The 2026 CBJJF Brasileiro just ended and I’m still processing everything that happened.
The Brasileiro is one of the biggest tournaments in Jiu-Jitsu: nearly 8,000 athletes competing over 10 days.
Our team showed up in a big way.
Let me walk you through it:
Black Belt
Sarah Galvao: Lightweight Champion
My daughter Sarah added another gold medal to her incredible first year as a black belt, winning the lightweight division. She’s now won gold at the Europeans, Pans (double gold), and Brasileiro… with Worlds still to come.
In the Absolute final, she faced Gabi Pessanha for the third time this season. Gabi took this one. The rivalry is now tied up heading into Worlds, and I know Sarah is already making adjustments. This story is far from over.
Brown Belt
Natã Tenca: Ultra Heavyweight Champion
Natã continues to prove that the “Tenca Lock” is the most dangerous submission in the colored belt divisions. He finished 3 of his 4 fights on his way to the ultra heavyweight title, winning the final with his signature move.
After closing out the Euros Absolute with his teammate Adrian, winning Pans double gold with 5 submissions by foot lock, and now Brasileiro champion, Natã is having a historic season.
Emily Leyva: Light-Featherweight Champion, Open Class Bronze
Emily keeps adding to her legacy. She took gold in her weight class and bronze in the open class, continuing one of the most dominant brown belt careers we’ve ever seen at Atos. She now has five major titles at Brown Belt, including European and Pan Championships.
And she walked away from the Brasileiro with something even more special: a ring. Her training partner and teammate Anthony Silva proposed on the podium. A day none of us will forget.
Luan P. Veras: Middleweight Silver
Luan fought hard and earned silver at middleweight. We’re heading home to make adjustments for Worlds at the end of the month. This is just the beginning for him.
Anthony Silva: 3rd Place
Anthony went 5 matches with 3 submissions and earned a well-deserved bronze. And then he proposed to Emily on the podium.
Purple Belt
India Risby: Weight & Absolute Double Gold Champion
India’s Purple Belt run has been nothing short of outstanding. She dominated her weight division (5 fights, 4 submissions) and then closed out the Absolute final with her Atos teammate Mia Montesinos. Since the Europeans, nobody has been able to figure out her game. Sarah had the honor of awarding India her brown belt right there on the podium. The future is bright.
Mia Montesinos: Lightweight Champion, Absolute Gold
Mia had an incredible tournament: 5 fights, 3 submissions, and 1 DQ win on her way to the lightweight title. She then closed out the Absolute with India to give Atos a 1-2 finish. Dominant performances from start to finish.
Blue Belt
Brendo Rozendo: Absolute Champion
This might be one of my favorite stories of the whole tournament.
Brendo took 3rd in his weight division (featherweight), losing on points. He was performing well, but just enough to win. Not enough to dominate.
After that loss, we had a real talk. I told him something simple: FIGHT. Respect every opponent. Don’t underestimate anyone. But most important… believe in your level.
Forget what just happened. Step back in and be present.
Competition is not about the past or the future. It’s about NOW.
Grip by grip. Fight by fight.
He reset his mind. And then he went out and won the Absolute division: 5 submissions in 8 matches as a featherweight competing against everyone with no weight limit.
Proud of you, Brendo. This is the mindset of a true champion.
Looking Ahead
Worlds is at the end of the month. We’re heading home to San Diego to make adjustments and get ready.
Will we see Sarah vs Gabi Chapter 4?
Natã is hunting another title.
Emily, India, Mia, Brendo: they’re all just getting started.
The future of Atos is on the mat every day. And I share everything we do on Atos BJJ On Demand: the same techniques, the same coaching, the same system that produces these champions.
Oss
Andre Galvao
