The Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu world is facing one of its most serious internal crises in years as
Atos Jiu-Jitsu comes under intense scrutiny following a wave of departures, public concern from
parents and athletes, and mounting allegations circulating within the community.

Over the past several days, discussion has exploded across social media and Reddit, particularly within r/bjjdrama,
where users claiming direct knowledge of the situation describe a rapidly unraveling environment inside the Atos
organization. While no official statements have yet been released by Atos leadership, the scale and consistency of
the claims have triggered widespread alarm.

Reddit Users Describe a Gym in Crisis

In one highly upvoted Reddit thread, a user identifying as a parent warned others to exercise caution, writing that
recent developments had fundamentally changed how they viewed the academy. Other commenters, some claiming to be
Atos members, echoed those concerns, describing an atmosphere of shock and distress.

“This nightmare is true. One of our main competitors is gone. Two of our main women coaches/professoras are gone
with more on the way.”

The same commenter continued, emphasizing the emotional toll on families:

“As a parent, our whole world is upside down. My children’s idol has ruined his WHOLE EMPIRE. He sexually harassed
(and potentially worse) several big named women from our gym. Apparently Angelica knew. Sarah knew. Professors are
broken and trying to decide their next move. Parents are broken and wondering who else has been victimized. My heart
hurts. I can’t sleep. This is sick.”

Multiple Reddit users stressed that, due to the sensitive nature of the allegations, many individuals are choosing
not to speak publicly yet. As one commenter put it:

“Nobody has come out and said anything publicly yet due to the sensitive nature of all of this. It’s only been
about 2 days. As an Atos member, it’s all true.”

Note: These claims remain allegations shared by anonymous users. At the time of writing, there are no public legal
findings or official confirmations.

Who Has Left Atos So Far

Despite the lack of formal announcements, multiple departures and distancing moves have been widely reported and
observed within the BJJ community. Reddit commenters also listed several names as having left recently.

• Andy Murasaki — reported to be gone
• Rafaela Guedes — reported to be gone
• Rafael Silveira — reported to be gone
• Alexa Hersey — reported to be gone
• Two main women coaches/professoras — reported to be gone, with more potentially on the way
• Front desk receptionists — reported to be gone (including one Reddit user claimed is related to Galvão)

Some athletes have been seen training at other academies in the days following these reports, though several have
not confirmed any new long-term team commitments publicly.

Nicole Matthews: “This Is My Why”

Against this backdrop, champion Nicole Matthews released a public statement explaining why she plans
to step back from elite competition and move toward leadership instead.

“When I said at the end of 2026 I would be retiring from competing like I have been and taking on a bigger
leadership role this is why,” Matthews wrote. “Another team and more foul accusations that are seemingly true. Lets
be so real that makes 3 teams that are associated with some nefarious s**t.”

She also criticized what she sees as long-standing silence within the sport:

“Its hard to fathom that so many are willing to look the other way when we KNOW the kind of shit theyve been doing
behind closed doors. Morals and ethics arent real if you pick them only when convenient,” Matthews continued in her
statement.

It should be noted that Matthews trains at Method Jiu-Jitsu and is not affiliated with Atos.

More Voices Speak Out

Support for Matthews’ stance quickly followed. Nick Salles, a black belt under Mikey Musumeci, amplified the
concerns and urged the community not to stay silent:

“I’ve heard truly horrific and hein0us things about a well-known gym today and its head instructor, and it’s painful
to see a sport I love so deeply associated with that kind of harm and evil,” Salles stated. “Now, more than ever, we
need people to stand up against injustices when you see it. Remaining silent and doing nothing IS violence.”

Former Atos competitor Rose Miller also confirmed she has taken steps to sever ties with the team.

“I have removed Atos from my bio, removed my promotion post, and cancelled my membership today. I have only trained
there once in the last 2 weeks as this information has been coming out.”

Miller indicated she has more information she cannot yet disclose publicly:

“I am not able to say more at this time but I am standing with the girls and am supporting them in sharing more when
they’re ready. This is deeply troubling and sad time for us. All my energy is currently dedicated making safe spaces
for the girls and women. I will make a public statement as soon as I am able.”

A Reckoning Moment for Jiu-Jitsu

For Matthews, the broader meaning of the moment is clear and tied to a demand for structural change inside the sport:

“Jiu jitsu for far too long has been led by toxic and corrupt men. This is my why,” she wrote. “We NEED strong,
powerful female leadership in this sport that makes champions. A safe space for everyone.”

As reactions continue to unfold, additional figures have publicly acknowledged the situation, while many athletes and
gyms appear to be waiting for verified statements and formal responses. For now, the combination of reported exits,
widespread concern, and emotional testimony suggests a major turning point for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.