Andre Galvao is facing allegations of sexual harassment from former student Alexa Herse, who trained under him since she was a child. The allegations have led to a mass exodus from Atos Jiu-Jitsu, with high-profile athletes and affiliated organizations cutting ties. Atos headquarters has since separated Galvao and his wife Angelica from all organizational functions pending a third-party investigation, while Galvao denies the allegations.
Other Galvao Accusations
Alexa Herse, an 18-year-old who trained with Atos since childhood, released a statement on social media outlining her accusations against Galvao. Herse described a pattern of behavior she experienced over a six-month period.
“Over the past six months, I have felt very uncomfortable several times because of Andre Galvao. He touched me inappropriately during training,” Herse wrote. “He constantly made comments about my body and appearance. During training he separated me from my chosen partner, sent them to someone else and insisted I train with him. He made moaning noises in my ear while he was on top of me. On another occasion, when he was very close to my head, he licked my ear.”
Eg declared she has reported the incident to the local police and called on other victims to come forward. “I know I’m not the only one affected. To the other girls, I hope this gives you the strength to come forward,” she wrote.
In her statement, Herse also accused Galvao’s wife, Angelica Galvao, of trying to silence her when she raised concerns internally. “She told me not to say anything and told me that if it’s wrong, you should at least pretend it’s right. And don’t bite the hand that feeds you,” Herse claimed.
Galvao’s response
Andre Galvao brought one statement on February 1, 2026, denying the allegations. “In recent days, false rumors have emerged online indicating inappropriate behavior by female students. These claims are false and we are taking appropriate legal action to protect the integrity of ATOS,” he stated.
Galvao suggested that the charges stemmed from a “personal vendetta” related to “recent administrative and financial changes” within Atos. He claimed that the person behind the claims should express gratitude for the opportunities provided by the team.
“Our training area is monitored by staff, students and cameras, and we have always strived to maintain a safe, respectful and transparent environment,” Galvao claimed in his statement, which was posted with comments disabled.
Mass departure from Atos
The allegations caused a significant exodus from Atos, with prominent athletes, coaches and affiliated gyms cutting ties. The departure reportedly began before the allegations became public, suggesting internal discussions took place.
Athletes reported to have left include Andy Murasaki, Rafaela Guedes (ADCC champion), Rafael Silveira and Bruno Frazatto. Atos’ two-time world champion Lucas Pinheiro announced his departure after speaking to trusted team members who confirmed the allegations.
“Today was one of the most challenging days of my life,” Pinheiro wrote. “Anyone who has followed my career knows how proud I have always been to represent Atos Jiu-Jitsu and how much respect I had for Professor André Galvão. This makes this moment even more painful.”
Two-time ADCC champion JT Torres announced that his Essential Jiu-Jitsu academy would end its partnership with Atos. “As a coach and leader, providing and maintaining a safe environment is not optional; that same responsibility extends to everyone who steps on the mats,” Torres said.
Atos separates the Galvao
On February 3, 2026, Atos Jiu-Jitsu Headquarters an official released statement announcing the immediate and indefinite separation of both Andre and Angelica Galvao from all roles within the organization.
“This decision has been made in the best interests of our students, member companies and the wider ATOS community and reflects our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, integrity and responsibility,” the statement said. The organization stated that it would engage a third party to investigate the allegations.
Industry response
Reigning ADCC two-time champion Adele Fornarino, who had ties to Atos, chose not to represent the team at Polaris 35 on January 31, 2026. She wore a shirt that read “We Don’t Roll Like That” and called for reforms within the hierarchical structure of jiu-jitsu.
Polaris champion Levi Jones-Leary echoed Fornarino’s sentiments, condemning abusers within the community and saying, “You are not safe anymore.”
Prominent coach Lachlan Giles also said: “I’m not sure if the situation has worsened or if it is just coming to light, but there is a serious problem in sport with those in authority abusing their students.
The International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation released a statement in response to the allegations, outlining existing protocols, including mandatory SafeSport certification for all black belts seeking a certificate or degree renewal. The training program focuses on identifying, preventing and reporting undesirable behavior.
Several BJJ gyms in San Diego have offered free training to former Atos members following the team’s unrest.
Galvao’s career
Andre Galvao, 43, is one of the most talented competitors in BJJ history, having won six ADCC world championships (including four ADCC superfight titles) and six IBJJF world championships. He founded Atos Jiu-Jitsu, which grew to nearly 100 affiliated gyms around the world and produced countless world champions.
Galvao’s last bout was in 2022, when he lost his ADCC superfight title to Gordon Ryan. Before the allegations, he focused on coaching at Atos’ San Diego headquarters.
No criminal charges have been filed against Galvao at the time of the report, although Herse said she has filed a report with local authorities.
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