Melqui Galvao: Record, Net Worth, Weight, Age & More!

Who Is Melqui Galvao?

Melquisedeque Galvão, widely known as Melqui Galvão, is a distinguished Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt who comes from the Amazonas region of Brazil. He is a well respected coach and former competitor who earned IBJJF hardware a decade ago, around 2013. Since that time, he’s been a coach. His two most well known students among many great names, are ADCC Gold Medalist Diogo “Baby Shark” Reis, and multi time World Champion and ADCC medalist, Micah Galvão. The latter is also one of Melqui's two children!  

Who Is Melqui Galvao?

Melquisedeque Galvão, widely known as Melqui Galvão, is a distinguished Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt who comes from the Amazonas region of Brazil. He is a well respected coach and former competitor who earned IBJJF hardware a decade ago, around 2013. Since that time, he’s been a coach. His two most well known students among many great names, are ADCC Gold Medalist Diogo “Baby Shark” Reis, and multi time World Champion and ADCC medalist, Micah Galvão. The latter is also one of Melqui's two children!  

What this article covers:

• Who Is Melqui Galvao?
• How Old Is Melqui Galvao?
• How Much Does Melqui Galvao Weigh?
• Melqui Galvao Fight List
• Melqui Galvao's Best Fight of All Time
• Melqui Galvao Record
• Is Melqui Galvao Retired?

Melqui Galvão was born in the spring of 1979 in Manaus, Brazil. Growing up in a household influenced by martial arts, thanks to his father's expertise as a renowned kung fu instructor, Melqui's journey into the world of combat began at a remarkably young age. Even as a crawling toddler, he was exposed to the intricacies of martial arts. At the age of 6, he embarked on formal training, dedicating himself to kung fu until his 13th birthday.

Champion Training by Melqui Galvao

As Melqui entered his teenage years, his thirst for combat knowledge led him to explore other disciplines with a competitive edge. He delved into the realms of judo, karate, and boxing, seeking to expand his repertoire. It was during this time, in the late 1990s, that he discovered the captivating art of jiu-jitsu while watching the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). 

At the age of 19, Melqui eagerly joined a BJJ gym, embarking on a new chapter of his martial arts journey. Melqui Galvão's grappling instruction began under the guidance of Fábio Aníbal, who served as his very first instructor and awarded him the coveted blue belt. Building on his foundation, Galvão then sought the tutelage of the esteemed coach Mr. Matheus Segadilha, who continued to shape his skills and progression up until the brown belt level.

In 2001, Galvão embarked on a parallel path by joining the police force, ultimately rising to the position of chief investigator in the special kidnapping squad. Recognizing the importance of community engagement, he dedicated his off-duty time to coaching BJJ. An opportunity presented itself when he was offered a space at a non-profit social project in his hometown, allowing him to forge meaningful connections within the community he served.

In 2012, while holding a brown belt in BJJ, Melqui Galvão sought to expand his grappling repertoire by delving into no-gi training. He joined Antônio Aleixo's luta livre esportiva academy with the intention of learning to be a better coach, particularly for his son and daughter whom he envisioned as promising talents. With his deep understanding of submission wrestling mechanics, Galvão's dedication and expertise led him to achieve black belt status in LLE within just one year, under the guidance of Antônio "Tonhonho". He received his black belt in jiu jitsu two years later, in 2014.

During the delay between his brown and black belts, Melqui cleaned up 3 IBJJF Tournaments in a single year, earning gold medals in Manaus and Panama in his division. That same year, he also took home the bronze in the open weight category at the panama tournament. After this time, he turned his focus back to coaching and law enforcement, where he would happily remain.

In a momentous achievement, 2019 marked a milestone in Melqui Galvão's coaching career. He became the first jiu-jitsu coach in history to guide two athletes, Diogo “Baby Shark” Reis and his own son Micael Galvão, to victory in the IBJJF Grand Slam. Both athletes conquered their respective weight classes as well as the absolute division, solidifying their positions as elite competitors under Melqui's guidance.

As of January 2023, Galvao broke away from his current affiliation to start his own association, “Melqui Galvão Jiu-Jitsu”. With the establishment of his new team, they immediately started winning medals at major tournaments. We expect more greatness out of the Galvão family, as Melqui’s two children Mica and Sammi, are just coming into their own. This proud father will likely get to see many more podium worthy performances from his offspring before eventually handing them the Melqui Galvão Jiu Jitsu Association.

Beyond his achievements on the mats, Melquisedeque Galvão has also made notable contributions in the field of law enforcement. Previously serving as a Chief Investigator for the specialized kidnapping unit within the prestigious Elite Group of the Manaus Police Department, he has exemplified dedication and leadership in his professional endeavors. 

Melqui's battle tested background and his expertise in both jiu-jitsu and in law enforcement make him one of the most sought after coaches in the world. Check out his “Champion Training: Techniques, Strategies, & Gameplans for Long-Term BJJ Success” to start learning what it takes to move from competing to coaching with grace and success.

Coaching Mental Toughness by Braumon Creighton

How Old Is Melqui Galvao?  

Melqui was born in May of 1979 in Manaus, located in northwestern Brazil. That makes him 44 years old at the time of writing in 2023.

Melqui Galvão Family

Melqui is the proud father of two children, Mica and Sammi Galvão. The two are both rising stars in jiu jitsu, and Mica is a multiple time IBJJF World Champion, AJP Pro Champion, ADCC Medalist, among his other achievements. No doubt the performance of these two played a part in Galvão finding the confidence and motivation to found his own association.

How Much is Melqui Galvao Worth?

Melqui Galvao’s net worth is not public information, but he is a successful coach of some of the best BJJ athletes in the world. He also owns and operates his own Melqui Galvão Jiu Jitsu and produces instructional content for online distribution.

How Tall is Melqui Galvao?

Melqui Galvao’s height isn’t known. Height is not typically disclosed in public for grappling tournaments. The focus is more on an athlete's weight class and belt level.

How Much Does Melqui Galvao Weigh? 

Melqui Galvao competed around 2013 as a black belt medium heavyweight. Under IBJJF rules, that a limit of 88kg, or about 195 pounds.

Melqui Galvao Fight List

Melqui Galvao has been an active competitor in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu from a young age, participating in numerous gi and no-gi competitions. He reached the pinnacle of his competition career as a brown belt in 2013 before dedicating his life to law enforcement and to coaching. As a coach, he’s produced well over 100 medals in IBJJF competition, owed in large part to the contributions of his two children, and to other standouts like Diogo Reis. Let’s look at his breakthrough year as a brown belt to get an idea of his skills:

• 2013 IBJJF Manaus International Open - 88 kg - Gold Medal
• 2013 IBJJF Panama International Open - 88 kg - Gold Medal
• 2013 IBJJF Panama International Open - Absolutes - Bronze

Melqui Galvao's Best Fight of All Time

Melqui Galvao's victory in the 2013 IBJJF Panama International Open was his best tournament showing. He competed in the 88 kg division and won all of his matches en route to the gold medal. He also challenged the absolute division, placing third for a second spot on the podium in the same day!

This double victory in the IBJJF Pan American Championships was a significant milestone in Galvao's career, showcasing his dedication, hard work, and skill as a Jiu Jitsu practitioner. It is a highlight of his impressive career and a testament to his talent as a competitor.

Who Did Melqui Galvao Lose To?

Melqui Galvao competes against the very best in the jiu jitsu world at an international level. As a result, he’s certainly taken some losses to accompany his many medals and wins in the sport. Because he retired from competition before reaching black belt, we don’t have a record of who he lost to. His students? They beat everyone.

Melqui Galvao Record

Melqui Galvao’s record in professional grappling competition isn’t preserved or recorded. We’re not sure what his overall standing is. As a coach, however, Melqui is inarguably one of the best instructors on the planet. His children and other students have gone on to win tons of IBJJF hardware over the past few years.

Melqui Galvao Injuries

Melqui Galvão hasn’t been public with any injuries. He retired from competition as a brown belt, which is typically an injury. In this case, however, Melqui simply decided to dedicate his life to law enforcement, coaching, and raising his family. As a result, he wasn’t ever forced to take time off from competing due to injury.

Is Melqui Galvao Retired?

Melqui Galvão retired from competition as of 2013, when he won double gold at an IBJJF open as a brown belt. At that time, he felt that his community needed leadership and joined a special law enforcement task force to give back to his home. At the same time, he made the transition out of competing and into coaching again, as a way to promote wellbeing and give back to those around him in Brazil.

Now, BJJ Fanatics brings you "Champion Training" by Melqui Galvão, a comprehensive instructional series designed to elevate your Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu coaching skills to new heights. As a highly accomplished competitor and renowned instructor, Melqui Galvão shares his wealth of knowledge and unique training methods to help you become a champion, and coach future champions, on the mats.

In this series, you’ll get a deep dive into the fundamental techniques, strategies, and mindset required to excel in the world of BJJ. Whether you're a beginner looking to establish a strong foundation or an experienced practitioner aiming to refine your skills, this series caters to all levels of expertise. With clear and detailed explanations, Melqui breaks down essential positions, transitions, submissions, and advanced concepts, empowering you to take control of your training and perform at your best. Elevate your BJJ skills with "Champion Training" and unlock the secrets to becoming a true champion in the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

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