The Jiu-Jitsu world is reeling from allegations of sexual abuse and harassment that have surfaced in recent weeks. Prominent Jiu-Jitsu black belt and businessman Viktor Doria has cautioned that more cases may soon come to light, amplifying the gravity of the situation. His comments come in the wake of the arrest of Alcenor Alves, a Jiu-Jitsu instructor accused of sexually abusing and raping vulnerable individuals.
Alcenor Alves Arrested and Transferred for Prosecution
Alves, who was apprehended in late November in Itajaí, Santa Catarina, was transferred to Manaus after a temporary arrest warrant was issued by the Amazonas Court. Investigations have so far identified 12 victims, all boys from economically vulnerable backgrounds, who were allegedly abused over a span of 15 years during trips to Jiu-Jitsu competitions outside Amazonas.
According to Juliana Tuma, the lead investigator, the victims had strikingly similar profiles: “The victims were predominantly low-income, with some facing additional economic and social vulnerabilities. For many, sport was seen as their only pathway to success,” Tuma explained.
The arrest occurred during a children’s and teenagers’ Jiu-Jitsu tournament in Santa Catarina, intensifying the public’s shock over the allegations.
Immediate Action by Governing Bodies and Community Response
In response to the allegations, key governing bodies in the sport, including the CBJJ and IBJJF, have banned Alves from participating in their events and activities. This decisive action reflects a broader effort to address misconduct within the Jiu-Jitsu community.
Several Jiu-Jitsu world champions, including Matheus Gabriel, Meyram Maquine, Ary Farias, and Thalison Soares, also spoke out strongly against Alves via social media, denouncing the actions of their fellow black belt and calling for accountability.
Viktor Doria Warns of Further Allegations
Speaking on the “Connect Cast” podcast, Viktor Doria warned that the Alves case could be just the beginning. While emphasizing that he had no concrete evidence, Doria highlighted systemic issues within the community, particularly in environments where mentorship and influence over vulnerable youth intersect.
“There are a lot of good people doing amazing work in Jiu-Jitsu social projects, but unfortunately, there are bad apples too. It’s not just this guy (Alves) who was caught. There are more cases out there,” Doria stated. He also suggested that some individuals may currently be fearing exposure: “There are people biting their nails after seeing this news. There’s still room for destruction here.”
Doria also talked about Erberth Santos’ 14-year prison sentence for r#pe and robbery. Doria stated: “The guy is facing the consequences of his own acts.” He disclosed that he had previously raised concerns about Santos’ problematic behavior, even creating videos to critique the athlete’s actions.
A Call for Accountability and Reform
The revelations have cast a shadow over Jiu-Jitsu, a sport celebrated for its transformative impact on individuals from all walks of life. The scandal has prompted calls for stricter safeguards, increased transparency, and enhanced support systems for vulnerable practitioners.
As investigations continue, the Jiu-Jitsu community is left grappling with the weight of these allegations and the imperative to prevent future misconduct. For many, the hope is that this case will serve as a catalyst for systemic reform and a safer environment for all.
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