A new lawsuit has been filed that adds to the growing wave of abuse-related cases confronting the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu community.
Former student Julia Trevino has initiated legal action in California against Leandro Vieira, one of the founders of Checkmat.
The lawsuit includes allegations of sexual abuse, inappropriate conduct, and the exploitation of a position of authority during the period in which Vieira served as her instructor.
In a public statement shared on social media, Trevino described the psychological pressure she says kept her silent at the time:
I felt shame, fear, and fear of losing the only thing I knew I wanted to build as my future.
Beyond the allegations against Vieira himself, the lawsuit also names NorCal Checkmat Management and the American Kickboxing Academy.
According to the filing, these entities are accused of failures in supervision, institutional negligence, and attempts to conceal or mishandle evidence related to the alleged abuse.
The case is currently moving through the California legal system, and all allegations remain under judicial review.
No rulings have been made at this stage.
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Trevino has shared a more detailed account of what had happened via her own social media:
About 10 years ago, when I was still a minor, a figure of authority I trusted – my professor – made unwanted se*ual advances with me as we traveled to my first Pan as a Juvenile.
I’ve known and trusted this person from a very young age – as a second father figure during a difficult period in my life.
It was confusing and overwhelming, and I didn’t feel safe to tell anyone.I felt ashamed, afraid, and terrified of losing the one thing I knew i wanted to build as a future.
And today, honestly, being silent is one of my biggest regrets.
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