The name of André Galvão will be recorded in Jiu-Jitsu history for eternity. The leader of Atos, last Sunday wrote another chapter of his saga at the Pan American Championships in California. The black belt overcame Alexander Trans, at Ultra Heavy, and Leandro Lo , in the absolute, and won the gold medal by winning the finals.

In an interview with Tatame magazine, Galvão celebrated the result, however he was not fully satisfied about beating the other finalists just by advantages:

“How do you evaluate your performance at the Pan-American?

I think it was good. I made some mistakes, missed some opportunities, but thank God the result was 100%. Two golds, fought with giants and still won the team title. Can it get better than that? It was good!

You won two golds, but the two finals were decided by advantages. Where you 100% satisfied?

No. As said above, I made mistakes and lost positions that I usually do not lose. In the final of the weight class, I lost a chance to finish. In the decision of the absolute, I fought with tactics and strategy. The result was 100%, but performance can be improved, for sure. The important thing is to fix the errors and make it your duty that every right has to be better than the last event.

What was missing?

I guess I did not have enough time to prepare for this Pan My last championships in Jiu-Jitsu were the Worlds and Metamoris. Then I went to Brazil to help Anderson Silva for his fight and gave some seminars. I spent all this time without working hard. Earlier this year, I did a seminar tour through Europe and Asia, then back to hard training three weeks ago. It made a little difference in my performance, but it was worth it.

How was the fight against Leandro Lo?

Lo is very talented. He has a dangerous and very technical guard, which he developed. He is very good at Jiu-Jitsu. What I did was neutralize him. I did not give him the opportunity to get his positions. I know that he appreciates certain positions and it’s also difficult to catch up with him after he scores, even if it is an advantage. So I decided to fight putting pressure without giving him much space because he plays with the  space that the opponent gives him.

What did your victory dance mean?

It was only a celebration. I was happy and I like to celebrate. It is a unique moment, a short time of celebration. We enjoy to celebrate the victory, always respecting the opponent, of course. My students began to sing, and I went and danced for them.

What are the next championships where you will compete?

I’ll Compete in the World Championships, to be sure, and what ever comes around. If any superfight appear, I’m in too.”

Watch the final: