Andre Galvao has publicly addressed the allegations circulating online in a video statement, speaking directly to the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu community and explaining his perspective on the situation.

The decorated ADCC champion and longtime leader of the Atos team 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,” Galvao said at the beginning of the video.

He also emphasized that he believes 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.”

Galvao Says Jiu-Jitsu Has Been His Life’s Mission

Galvao spoke about his decades of dedication to teaching and mentoring students through Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

“For more than 30 years, I have dedicated my life teaching jiu-jitsu, mentoring students, and helping families on and off the mats.”

He explained that his work has always been connected to his faith and his belief in serving others through the sport.

“I believe no doubt that God placed this in our hearts — to serve people, to teach, and to build lives through jiu-jitsu and through our faith in Jesus Christ.”

Announces He Has Returned To Teaching At Atos

One of the most notable points Galvao made in the video was that he has returned to teaching daily at Atos headquarters.

“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 added that he is present at the academy throughout the day.

“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.”

Galvao also stressed his responsibility as the leader of the academy.

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

Says He Has Cooperated With Authorities

Galvao addressed the accusations circulating on social media and said he has been fully willing to cooperate with authorities.

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

He then explained that he proactively reached out to 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.”

According to Galvao, authorities did not contact him initially.

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

He said he went to them himself to show he was willing to cooperate.

“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.”

Claims Internal Business Changes Led To Friction

Another key point Galvao raised in the video was that recent internal business decisions may have caused tension within the organization.

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

He said these included policy corrections and adjustments to how the academy operates.

“These were corrections to policies that had existed for many years.”

He also mentioned aligning membership fees with academy standards and restructuring 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.”

Galvao acknowledged that these decisions created disagreement.

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

Says The Academy’s Mission Remains The Same

Despite the controversy, Galvao said the mission of the academy remains unchanged.

“Our mission stays the same. Our mission remains the same — innovating jiu-jitsu and transforming lives.”

He also emphasized that the academy continues to have strong support from its community.

“We still have families here. We still have people inside the gym. We still have our business running.”

Galvao said he will continue focusing on teaching and serving his students.

“In the meantime, I will continue doing what I have always done — teaching, serving, and caring for students alongside my wife, my family, and our team.”

Emphasizes Student Safety And Transparency

Galvao also addressed the responsibility of leadership in maintaining a safe environment for students.

“The well-being of our students and families… our community and leadership carries responsibility for the environment we create.”

He said safety has always been a priority.

“My wife and I have always prioritized the safety and the well-being of every single student who walks through the door of this gym.”

He added that the academy will continue strengthening oversight and transparency.

“We continue to strengthen our supervision, instructional training, and transparency within the academy moving forward.”

Calls For Unity And Patience

Toward the end of the video, Galvao said he does not want to create more division in 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 emerge over time.

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

He closed the video by asking the community for prayers.

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

“Pray for peace for everyone involved.”

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