanna Dittrich - Seattle Open 2015 - Female/ Open Class -Final

European Open 2015 Black Belt FINALS: Adult Female - Light (Angelica Galvao vs. Ana Louise Mayne)

Photo credit: @angelicagalvao , @atosjiujitsuhq