Belt Promotions
Rare Air:
Every jiu-jitsu practitioner has a unique motivation to train. For some, it is to become a World Champion, for others it’s exercise, or just to learn something new. The list goes on. Of the myriad reasons people commit to jiu-jitsu one thing ties them together: personal development.
The culture of an academy contributes to the improvement of each individual on the mat, just as each individual contributes to the culture of the academy. Neil Soderstrom spoke to the “rare air” of Atos HQ, and how it creates a culture of excellence.
So, what is rare air? How is it created? When a group of individuals get together and push each other to raise the bar every day, that is rare air. It doesn’t matter what the goal is or how close or far from it you are. Rare air depends on the mindset and willingness to continue to reach for it. Rare air is when the goal becomes the norm. It allows you to see your progress toward it every day.
From white belts to the world champions who share the mat at Atos HQ they all benefit from and contribute to the rare air that keeps us all improving, on and off the mat.
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Congratulations, Brown Belt Steffano Cavalcante!
Staffano Cavalcante received his Brown Belt from Professor Galvao. This achievement is the result of years of consistent training, dedication, and perseverance. Throughout his journey, Steffano has shown great commitment to improving his jiu-jitsu and embracing the values of discipline, respect, ...
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Nicholas Promoted to Brown Belt
Professor Andree Galvao promoted Nikolas Fernandes to Brown Belt. This promotion reflects years of dedication, hard work, and commitment to jiu-jitsu. Nikolas has consistently demonstrated perseverance, discipline, and a strong desire to improve both on and off the mats.
Congratulations, Nikolas,... -
Brendo Rozendo Promoted to Purple Belt
On June 5, 2026, Professor Andre Galvao promoted Brendo Rozendo to Purple Belt. Brendo Has been competing at the highest level of the sport and is also a 2026 World Champion. His dedication, hard work, and success on the competition mats have earned him this important milestone in his jiu-jitsu j...
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Anthony Silva "Tuzinho" Promoted to Brown Belt
On June 4th, 2026, Professor Andre Galvao promoted Anthony Silva "Tuzinho" to Brown Belt. Tuzinho is a dedicated athlete, a hard worker on the mats, and a fierce competitor. His commitment and perseverance have earned him this well-deserved achievement.
Congratulations, Tuzinho, on your Brown Bel... -
A New Black Belt at Atos: Kauan "Samurai" Tanino
Professor Andre Galvao promoted Kauan Tanino "Samurai" to black belt on June 1, 2026. Samurai joined Atos 8 years ago as a green belt, and since then he has earned several major titles throughout the colored belt ranks.
Congratulations, Samurai, on this well deserved black belt promotion! Your de... -
Adrian's Black Belt Promotion
After great results and years of hard work as a brown belt, Adrian was promoted to black belt by Professor Andre Galvao on April 20, 2026. A new journey and an exciting chapter in his BJJ life begin now. Congratulations, Adrian, well deserved!
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Congratulations to Pete Araujo on Received his Black Belt!
On November 3rd, 2025, Pete Araujo received his black belt in jiu-jitsu from Professor Joao Mendes. After years of training, he achieved this important milestone in his martial arts journey. He is also a black belt in Judo.
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Congratulations to Professor Tim Sledd on His 4th Degree Black Belt!
On October 16, 2025, Tim Sleddd was promoted to 4th Degree Black Belt. He spent two years training at the old gym in San Diego. Originally from Indiana, Tim is a dedicated lawyer who also teaches jiu-jitsu in his home state. His commitment to the art, his students, and the jiu-jitsu community has...
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John Meno Black Belt First Degree
Professor Andre Galvao promotes John Meno to Black Belt First Degree, September 24, 2025
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Chris Voges Black Belt Promotion
Professor Andre Galvao promotes Chris Voges to Black Belt, September 24, 2025
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Black Belt 1st Degree Promotion - Tye and Kade Ruotolo
Tye and Kade Ruotolo were promoted to Black Belt First Degree by Professor Andre Galvao on August 22, 2025.
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Black Belt 2nd Degree Promotion - Nisar Loynab
Nisar Loynab was promoted to Black Belt Second Degree by Professor Andre Galvao on August 22, 2025.
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Black Belt 1st Degree Promotion - Bradley Ringler
Bradley Ringler was promoted to Black Belt First Degree by Professor Andre Galvao on August 22nd, 2025.
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Black Belt 2nd Degree Promotion - Paulo da Costa
Paulo da Costa was promoted to Black Belt Second Degree by Professor Andre Galvao on August 22nd, 2025.
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Black Belt 2nd Degree Promotion - Ervin Quintin
Ervin Quintin was promoted to Black Belt Second Degree by Professor Andre Galvao on August 22nd, 2025.
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Black Belt Promotion - Nicholas Ames
Nicholas Ames was promoted to Black Belt by Professor Andre Galvao on August 22nd, 2025.
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Black Belt Promotion - Sal Gomez
Sal Gomez was promoted to Black Belt by Professor Andre Galvao on August 22nd, 2025.
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Black Belt Promotion - Rose Miller
Rose Miller was promoted to Black Belt by Professor Andre Galvao on August 22nd, 2025.
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Black Belt Promotion - Mishaylah Rhodes
Mishaylah Rhodes was promoted to Black Belt by Professor Andre Galvao on August 22nd, 2025.
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Black Belt Promotion - Jevonne Hoevker
Jevonne Hoevker was promoted to Black Belt by Professor Andre Galvao on August 22nd, 2025.
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Osa Almarwai's Black Belt 1st Degree Promotion
On March 14, 2025, Osa Almarwai was awarded his first degree black belt by Professor Andre Galvao. Congratulations, Osa!
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Black Belt Promotion Luke Beaves
Canadian Luke Beaves received his Black Belt from Professor Andre Galvao on February 24th, 2025.
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Mike Carbulido Promoted To Black Belt Second Degree
Professor Mike Carbulido received his second-degree Black Belt from Professor Andre Galvao. Mike is the leader of the wonderful Atos Jiu-Jitsu Guam and an important part of our team’s growth, especially in developing the kids' program here at Atos HQ.
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Black Belt 2nd Degree Promotion - Nick Westra
Nick Westra received his black belt second from Professor Andre Galvao on 01/13/2025.