A new and deeply troubling account has emerged in the ongoing case surrounding Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu coach Melqui Galvão, as decorated athlete Brenda Larissa has come forward with a detailed testimony describing years of alleged abuse.

Larissa, a world champion in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, shared her story in a video statement, outlining what she says was a 14-year period marked by manipulation, control, and abuse that began when she was just 12 years old.

Her account adds to a growing number of voices speaking out.

A Relationship That Began With Promise

According to Larissa, her early life circumstances made her particularly vulnerable. Raised by a single mother in difficult financial conditions, she recalls arriving at training sessions with little to no resources.

It was in this environment that Galvão entered her life, presenting what appeared to be a life-changing opportunity.

“He talked to me, talked to my mother, and he made her a proposal. He said that if I continued dedicating myself, if I continued training and doing everything he said, if I obeyed him, I would have a great future, that I would be a great champion, I would be able to change my family’s history, I would be able to help my mother financially,” Larissa recalled.

At first, the offer included support that seemed essential for a young athlete trying to succeed. Sponsorships, equipment, competition fees, and even a private school scholarship were part of the arrangement.

But according to her testimony, that support came at a devastating cost.

“I Paid in the Worst Way Possible”

Larissa says the situation changed when she was told the support was not truly free.

“The day came when I had to pay for all of that, because he came to me and said it wasn’t free, that I was going to have to pay, and I paid in the worst way possible. He abused me.”

She describes a pattern of control and manipulation that extended beyond her, affecting her family as well. Over time, she says she came to realize she was not alone.

According to her account, when suspicions arose within Galvão’s household, she says efforts were made to conceal what was happening.

“This plan made me date a boy from the gym, against my will. That was the plan, to disguise it so his wife wouldn’t find out that I was also being abused by him.”

Ongoing Contact and Psychological Impact

Larissa states that even after she moved away and continued her career, the contact did not fully stop.

“He always had a relationship with me, he always kept in touch with me. All these years he always encouraged me, always texted me.”

She says the alleged harassment continued as recently as this year.

One message in particular had a strong emotional impact.

“He texted me with a picture of me as a child, saying, ‘I’m sorry for my past mistakes. I’m sorry I wasn’t the father you should have had.’”

She described receiving that message as deeply distressing, triggering painful memories and even a panic attack.

Speaking Out After Years of Fear

Larissa says she has now filed a formal complaint and that her sister, who she claims was also a victim, has done the same.

She also stated that her decision to go public was meant to encourage others who may still be afraid to speak.

“I want to tell you that these past 14 years have been filled with great fear, and I want to assure you that this fear is over,” she said. “From the moment I put my God above that fear. This fear is not greater than my God.”

A Growing Case Around Melqui Galvão

The allegations against Melqui Galvão have been intensifying, with multiple individuals coming forward in recent days. Among them is another world champion, Lydia, who has also publicly shared her own statement regarding her experiences.

The situation has sent shockwaves through the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu community, raising serious questions about accountability, athlete safety, and the structures that allow such dynamics to develop over time.

At the time of writing, the legal process is ongoing, and further developments are expected.

A Turning Point for the Community

Cases like this often extend beyond individuals. They force entire communities to reflect.

For years, coaches have held significant influence over young athletes, often controlling not just training but also opportunities, travel, and financial support. When that power is abused, the consequences can be devastating.

What is happening now may mark a turning point in how these relationships are viewed and monitored.

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