Andre Galvao is returning to competition, this time as a competitor rather than a coach.

The ATOS founder’s name has appeared on the registration list for the Master 3 heavyweight division at the IBJJF No-Gi Pan American Championship.

Galvao built his reputation as one of the most decorated athletes of his generation, and stepping away from the traditional tournament scene apparently hasn’t dulled that competitive drive.
His entry places him in a Master 3 heavyweight bracket that already had 13 athletes confirmed.

The decision to compete comes just weeks after Galvao returned to coaching at ATOS headquarters in San Diego, ending a brief, self-imposed break from the gym floor.

That pause followed former student Alexa Herse publicly accusing Galvao of acting inappropriately toward women on his team, allegations Galvao has described as false and retaliatory – stating he cooperated with law enforcement throughout:

I have been fully willing to cooperate with law enforcement and with all jiu-jitsu organizations in this matter. In fact, I already reached out to the San Diego Police Department first.
They never called me, they never contacted me.

And I went there to make sure that they know that I’m very clear on supporting and helping them, and I’m ready to assist in any way possible.

The fallout within his own affiliation has been significant.
Kaynan Duarte, Josh Hinger, Andy Murasaki, and Lucas “Hulk” Barbosa have all left the team, and Atos Northwest formally cut ties through its own statement after more than a decade under the Atos banner.

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