Erich Munis' goals in jiu-jitsu and life are proving fruitful. A two-time world champion and, more recently, winner of the stacjed BJJ Stars 16-man GP, Erich caused a commotion not only with his skills on the mat, but with an announcement soon after his GP victory.

Along with his three brothers and four other Dream Art competitors, Erich announced a team change to Fratres. In an exclusive interview with FloGrappling, the Brazilian athlete went on to reveal his plans to open an academy with his brothers later this year, aiming to help people through martial art that has provided so much for him and his family.

In the interview, Erich talked about the transition to Fratres, highlighted his reasons for staying a competitor even with the biggest titles in the sport already under his belt, and revealed his entrepreneurial side, with as many financial assets as medals in his collection, to ensure a stable and promising future when the time comes to leave the mats.

Check it out below!

FloGrappling: What were the biggest challenges you faced in the deep BJJ Stars 10: Battlefield bracket?

Erich Munis: I knew it would be a tough bracket, with all those high-level athletes. It was a very difficult tournament, Fepa did an excellent job on the card. I knew I was in for a war, there was no easy side to be on in the bracket. All four fights were tough and the turnarounds in the GP made my predictions change as the tournament went on. I remained focused on one fight at a time and, knowing anything could happen, didn't let myself be surprised by the unexpected opponents that stood in my way. Through that mindset, I was able to come out on top.

FG: In addition to being another victory to your name, BJJStars 10 was your last time fighting for Dream Art before transitioning to Fratres. How did this change come about?

EM: The deal was made before BJJStars. I talked to Lucas Gualberto "Piauí", our head coach at Dream Art, and asked to do this last dance with them. He wanted me to hold on until the Worlds, but I decided with my family that BJJStars would be the best opportunity to bid the team farewell. We created roots at Dream Art, so it was a difficult decision, but the quest to improve the lives of the people around us was the decisive element for the change.

FG: And what was the factor that made Fratres stand out among all the other academies that are available to receive a two-time world champion?

EM: We always received offers from other teams, but our goals were more in line with Fratres' proposal. We made the transition as a group, eight athletes in total. With that step taken, we will continue to help people, which is our main goal. More titles won equal more visibility for us and a louder voice among the crowd, which will allow us to do even more to help people, as we were helped by jiu-jitsu even before we arrived at Dream Art.

FG: Always by your side, your brothers Anderson, Alex, and Dione faced the challenge of joining a new team with you. What is the main advantage of having family support on the mats?

EM: My family is a blessing. Not only my brothers but also my parents and wife. They’ve helped us a lot since the colored belt days. But when it comes to training, my brothers' help is priceless. All at once, I have someone who corrects my mistakes, one who joins the training session to fight hard, and another who showers us with affection and love. You won't always be in the best phase of your training or your life. Problems will exist at all times and having this close and constant support is a game-changer. Being backed by a group of people that is willing to lend you their strength is one of the secrets to a solid career.

FG: With the Brasileiros a few days away, your participation is still a question mark. Amid all the challenges that occupy an athlete's mind, did your departure from DreamArt play any role in this uncertainty?

EM: It would be a pleasure to fight alongside Dream Art at Brasileiros. Piauí is a good friend and I want him to win many titles with the team at this tournament and the Worlds. Before seeing Dream Art as a team, I see them as people and athletes. I think of those blue belts who will win a tournament and build up their reputation to become champions, using the sport to turn their lives around. At his core, Piauí also sees things like that and I admire that. My move was purely focused on the professional side. Last year, I gave up the Brasileiros to focus on the Worlds and I'm wondering if I should do it again. We've got the Worlds ahead of us and will be looking for titles both at weight and absolute, so there's much work to be done. Fighting at the Brasileiros can be very tiring which could hinder our performance. But i'm still yet to decide.

FG: Throughout your career, you won titles in the most recognized Jiu-Jitsu tournaments. Now at 25 years old and with international renown, what is the secret to staying motivated in sport?

EM: The achievements are a result of my training and dedication. When I won my first Worlds, I got to know a different side of Jiu-Jitsu. Back then, I considered putting a stop to my competitive life and shifting my focus towards teaching, maybe even opening a gym, but I recognized God's gift. Nowadays I fight for my goals and my family, and I do it with a smile on my face. I want to achieve the most complete Jiu-Jitsu possible so that I always have the right strategy, regardless of opponent or tournament. I also like to entertain the public with my jiu-jitsu. Before competing, I usually play a game with my brothers where I need to use a specific trick during the tournament. It's a personal challenge that motivates me to loosen up my game and bring new and exciting things to those watching.

FG: Speaking of jiu-jitsu as a form of entertainment, some athletes have adopted trash talk to generate more hype for their fights. At any point in your career did you consider using this method to increase your social media presence?

EM: Each athlete has a profile. A forced persona doesn't bring good results, so I rather stick to my principles and continue being who I am. I understand the importance of social media and am working to perform better in this area. The first step is to identify the flaw and I've already done that. I want to generate hype, but with my personality, achievements, and goals, without resorting to being someone I’m not. You always reap what you sow, so my sowing will only be good things.

FG: With a new home and pockets filled with that BJJStars prize, we ask the question that is on everyone's minds: What does the future hold for Erich Munis?

EM: The bigger plan is to invest part of the prize into opening our academy. I've been studying financial education for three years now, and this is something I want to explore further. Maybe even share it with others through YouTube, because it's been life-changing for me. In my first year as a black belt, I no longer relied so much on fighting for income. I stabilized myself with what I had already conquered and had a good head for investments. Plus, I'm not materialistic which keeps me focused on assets. 11 years have gone by and that planning was essential to reach today's financial stability, but I still have many goals. I dream of buying a car for my mother and helping my family, so we will be working towards that. About the academy, we already have the project set up and are choosing a location. By the end of the year, God willing, we'll be able to open our academy, which should be called Munis Brothers. It will be a branch of Fratres, with the same goal of helping people through jiu-jitsu here in São Paulo.