English BJJ competitor Thomas Bracher has just announced that he will be opening up the first ever ATOS affiliate in the UK and heading up the affiliation’s expansion into the country. This means that Bracher will be leaving his former team of Gracie Barra, as he used to run the affiliation’s Sutton Coldfield location. He’s now joined forces with Andre Galvao, the founder and head of ATOS, and will apparently be benefiting from his input as a mentor as he attempts to grow the organization in the UK.
Bracher was also allegedly involved in a brawl backstage at Grapplefest 17 just a few weeks ago, although this has apparently not had an impact on his decision to change affiliation. This altercation took place shortly after Bracher competed at the event and dropped a decision to Paul Lukowski. He’s a frequent competitor on the UK professional grappling circuit and Grapplefest is one of the biggest promotions in the country, but Bracher hasn’t stuck to his own shores.
He regularly competes at major events like the IBJJF No Gi World Championship and even won a bronze medal at ADCC Trials earlier this year. This news actually finishes off a pretty big year for Bracher, as he also made the journey over to the US in order to make his Who’s Number One debut at WNO 20: Night of Champions.
Thomas Bracher reached out to us to share his side of the story and give a statement on leaving Gracie Barra to set up the first UK affiliate for ATOS:
“I formally submitted my notice to Gracie Barra Friday, after some long thought, a few weeks ago my self and Victor (Estima) decided to go our separate ways as professor student relationship, in order to remain inside the Gracie Barra franchise you must have a professor/reference in the organisation to which I decided to look elsewhere for a coach who can mentor me and who’s willing to be at major comps/ super fights in my corner. This along with concerning terms and conditions in there new contracts which come into force from the end of Jan 24 made my decision for me… I wish Victor & Gracie Barra uk all the best as it was a huge part of my life for several years. I’m excited by new challenges and new opportunities to grow as a competitor, coach & business man along side one of the greats in Andre Galvao.”
Thomas Bracher announced the news that he was opening the first ATOS affiliate in the UK in a recent post to his official Instagram account:
