Andre Galvao faces allegations of sexual harassment from former student Alexa Herse, who trained under him since childhood. The accusations have triggered a mass exodus from Atos Jiu-Jitsu, with high-profile athletes and affiliates severing ties. Atos HQ has since separated Galvao and his wife, Angelica, from all organizational roles pending a third-party investigation, while Galvao denies the allegations.
Andre Galvao Allegations
Alexa Herse, an 18-year-old who trained at 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.
“In the last six months, I have felt very uncomfortable on multiple occasions due to Andre Galvao. He touched me inappropriately during training,” Herse wrote. “He made continuous remarks about my body and appearance. During training, he would separate me from my chosen partner, send them to someone else, and insist that I train with him. He made moaning sounds 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.”
Herse stated she has filed a report with local law enforcement and urged other victims to come forward. “I know I am not the only one affected. To the other girls, I hope this empowers you to come forward,” she wrote.
In her statement, Herse also accused Galvao’s wife, Angelica Galvao, of attempting to silence her when she raised concerns internally. “She told me not to say anything and told me that if it’s wrong, you have to at least act like it’s right. And don’t bite the hand that feeds you,” Herse claimed.
Galvao’s Response
Andre Galvao released a statement on February 1, 2026, denying the allegations. “In recent days, false rumors have emerged online suggesting inappropriate behavior with female students. These claims are false, and we are taking appropriate legal measures to safeguard the integrity of ATOS,” he stated.
Galvao suggested the accusations stemmed from a “personal vendetta” related to “recent administrative and financial changes” within Atos. He asserted that the individual 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 triggered a significant exodus from Atos, with prominent athletes, coaches, and affiliate gyms severing ties. The departures reportedly began before the allegations became public, suggesting internal discussions had taken place.
Athletes reported to have left include Andy Murasaki, Rafaela Guedes (ADCC champion), Rafael Silveira, and Bruno Frazatto. Lucas Pinheiro, a two-time world champion from Atos, announced his departure after speaking with trusted team members who corroborated the accusations.
“Today has been 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 held for Professor André Galvão. This makes this moment even more painful.”
JT Torres, a two-time ADCC champion, announced that his Essential Jiu-Jitsu academy would end its affiliation with Atos. “As a coach and leader, providing and maintaining a safe environment is not optional; that same responsibility extends to every person who steps onto the mats,” Torres stated.
Atos Separates the Galvao
On February 3, 2026, Atos Jiu-Jitsu HQ released an official statement announcing the immediate and indefinite separation of both Andre and Angelica Galvao from all roles within the organization.
“This decision was made in the best interest of our students, affiliates and the broader ATOS community and reflects our commitment to upholding the highest standards of professionalism, integrity and accountability,” the statement read. The organization stated it would engage a third party to investigate the allegations.
Industry Response
Reigning ADCC double champion Adele Fornarino, who had been associated with Atos, chose not to represent the team at Polaris 35 on January 31, 2026. She wore a shirt reading “We Don’t Roll Like That” and called for reform within jiu-jitsu’s hierarchical structure.
Polaris champion Levi Jones-Leary supported Fornarino’s sentiments, condemning abusers within the community and stating, “you’re not safe anymore.”
Prominent coach Lachlan Giles also weighed in: “I’m uncertain if the situation has worsened or if it’s merely being exposed more, but there’s a serious issue in the sport concerning individuals in authority abusing their students.
The International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation issued a statement following the allegations, outlining existing protocols, including mandatory SafeSport certification for all black belts seeking certificate or degree renewal. The training program focuses on identifying, preventing, and reporting inappropriate behavior.
Several San Diego BJJ gyms have offered free training to former Atos members following the team’s upheaval.
Galvao’s Career
Andre Galvao, 43, is one of the most accomplished 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 include nearly 100 affiliated gyms worldwide and produced numerous world champions.
Galvao’s last competition was in 2022, when he lost his ADCC superfight title to Gordon Ryan. He had been focusing on coaching at Atos HQ in San Diego prior to the allegations.
No criminal charges have been filed against Galvao as of the time of reporting, though Herse has stated she submitted a report to local authorities.
