ATOS Jiu-Jitsu Schools Legacy And History

The world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is constantly evolving, with new techniques, training methods, and well-reputed BJJ institutions every day. However, there is an academy that emerged as a dominant force in the BJJ world. We are talking about none of the others: Atos Jiu-Jitsu, a school that has built an undeniable legacy in BJJ history.

Atos is Established by world-renowned BJJ champions André Galvão and Ramon Lemos and  quickly gained the name as the most successful and respected school of Jiu-Jitsu. Atos always encouraged a competitive and collaborative environment where students train and grow under the guidance of Jiu-Jitsu professionals and experts.

Since its inception, Atos has produced an impressive roster of world-class BJJ practitioners, who have dominated the competition scene and set new records for upcoming generations. Atos's signature 50/50 guard to the innovative berimbolo and leg drag guard pass has played a significant role in the development of modern BJJ.

In this article, we will delve into the remarkable history and unorthodox legacy of Atos BJJ, by exploring the early achievements of the academy, its methods of training, and the extraordinary stories of the champions affiliated with Atos. This article will also present a deeper outlook and influence of Atos in the advancement of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

1. History of Atos Jiu-Jitsu

1.1. Two Champions Made a Contribution to BJJ

Atos Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, one of the most well-known BJJ academies in the world, has an interesting origin story. The story began with two champions looking for a home academy: André Galvão and Ramon Lemos. They wanted to establish a premium training place that became a world-class affiliation in the grappling world.

André Galvão was a young and talented BJJ champion who was looking for a new academy to train and excel in his grappling skills after the collapse of his first academy. Galvão wanted to enroll in an institution where he could not only pursue his passion but also polish his grappling skills.

Ramon Lemos was also on the hunt for a new academy in Brazil. He had recently left his previous academy, Nova Uniao, and was exploring a place where his training touches new heights.

1.2. The Meeting of Champions

In 2007, the search of both Galvão and Lemos found their way to the Brasa Academy in Sao Paulo, which was and still is a recognizable grappling institute. Both of them met for the first time in the Brasa academy and developed an instant bond. In the coming times, their friendship proved a stepping stone in the foundation of Atos.

Brasa academy declined due to a lack of good leadership. However, despite the wealth of talent under its roof, Brasa Academy was troubled by a lack of good structure and administration, leading to the mass emigration of athletes. Most of its grapplers left the institution and established their own grappling schools. After seeing this, Ramon approached his training  friend André with the idea of starting their own academy, which aimed to offer a highly competitive atmosphere for young BJJ enthusiasts.

And so, the vision for Atos BJJ was born - a school built on the friendship and drive of two champions, with a commitment to excellence and a moral principle that sets it apart from the rest.

1.3. The Driving Force Behind The Advent of A New Academy

Behind every innovation there lies a driving force, a compelling story, and a burning passion of the innovators. People who have not lost their hopes after any failure and decided to face challenges become a real driving force in their lives. Andre Galvao and Ramon Lemos are also among those who surprised the grappling world through their wonderful innovative ideas.

1.4. Foundation of World's Top Jiu-Jitsu Academy: Atos

In October 2008, the duo of Andre and Lemos proceeded to create one of the most prominent and successful BJJ academies in the world, ATOS Jiu-Jitsu, Jiu-Jitsu. Since 2010, the headquarter of Atos has been in San Diego CA.

Ramon and André struggled to establish a grappling academy that provides better athletic education to young grapplers. They built a strong foundation with great leadership and a place where athletes could thrive and reach their full potential. Their collaboration and professional attitude have brought a new level of excellence to the field of athletic training, and students are benefiting greatly from their combined expertise and devotion.

2. The Mystery Behind the Name of “Atos”

The name “Atos” also has a story with the contemplation of religion. André Galvão and Ramon Lemos, are righteous Christians who wanted to instill their faith in the principles of their academy.

The name Atos, in Brazilian Portuguese, means "acts," specifically referring to the "The Book of Acts" from the New Testament. This book is based on the belief that “God can do amazing things through ordinary people when He empowers them through His Spirit.”

This step served as a source of inspiration for the inventors as they built their academy on strong religious values.

3. Motto of Atos

“Together we are Stronger.”

4. Atos: Rising to the Top

In 2008, Andre and Lemos had no idea they were on the verge of creating one of the greatest Jiu-Jitsu squads the world had ever seen. But just two months after its creation, Atos made a big splash in the competition ground when André won his second black belt World Championship.

André's success was not limited to BJJ world championships. In 2011, he made his mark at the ADCC Championships by winning a Double Gold Medal. To this day, he remains the reigning ADCC Superfight Champion with the most wins. His remarkable performance cemented global recognition with the Atos.

From that first championship, Atos continued the winning streak that established its echelon with astonishing speed and grandeur. The other major reason behind the propelling of the Atos team into the BJJ world was the remarkable performance of its dedicated members. (Bruno Frazatto, Guto Campos, Rodrigo Caporal, Davi Ramos, Claudio Calasans, and many more) Atos instill itself in the roster of renowned BJJ teams after receiving 5 medals in the world championship and organizing his first crowning ceremony of awarding the black belt in the early year of its creation. IBJJF Hall of Famer Guilherme Mendes was the first fighter who received a black belt from Atos.

5. Atos Continues to Solidify its Position

In just a few years, Atos BJJ went from a successful Jiu-Jitsu school to a full-fledged affiliation with gyms in 20+ countries. Its upward trend shows no signs of slowing down, and with a new generation of athletes, the team continues to get stronger and more dedicated.

As Atos continued to soar higher and higher by attracting top talent from all corners of the world. Its students became world champions, its instructors maintained their place in the list of BJJ legends, and its name became synonymous with excellence. Atos swiftly touched the sky through extraordinary performances in the grappling world. But what truly sets Atos apart is its unwavering commitment to its principle and goals. Atos quickly rose to prominence, becoming the go-to destination for aspiring martial artists. It's a place for those willing to work hard and never give up.

6. Signature Techniques of Atos - A Remarkable Element to its Success

The team's success is not only limited to winning world titles. Atos’s legendary instructors (Mendes brothers; Rafael, Guilherme) are also credited with developing many innovative positions like the berimbolo and the leg drag guard pass, 50/50 guard. Instructors at Atos also introduced new techniques of drilling and other intricacies of martial arts that have a prominent role in the world recognition of Atos. 

The 50/50 guard became one of its signature techniques. Despite initial criticism that the 50/50 guard was boring and a stalling position, Atos BJJ's continued success in competitions led to its widespread adoption and has now become a major staple in the BJJ curriculum.

Atos BJJ's success story is the reflection of hard work, dedication, and a never-say-die attitude. It truly represents the power of believing in yourself and your team, and it's a lesson that will surely inspire the coming generations of Jiu-Jitsu practitioners. With a strong emphasis on the lightweight division, Atos also considers establishing itself as one of the strongest feather and light featherweight teams in the world.

7. Top Fighters of Atos

Atos has the credit to produce the world-class fighters of BJJ history. With champions across multiple weight classes, Atos has become a symbol of excellence in the world of combat sports. Get ready to meet the champions of Atos Academy, who have raised the name of his academy with exceptional grappling skills and achievements on the national and international circuit.

7.1. Andre Galvao

Atos’s achievements can never be described without the appreciated efforts of its co-founder, IBJJF, and ADCC Hall of Famer Andre Galvao. Andre Galvao is a true BJJ legend, who has won multiple worlds and ADCC championships and is widely regarded as one of the best BJJ strategists and head coaches. Galvao's ability to adapt and evolve his style has made him a formidable opponent and has earned him a reputation as one of the top competitors. As the head instructor at the Atos Academy, he continues to inspire and guide the next generation of BJJ athletes.

7.2. Ruotolo Brothers

The Ruotolo Brothers, Tye, and Kade, are two of the brightest young stars of Jiu-Jitsu, who earned their black belt at the age of 18. Under the guidance of Andre Galvao and the competitive environment of Atos, the Ruotolo brothers won multiple world championships and quickly became known for their dynamic and exciting style of fight.

The winning streak of the young Ruotolo brothers played a significant role in boosting the reputation of Atos. They continue to push the boundaries of what is achievable in BJJ and are sure to have a bright future ahead of them.

7.3. Kaynan Duarte

Kaynan Duarte is one of the most dominant emerging competitors in the heavyweight division, with an impressive record of world championship titles to his name. Kaynan joined the Atos Jiu-Jitsu in 2016 and promoted its recognition with his athleticism and outstanding performance.

7.4. Lucas Hulk Barbosa

Lucas Hulk Barbosa is a versatile and accomplished competitor of Atos, having world championships in both the Gi and No-Gi divisions. He is known for his fierce and vibrant style, making him a fan favorite and a constant threat to opponents on the mat. His achievements on the mat not only added value to his accolade but also level up the achievement record of Atos BJJ.

7.5. Josh Hinger

Josh Hinger is a highly respected competitor and coach of Atos, known for his technical skills and aggressive style on the mat. He has had a successful career as a competitor and has made a big impact as a coach, helping to develop the next generation of top BJJ athletes.

7.6. Mendes Brothers

The Mendes Brothers, Rafael, and Guilherme are two of the most successful BJJ competitors of all time. With multiple world championships, they have established themselves as true legends of Jiu-Jitsu. Their innovative and dynamic style has set the standard for BJJ competitors for years to come and has made them a source of inspiration for the fighter of Atos.

8. Atos Jiu-Jitsu Owns an Undeniable Universal Legacy

The Atos Academy gained popularity as an elite training center by producing numerous champions in both local and international competitions. There is a list of countless champions who gave outbound performances under the roof of professionals. The academy is renowned for its exceptional training programs, experienced instructors, and its commitment to developing the next generation of champions.

Atos has produced champions in a number of weight classes over the years, including multiple world champions and national champions. The academy's focus on the basics of technique, discipline, and hard work has made it one of the most successful and respected BJJ schools in the world, earning it a lasting legacy as a breeding ground for top-level competitors.

As the team continued to win championship after championship, their reputation grew, attracting the attention of some of the biggest names in the Jiu-Jitsu world. With each new win and every new member, Atos BJJ continued to build its legacy as one of the greatest Jiu-Jitsu teams of all time.

9. IBJJF Registered ATOS Academies Till February 2023

Today, Atos BJJ is known for its elite training programs and world-class instructors in academies. There are 44 IBJJF registered Atos academies that are buckling down to become the destination for BJJ enthusiasts from around the globe. From a new guard to a team of champions, Atos BJJ has made its mark on the BJJ world and continues to push the boundaries of what's possible on the mat.

10. IBJJF Ranking of Atos’s From 2019 to 2023

10.1. Atos Jiu-Jitsu

Year	Championship	Position	Division	Points
2023	European IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship	1st	Juvenile	27
2023	European IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship	3rd	Adult Male	12
2022	Balneário Camboriú International Open IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship	2nd	Overall	09
2022	Jiu-Jitsu CON Kids International	1st	Overall	27
2022	Campeonato Sul Americano de Jiu-Jitsu - Crianças	3rd	Overall	03
2022	Pan Kids IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship	2nd	Overall	09
2022	American National Kids IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship	1st	Overall	27
2022	World IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship	1st	Juvenile	27
2022	World IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship	2nd	Adult Female	63
2022	World IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship	3rd	Adult Male	21
2022	San Diego International Open IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship	1st	Overall	18
2022	Pan IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship	1st	Juvenile	18
2022	Pan IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship	1st	Adult Male	72
2022	Los Angeles Kids International Open IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship	3rd	Overall	02
2022	Los Angeles International Open IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship	1st	Overall	18
2021	World IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship	3rd	Juvenile	02
2021	World IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship	3rd	Adult Male	14
2021	Jiu-Jitsu CON Kids International	1st	Kids Overall	09
2021	Campeonato Brasileiro de Jiu-Jitsu	3rd	Juvenile	01
2021	Pan IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship	1st	Adult Female	36
2021	Pan Kids IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship	2nd	Overall	03
2021	American National Kids IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship	1st	Overall	09
2021	World IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship	3rd	Adult Male	14
2020	Pan IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship	1st	Adult Male	36
2019	World IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship	2nd	Adult Male	21
2019	World IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship	1st	Adult Female	63
2019	European IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship	3rd	Adult Male	04

10.2. Atos Atlanta BJJ

Year	Championship	Position	Division	Points
2022	Atlanta Fall Kids International Open IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship	3rd	Overall	3rd

11. FAQs

11.1. Where is the Headquarters of Atos Located?

The headquarter of Atos academy is located in the southern city of California, San Diego.

12. Conclusion

Atos Jiu-Jitsu academy deserves a tribute for the hard work, dedication, and passion of the coaches and students that have been invested in its growth and success. From its beginnings, Atos has grown into a global network of academies that produces world-class athletes, champions, and instructors.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu's continued success and dominance demonstrate the team's commitment to the BJJ, their students, and their legacy. Atos has left an enduring impact on combat sports and has redefined what it means to be a top-tier BJJ team. The Atos legacy continues to inspire future generations of Jiu-Jitsu practitioners.

Photo Credit: @atosjiujitsuhq