The controversy surrounding André Galvão and Atos Jiu-Jitsu has taken another dramatic turn after former Atos black belt and longtime coach Josh Hinger publicly backed both Alexa Herse and Andressa Simas.

Hinger’s statement came shortly after Atos released its official response to the growing allegations surrounding Galvão, dismissing claims as false narratives, rumors, and misinformation, while also announcing its new Safe Mat Program, an initiative presented as a system to improve safety and protection for women inside affiliated academies.

But Hinger, one of Atos’ most recognizable former figures, directly contradicted that narrative.

“The truth is Alexa Herse and Andressa Simas are both telling the truth.”

That short sentence immediately sent shockwaves through the Brazilian jiu-jitsu community.

This is not a random outsider commenting from a distance. Josh Hinger spent years as one of Atos’ most prominent black belts, coaches, and competitors, making his public support of the accusers especially significant.

The timing also made the statement even more explosive. Atos was simultaneously promoting its new women’s safety initiative while strongly rejecting allegations tied to its most famous figure.

Hinger’s comment suggests that not everyone with deep ties to the organization agrees with the academy’s official version of events.

The statement comes after former Atos athlete Andressa Simas publicly shared disturbing allegations against Galvão.

Simas, a longtime Atos competitor and successful purple belt, claimed that Galvão would deliberately interrupt training pairings so she would drill specifically with him during no gi classes, often in dominant positions such as mount and back control.

“I felt uncomfortable and coerced because I could not refuse since he was my professor.”

She also alleged receiving disappearing Instagram messages containing a photo of her training, along with comments about her body.

According to her statement, one message referenced Galvão’s wife being asleep.

Even more seriously, Simas claimed that while at Galvão’s home, in the presence of family members, she was touched inappropriately without consent, and that when she tried to move away, the behavior allegedly continued.

She also stated she was given an inappropriate nickname that caused embarrassment.

One of the most controversial elements of Simas’ account involves alleged private conversations and apology messages.

She claims a discussion took place between André Galvão, his wife Angelica, and her then-boyfriend Andy Murasaki, while she herself was excluded despite being at the center of the issue.

“What was done to me was acknowledged, and there was also an apology to my then-boyfriend, although accompanied by justifications.”

Screenshots she later shared allegedly show messages from Galvão saying:

“Andy, I recognize that I messed up badly with you and with Andressa. I disrespected you and that was sin and shame.”

And in another message:

“I recognize my mistake and want to talk to you and Andressa personally with humility.”

The controversy originally exploded with accusations from former Atos student Alexa Herse, whose allegations led to a San Diego police investigation.

No criminal charges were ultimately filed in that case.

Supporters of Galvão have cited that outcome as proof of innocence. Critics argue that a lack of charges does not necessarily invalidate the experiences being described.

Now, with Josh Hinger publicly declaring that both Alexa Herse and Andressa Simas are telling the truth, pressure on Atos has intensified dramatically.

This is no longer just a dispute between former students and one of jiu-jitsu’s most famous coaches.

Now, a respected former insider has publicly chosen a side.

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