One of the most decorated Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) champions of all time is currently embroiled in scandal. Andre Galvao is being accused of sexual misconduct toward multiple women, with a teenage student reportedly filing charges against the renowned grappler and coach.
Even prior to the first public accusation, multiple high-profile athletes and coaches have spoken out against “abusers” and distanced themselves from the renowned Atos team. Dozens more grapplers, Atos affiliate gyms, and sponsors have since followed suit, publicly severing ties with Galvao and hurting his lucrative brand.
In the wake of all this, Atos themselves have now released similar sentiment.
Statement: Andre Galvao, Angelica Galvao ‘separated’ from ‘all associated roles’ in Atos
Atos is now attempting to distance themselves from both Galvao and his wife, Angelica Galvao, who is also being accused of trying to cover up and silence an alleged victim.
Galvao has previously denied allegations of abuse, dismissing the accusations as grievances over “financial changes” in his team. While he promised to defend his “integrity,” Atos has now released a new statement with a completely different tone.
Through the Atos Jiu-Jitsu Headquarters page, it announced that both coaches won’t continue in “their position and all associated roles” in Atos.
“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,” the statement read.
“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.”
Atos also claims that it plans to conduct a third-party investigation on Galvao.
“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. As you may expect, the official reflection of these legal and business changes will take some time but it is being actively pursued, as we are taking this matter very seriously,” it wrote.
“…. For over 15 years, ATOS has served hundreds of students, athletes and visitors worldwide and has been recognized as one of the most accomplished teams in the history of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. To preserve the integrity of our organization, we will remain united and take the necessary measures to continue our mission responsibly and ethically.”
Atos Jiu Jitsu LLC is owned by Andre Galvao
In its statement distancing the brand from Galvao, it noted that, “ATOS is a team built and led by multiple athletes, instructors and role models” and promised to “continue our work guided by our core principles, providing high-quality Jiu-Jitsu in a safe and respectful environment.”
While it’s true that Atos pays other coaches to run classes, it is worth noting that Galvao isn’t just a figurehead or head coach hired by the company like the other instructors.
Historically, Atos credits both Galvao and Ramon Lemos as the co-founders in 2008, with the latter eventually moving on to become the coach of the UAE National Team in 2017. Atos has since been synonymous with Galvao, and that is also reflected on paper.
MMAmania.com has obtained California business documents filed in 2025 for “Atos Jiu Jitsu LLC,” which lists Andre Galvao as the individual agent and sole contact, manager and CEO on record.
The documents also list the company address as 4810 Mercury Street, San Diego, which is of course, the location of “Atos Jiu Jitsu HQ.”
The same Atos Jiu Jitsu HQ social media page, which released the statement above, has also removed many posts that featured Andre and Angelica on their profile.
Atos has lost dozens of affiliate gyms in the wake of these allegations, which will cost the company several thousands in monthly fees alone.
FOR THE LATEST BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU (BJJ) AND GRAPPLING-RELATED NEWS CLICK HERE. FOR ADDITIONAL GRAPPLING CONTENT, FOLLOW @BJJBEAT ON INSTAGRAM.