After nearly a month away from regular teaching following serious abuse allegations, André Galvão has announced that he has returned to teaching full-time at Atos headquarters in San Diego.

The decorated ADCC champion addressed the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu community in a video statement in which he said he took time to process everything before speaking publicly.

“I took some time to digest everything and now it’s time for me to speak with you from my heart,” Galvão said.

He added that the situation affects not only his academy but the entire sport.

“I think this is very important not only for Atos Jiu-Jitsu team and the gym, but also for the entire jiu-jitsu community.”

Galvão Announces His Return To Teaching

During the video, Galvão revealed that he is now back teaching full-time at the academy.

“So with that being said, I would like to announce right here, right now that I’m back teaching at Jiu-Jitsu headquarters every single day from Monday to Friday.”

He said he is spending long days at the academy working with students.

“I’m here teaching every single day from 6:00 a.m. all the way to 8:00 p.m. I’m here all day long and if you want to come and visit me and see me, I’m here.”

Galvão also emphasized his role as the leader of the academy.

“As the leader of this academy, I take that responsibility seriously.”

Says He Contacted Police Himself

Galvão also addressed the accusations circulating on social media and said he has cooperated with authorities.

“Some accusations have been going around on social media, have been shared all over.”

According to Galvão, he proactively contacted law enforcement.

“I have been fully willing to cooperate with law enforcement and with all jiu-jitsu organizations in this matter.”

“In fact, I already reached out to the San Diego Police Department first.”

He added that authorities had not initially contacted him.

“They never called me. They never contacted me.”

Claims Internal Business Changes Created Friction

Galvão suggested that recent business decisions inside the academy may have created tensions within the team.

“In the past few months, about two or three months ago, I made several business changes within the school.”

These changes included updates to policies, membership structures, and instructor compensation.

“Some of these adjustments included aligning membership fees with academy standard rates and implementing a percentage structure for private lessons given by instructors.”

He acknowledged that those decisions created disagreement inside the organization.

“I understand that change can sometimes create frustration and disagreement.”

Sexual Abuse Allegations Against Galvão

The controversy began after former Atos student Alexa Herse publicly accused Galvão of sexual misconduct.

Herse alleged that Galvão behaved inappropriately with her during training when she was younger and later filed a report with authorities.

The allegations quickly spread throughout the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu community and sparked a wave of criticism toward the longtime Atos leader.

Galvão has denied the allegations and maintains that he is cooperating with authorities.

“I went there to make sure they know that I’m very clear on supporting and helping them and I’m ready to assist in any way possible.”

Major Exodus From Team Atos

Following the accusations, a large number of Atos athletes and black belts publicly distanced themselves from the organization, creating one of the biggest shakeups in the team’s history.

Among the notable departures were several high-profile black belts and instructors who had been part of the Atos system.

The situation has significantly reshaped the structure of the once-dominant competition team.

Galvão Shows Off Atos Women’s Team

Shortly after announcing his return to teaching, Galvão also posted a message on Instagram praising the women competing under the Atos banner.

In the post, he declared that Atos has the strongest women’s team in the sport.

“Atos has the best women’s jiu-jitsu team in the world.”

He emphasized that the results of the team speak for themselves.

“And I don’t say that as an opinion. The results speak for itself.”

“Wherever these women compete, they win.”

Galvão also said he is proud to be part of their journey.

“And I’m very proud of that. Very proud to be part of their stories.”

He congratulated the athletes and encouraged them to keep pushing forward.

“Congratulations, ladies! We are only getting started. As long as I can, you can continue counting on my effort and my respect.”

He also said the athletes inspire the entire academy.

“These girls inspire all of us here at Atos.”

“It’s Not Luck”

Galvão also pushed back against claims that Atos’ success is simply luck.

“Once, someone told me that Atos is just ‘lucky,’ and that’s why we always win.”

“But I’ve already lost count of how many times we’ve stood on the highest step of the podium.”

He credited the team’s success to work ethic and discipline.

“So no, it’s not luck. Our results are the product of hard work, discipline, work ethics and consistency.”

He ended the message with a confident statement about the academy.

“I know exactly what I’m doing. Here’s the thing: you can train jiu-jitsu anywhere. But if your goal is to become the best, I recommend Atos.”

Calls For Unity And Prayers

In his video statement, Galvão also called for patience and unity within the community.

“I’m choosing not to attack anyone right now or argue online or create more division inside the community.”

Instead, he said he believes the truth will eventually come out.

“I trust that the truth will come forward through the proper time and through the proper process.”

He closed by asking for prayers for everyone involved.

“I ask you for prayers. Pray for our students. Pray for wisdom. Pray for peace for everyone involved.”

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