In an unprecedented moment for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, the sport’s two largest and most influential associations — Atos Jiu-Jitsu and Checkmat — have both announced the removal or suspension of their most senior leadership figures following allegations of sexual abuse involving minor students.

Within a matter of days, Andre Galvão, his wife Angelica Galvao, and Leandro Vieira — all foundational figures in modern Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu — have been formally separated from their organizations. The developments represent one of the most significant ruptures in the sport’s hierarchical structure in its history.

Atos Jiu-Jitsu Separates Andre and Angelica Galvão

In an official statement released by Atos Jiu-Jitsu headquarters, the organization confirmed the immediate and indefinite separation of both Andre Galvão and Angelica Galvão from all roles within Atos.

Official Statement from Atos Jiu-Jitsu HQ

“We are deeply saddened with recent events and circumstances and after careful consideration ATOS has made the decision to immediately and indefinitely separate Andre Galvao and Angelica Galvao from their position and all associated roles within the organization.

This decision was made in the best interest of our students, affiliates and the broader ATOS community and reflects our commitment to upholding the highest standards of professionalism, integrity and accountability.

We do not adjudicate matters through social media. All appropriate actions are being addressed through the proper legal and administrative channels.

We are moving quickly to engage with a third-party to investigate these allegations and in the meantime, Andre and Angelica will no longer be involved in the teaching, administrative work, or operations of Atos.

ATOS is a team built and led by multiple athletes, instructors and role models. We will continue our work guided by our core principles, providing high-quality Jiu-Jitsu in a safe and respectful environment.

We extend our support to our community and remain available to assist as needed.”

The statement follows public allegations made by Alexa Herse, who alleged sexual abuse and misconduct by Andre Galvão beginning when she was a minor. Additional women have since come forward publicly with allegations of sexual harassment and inappropriate conduct.

While no criminal verdict has been reached at the time of writing, the seriousness of the claims — combined with their connection to underage students — has triggered a mass departure of affiliates, athletes, and sponsors from Atos in recent days.

Checkmat Suspends Co-Founder Leandro Vieira

Shortly after Atos’ announcement, Checkmat released its own statement confirming that Leandro Vieira, one of the organization’s founders and longtime leaders, has been suspended from all Checkmat affiliation while a civil case remains unresolved.

Official Statement from Checkmat Headquarters

“Checkmat is governed by a collective leadership structure, and matters of this nature are addressed through established internal processes. The leadership board has reconvened to review a matter previously brought before the organization involving a former member of the leadership board.

When allegations were first made, the board removed the individual from any leadership role while allowing limited affiliation pending resolution of an ongoing civil proceeding, which remains unresolved.

As part of the board’s ongoing responsibility to reassess unresolved matters that affect organizational standards, the leadership board has voted to suspend the individual from all Checkmat affiliation until the civil action is resolved.

This is an administrative governance decision made to uphold organizational standards and responsibilities. It is not a finding of fact and not a response to public commentary.

Checkmat remains committed to maintaining a safe, professional, and respectful training environment across all affiliated academies. No further public comment will be made while the matter is pending.”

In parallel, Leo Vieira, Leandro Vieira’s brother and Checkmat co-founder, released a personal statement confirming that Leandro remains suspended from team activities while awaiting judicial resolution, emphasizing integrity, responsibility, and the presumption of innocence.

A Historic Shift in Jiu-Jitsu Power Structures

Atos and Checkmat are not merely two large teams — they are the two most dominant associations in modern competitive Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, responsible for producing countless world champions, academy networks across dozens of countries, and shaping the sport’s culture for over 15 years.

That both organizations have now removed their most powerful figures — each facing allegations involving minors — marks a turning point few in the BJJ community ever expected to witness.

The consequences are already visible:

• Mass affiliate departures from Atos across the U.S., UK, Australia, and Europe
• Suspension of long-standing sponsorships
• Public reckoning over safeguarding, hierarchy, and accountability
• Growing calls for structural reform across all major teams

What Comes Next

As of now:

• No criminal verdicts have been issued
• Civil proceedings remain ongoing
• Both organizations state they are cooperating with legal and administrative processes

However, the damage to trust within the community , particularly among parents, youth competitors, and academy owners, is profound.

What happens next may define the future of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu:

whether the sport continues to operate under centralized, personality-driven hierarchies — or moves toward transparent governance, external oversight, and athlete protection systems that extend beyond loyalty and lineage.

One thing is clear: the era of unquestioned authority at the top of Jiu-Jitsu has been fundamentally shaken.

Sloth Jiu-Jitsu: The Ultimate Guide for Calmly Beating Bigger, Younger Opponents

💥 What if slowing down was the fastest way to win? 💭 Tired of Getting Smashed by Younger, Stronger Grapplers? It’s not your age. It’s your strategy. If you’re a passionate grappler over 35 who’s sick of getting outpaced, outmuscled, or out-cardio’d by opponents half your age — this 120 page e-book was made for you. 🔓 Unlock the Power of Sloth Jiu-Jitsu:

Build Sustainable Strength—Without Wrecking Your Joints, Energy, or Jiu-Jitsu

Tired of waking up sore and burnt out after lifting? Sloth Strength is a proven blueprint for grapplers over 35 who want to get stronger—without the pain, burnout, or injuries.

Developed from 25 years on the mats, this no-burnout approach is made specifically for BJJ athletes in their 30s, 40s, and beyond.