by Andre Galvao.
The CJI event in Las Vegas was something new, something exciting – and for me, something unforgettable.
Between coaching, strategizing, and watching my daughter Sarah step onto that stage… it was a weekend I’ll never forget.
The Quintet Format
What made CJI unique was its ruleset.
Here’s how it worked: each team faced another under a quintet format.
The coaches had just 30 seconds to decide which athlete to send out – without knowing who the other team was choosing.
You only found out when both athletes walked to the mat.
It wasn’t a fixed bracket.
It felt like strategy (mixed with a little bit of luck).
Here’s the twist: if your athlete submitted their opponent, they stayed in for the next fight. The mission was clear – submit, stay in and keep going until the other team had no one left.
For coaches, that made every decision intense. We had a plan, but once the matches began, things shifted quickly.
That’s when you lean on trust, instinct, and faith in your athletes.
Team Atos represented with heart. We fought hard, we strategized well, and – most importantly – we stayed true to our style: always giving our best.
Final Reflections
CJI brought a fresh energy to Jiu-Jitsu competition. It pushed athletes. It tested coaches. And it created unforgettable moments – like Sarah’s fight on Night One.
I’m grateful that Atos was part of it, and I’m excited to see how this event grows in the future.
The beauty of Jiu-Jitsu is that it keeps evolving. New formats, new challenges, new stages.
But one thing never changes: courage, discipline and faith are what carry us through.
Oss,
Andre
