Galvão in photo by Gustavo Aragão
André Galvão has confirmed what the folks at Atos have been saying in interviews with GRACIEMAG.com for some time. The black belt two-time IBJJF world champion and Strikeforce fighter has returned his focus to competition Jiu-Jitsu. This season, Galvão should put in an appearance at the Pan and Worlds events.
“I’ve got my academy with my students here in San Diego, and to give the guys some extra motivation I figured I’d return to competing in the gi. I want to do MMA halfway through the season. In the meantime, I’ll do Jiu-Jitsu, which is something I like a lot. My main goals are the Pan and the Worlds. I’ll try to win those championships, and God willing, it will all turn out alright. I’ll train hard,” he confirms.
“I’m happy because it’s something I really like doing, besides being extra incentive for the guys on my team. I was missing it. I’m prepared, ready to go at it,” he adds.
Last year, at the last minute, the fighter donned the gi and competed at the World Pro. This time, Galvão will put in his due preparations.
“The important part is to train properly. The guys have been on my case about it, but I told them all I’d only return if they’d come train with me. Jiu-Jitsu these days is a different level and you can’t compete well without training with a first-rate team. When I fought I felt there were some difficulties. I lost on advantages to Pé de Chumbo and Alexandre de Souza.”
To get in shape I’m relying on reinforcement from the folks at Atos Brazil. The team is putting together a great training camp.
“They’ll be getting hers next weekend. In all, thirteen black belts are coming, plus a really tough group in the other belts. I’ve been training with my students, besides doing physical conditioning with Rafael Alejarra, which has got me feeling really good. Now the gang will stay here with me for six months. I better be sharp!” he says in closing.
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