Throughout my time as a coach, I've built lots of incredible champions at my gym.

I've also been a Champion many times in my life.

In today’s email, I wanted to break down the secrets that make my incredible daughter, Sarah Galvao, such an amazing Champion (Double Gold at the 2025 European Championship last week!)

Of course, her work ethic plays a huge part in it.

But I believe there are more factors that make a champion.

So today I want to break down eight qualities that are common among champion athletes:

​

#1 Champions Are Humble And Hungry

A champion (on or off the mat) is a champion because they are humble and hungry.

By having these two qualities you will learn faster, you will be coachable and you will listen.

Forget about pride and ego – use your ego to be the best version of yourself, and not to be a jerk. Live life with the willingness to grow daily.

​

#2 Champions Trust Themselves

This is a big one.

To trust yourself during big challenges you have to – again – be honest with yourself.

People lie to themselves sometimes and that leads to self-doubt.

If you really want to be a champion, ask yourself these questions (and reply honestly):

-Are you doing your very best in everything you do? -Are you happy doing what you do? -Are you helping others while doing it? -Is there an issue in your life that needs to be solved? -Are you eating properly?

If you do things right daily, and recognize whenever you make a mistake or start making excuses, you will always get back on the right track.

Not only that, you will believe more in yourself.

You may not lie to people but sometimes you still lie to yourself.

​

#3 Champions Are Honest With Themselves

In life you have to be very honest with yourself. Only that way you will be able to fix your mistakes – on and off the mats.

You also have to be super aware of your thoughts, words, and actions (positive or negative).

Every day, you need to make the right choices for you. You must constantly analyze your behavior, making sure that you’re making the right choices for your future and for your life 🧠

​

#4 Champions Smile

Life is tough, but life is also great. Smile and people will smile back to you. When you’re doing what you love, smile ☀️

Just by doing this, you will always have the energy to overcome bad days.

​

Tomorrow I’ll be back with the last 4 reasons behind Sarah’s success…

You see… These are just a few of the lessons that Sarah has embraced to become a champion.

And they're the same lessons and techniques we teach every day on Atos BJJ On Demand.

Oss,
Andre

Andre Galvao
Atos Jiu-Jitsu Head Coach
Jiu-Jitsu Hall Of Fame Member​
​