BJJ

Angelica Galvao - Iron lady of BJJ

Angelica Galvao - Iron lady of BJJ

1. Angelica Galvao Details

Angelica Galvao Details

Name  Angelica Cabral Firme Galvão
Nickname NA
Date of Birth May 21, 1986,
Nationality Brazilian
Age 36 year
College/University N/A
Zodiac Sign Gemini
Profession Martial Artist
Last Fight Apr 28, 2018,
Last Weigh in 90 Kg
Weight Class Peso Leve (64.00 kg / 141.5 lbs)
Weight 90 Kg
Height N/A
Career Disclosed Earning N/A
Fought Out of Brazil / USA
Foundational Style Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Favorite Technique Open Guard
Belt Rank 1st Degree Black Belt
Awarded by Prof. Andre Galvão
Head Coach Prof. Andre Galvão
Lineage Carlos Gracie Jr. -> Reyson Gracie -> Osvaldo Alves -> Luis Dagmar -> Andre Galvao -> Angelica Galvao
Team/Association Atos Jiu-Jitsu

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2. Angelica Galvao Biography

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”.

2.1. Early Life of Angelica Galvao

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.

2.2. First Interaction with Jiu-Jitsu

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.

2.3. Started BJJ Training  

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.

2.4. Angelica’s First BJJ Competition

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.

2.5. Angelica Galvao as a Mom

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

“Then I just quit Jiu-Jitsu and started to lift every morning around 5:30 am because it was the only time I had both, husband and daughter sleeping. I began to lift and haven’t stopped since then, I did miss Jiu-Jitsu but I’m sure that the time I spent lifting helped today in my BJJ career.”

(Angelica Galvao)

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:

“Although it's not easy to continue training as a MOM, it's not impossible. If you have a dream, go chase it. You will never know if you never try. You should do everything with excellence to chase your dreams.”

(Angelica Galvao)

2.6. Moved to America

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.

2.7 Return to Jiu-Jitsu

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.

2.8. Color Belt Achievements

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.

2.9. Black Belt Promotion

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.

2.10. Suffered From Injury

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.

2.11. Angelica’s Coaching Career/Head Instructor At Atos

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.

2.12. Angelica's Advice to Her Students

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:

“Before the championship, I like to go to the movies, get a massage, empty my mind, and literally do nothing”

(Angelica Galvao)

2.13. Angelica Galvao Seminar

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.

2.14. BJJ Techniques By Angelica Galvao

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

3. Angelica Galvao Historic Fights

3.1. Angelica Galvao VS Cathilee Albert- Zingano

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.


Year Event Opponent W/L/D Method Round Weight Class Location
2011 IBJJF World Championship Cathilee Albert- Zingano Win Submission (Triangle) 1 Medium heavy- Weight Washington DC

3.2. Angelica Galvao VS Lenna Dittrich

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.


Year Event Opponent W/L/D Method Round Weight Class Location
2015 IBJJF World Championship Lenna Dittrich Win Cross Collar Choke 1 Open Class Seattle-Washington DC

4. Professional BJJ Achievements

IBJJF World Championship

Year Medal
2011, 2014 Gold

IBJJF Pans Championship

Year Medal
2012, 2013, 2014, 2018 Gold

USBJJF/IBJJF American Nationals Championship

Year Medal
2013 Gold

USBJJF/IBJJF American Nationals Championship

Year Medal
2013 Silver

IBJJF World Championship

Year Medal
2012, 2015 Bronze

IBJJF Pans Championship 2nd Place

Year Medal
2015 Silver

IBJJF Dallas International Open Championship

Year Medal
2015 Gold

IBJJF Seattle International Open Championship

Year Medal
2015 Gold

IBJJF European Open Championship

Year Medal
2015 Gold

IBJJF World No-Gi Championship

Year Medal
2015 Gold

National Tournaments

San Francisco Open  Class Championship

Year Medal
2012 Gold

Houston Open Championship  

Year Medal
2012 Gold

Las Vegas Spring Championship

Year Medal
2014 Gold

Brazilian Nationals Championship

Year Medal
2005 Gold

Sao Paulo State Championship

Year Medal
2005 Bronze

4.1 Medal/ Records

  • 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

5. Angelica Galvao Belts Achievements

5.1. Coloured Belts Achievements Of Angelica Galvao

Event Belt Medal Year
Sao Paulo State Championship Blue Bronze 2005
Brazilian Nationals Championship Blue Gold 2005
IBJJF World Championship Purple Gold 2011
Houston Open Championship Purple Gold 2012
San Francisco  Open Class Championship Purple Gold 2012
Pan American Championship Purple Gold 2012
World Championship Brown Bronze 2012
Pan American Championship Brown Gold 2013
American National Open Class Championship Brown Gold 2013
Pan American Championship Brown Gold 2013
Las Vegas Spring Championship Brown Gold 2014
World Championship Brown Gold 2014

5.2. Black Belt Achievements of Angelica Galvao

Event Belt Medal Year
IBJJF World Championship Black Belt Bronze 2015
No Gi World Championship Black Belt Gold 2015
European Open Championship Black Belt Gold 2015
Pan American Championship Black Belt Silver 2015
World Pro UAEJJ Champion Black Belt Gold 2018

6. Angelica Galvao Professional Record Breakdown

8 Matches 7 Wins 1 Loss
By Submission 0 1
By Points 5 0
By Advantage 1 0
Other 1 0

7. Angelica Galvao Fight History

Year Event Opponent W/L/D Method Weight Class
2018  Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship M. Szarecka W Points 90 Kgs
2018  Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship L. Barker W Advantage 90 Kgs
2018  Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship J. Silva W Points 90 Kgs
2015  World Jiu-Jitsu No-Gi IBJJF Championships A. Loewen W Other Middleweight
2015  Polaris 1 M. Nicolini L Toehold 70kgs
2014   Pan Jiu-Jitsu IBJJF Championship Y. Wilson W Points Lightweight
2014  Pan Jiu-Jitsu IBJJF Championship A. Mayne W Points Lightweight
2014  Pan Jiu-Jitsu IBJJF Championship Y. Wilson W Points Lightweight

8. Angelica GalvaoTop Fights Links

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

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