MAJOR UPDATE: Athlete Speaks Publicly as Andre Galvão Responds

Developing story – by Evelyn Sutton

A significant development has emerged in the ongoing situation surrounding Atos Jiu-Jitsu and head instructor Andre Galvão, following public statements released by former Atos athlete Alexa Herse and Galvão himself.

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Alexa Herse Releases Detailed Public Statement

In a multi-slide Instagram post shared publicly, Alexa Herse, a longtime athlete who trained under the Atos banner beginning in her youth, formally announced her departure from the team and alleged a pattern of inappropriate behavior by Andre Galvão during training.

In her statement, Herse describes conduct she says made her uncomfortable and distressed, including unwanted physical contact and comments that she characterizes as crossing professional boundaries. She states that these experiences occurred within the context of a coach-athlete power dynamic and that coming forward has been emotionally difficult.

Herse also alleges that when she attempted to raise concerns internally, her experiences were dismissed rather than addressed, contributing to her decision to speak publicly. She emphasized that her intent in coming forward is not retaliation, but accountability and protection for others.

Her statement marks the first time a former Atos athlete has publicly named Galvão and described specific allegations under her own identity, escalating the situation beyond anonymous reports and online discussion.

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View this post on Instagram

A post shared by ALEXA HERSE (@alexahersejj)

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Herse Describes Attempt to Report Concerns to Angelica Galvão and told to be silent and warned not to “bite the hands that feeds you”

In her statement, Herse also alleges that she attempted to address her concerns internally by reaching out to Angelica Galvão, Andre Galvão’s wife and a senior figure within the Atos organization. Herse says she viewed Angelica as a trusted mentor who had known her since childhood. According to Herse, her concerns were not acted upon and she was instead advised to remain silent, including being told to “at least act like it’s right” and warned not to “bite the hand that feeds you.” Herse alleges that this response left her feeling dismissed and unprotected, and that efforts were later made to discredit her, which she says contributed to her decision to speak publicly.

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Andre Galvão Issues Public Denial

Shortly after Herse’s post began circulating, Andre Galvão released a written statement on his own social media platforms.

In his response, Galvão categorically denied the allegations, stating that the claims being shared are false and asserting that he has always worked to maintain a respectful and professional training environment. He framed the controversy as the result of misinformation and internal disputes and stated that he intends to defend his reputation and his family.

Galvão’s statement did not address Herse’s allegations point by point, but emphasized his history in the sport and the values he says Atos represents. Comments on his post were disabled.

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View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Andre Galvao Official (@galvaobjj)

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“This is my truth, and I know for a fact that I am not the only victim. To the other girls — I hope this gives you the courage to come forward.”

Alexa herse

What Is Known and What Is Not

• Alexa Herse has publicly alleged misconduct and identified Andre Galvão by name.
  
• Andre Galvão has publicly denied all allegations.
  
• No court rulings or publicly confirmed legal outcomes have been announced as of publication.
  
• The situation remains active and developing.

Jiujiteira Magazine will continue to distinguish clearly between allegations, responses, and verified developments, and will update coverage as new, confirmed information becomes available.

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Why This Moment Matters

Regardless of outcome, this moment has forced our community to confront difficult but necessary questions about power, accountability, and safeguarding.

Jiu-Jitsu relies on trust, proximity, and submission. Without clear protections and transparent systems, those dynamics can be misused. Strong safeguarding standards are not accusations. They are a responsibility.

Silence, minimization, or dismissal erodes trust. Clear processes, accountability, and the courage to speak up protect athletes and the future of the sport.

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Community Impact and Ongoing Departures

These statements come amid ongoing reports of athletes and staff distancing themselves from Atos, with multiple departures observed in recent weeks. While not all individuals have made public statements, the cumulative effect has intensified scrutiny of leadership, culture, and safeguarding practices within elite jiu-jitsu environments.

The broader Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu community remains deeply divided. Some call for due process and restraint, while others emphasize the historical difficulty women face when reporting misconduct in hierarchical sports systems.

Reported Departures from Atos

As of early February 2026

While Atos Jiu-Jitsu has not released a formal public roster update, multiple departures and distancing moves have been widely reported and observed within the Brazilian jiu-jitsu community following recent allegations and public statements.

Reported to have left or publicly distanced themselves:

• Alexa Herse – publicly confirmed departure via Instagram statement
• Andy Murasaki – reported to be gone
• Rafaela Guedes – reported to be gone
• Rafael Silveira – reported to be gone
• Bruno Frazzatto – reported to have left
• Two senior women coaches/professoras – reported to be gone
• Multiple front desk and administrative staff – reported to be gone
  
  Additional observations:
• Several athletes have been seen training at other academies in the days and weeks following these developments.
• Some individuals have not yet announced long-term team affiliations publicly.
• Not all departures have been accompanied by public statements.
  
  At this time, no comprehensive or official list has been released by Atos, and Jiujiteira Magazine continues to distinguish between confirmed public statements and community-reported information.
  
  

“I grew up training at Atos. Andre Galvão promoted me to grey belt as a child. I once looked up to him not only as my professor, but as a hero and a father figure.”

alexa herse

You are Not Alone

If you or someone you know has experienced misconduct within a Jiu-Jitsu academy and needs support, consider reaching out to professional advocacy organizations or legal counsel equipped to handle sensitive matters involving athletes and minors.

📞 U.S. Crisis Hotlines
• 800-656-HOPE (Sexual Assault)
• 800-799-SAFE (Domestic Violence)
• 988 (Crisis Support)
• 800-422-4453 (Child Abuse)
• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 for immediate support nationwide

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