Melqui Galvao, who is by far the most prominent jiu-jitsu coach in Brazil, was arrested for various charges, including alleged sexual assault of a minor.
Galvao has been regarded as one of the top BJJ coaches in the world, with several world champion students like his son and top pound-for-pound star Mica Galvao, and fellow ADCC world champ “Baby Shark” Diogo Reis. He has built an empire in Brazil off of that success, and is known for developing young talent from his massive pool of juvenile grapplers
in his “BJJ college.”
Teenage students like David Santos and Julio Martins also both recently beat several older black belts to win ADCC South American Trials.
Galvao, 46, has since been accused of sexual assault of minors and students from that same juvenile BJJ program.
Media outlets in Brazil reported that on April 23, 2026, local authorities issued a temporary arrest warrant for 30 days, with Melqui Galvao eventually turning himself on April 28th. Police also reportedly searched Galvao’s properties in Sao Paulo, obtaining cellphones and computers as part of the investigation.
Documents attributed to the Sao Paulo Court of Justice show that Galvao is currently being investigated and charged for the following:
- Article 147: Threatening or intimidating someone.
- Article 154-A: Unauthorized access to electronic devices in order to obtain, tamper or destroy data.
- Article 215-A: Sexual misconduct, engaging in lewd acts against someone without consent.
- Article 217-A: Statutory rape, or sexual acts with a vulnerable person under the age of 14.
Multiple local reports in Brazil noted how police have identified at least three alleged victims. A 17-year-old claims to have been abused during an overseas trip for a competition in Europe, while another victim was reportedly just 12-years-old at the time of another incident.
Audio clip allegedly shows Melqui Galvao offering compensation to victim’s family
Evidence and witness statements were reportedly sent to a Women’s defense police station in Brazil, which includes an audio message that Galvao allegedly sent to the victim’s parents after the incident.
Brazil’s SBT News has since aired portions of the audio clip, with a voice reportedly attributed to Melqui Galvao, heard admitting and apologizing for inappropriate behavior. The man in the clip is heard offering compensation in exchange for silence, which includes a black belt promotion and a BJJ school in Orlando, Florida.
The investigation is still on going, but if convicted, Melqui Galvao could be facing over 15 years in prison.
Galvao also has ties to local authorities, as he has reportedly been serving as an appointed civil Police investigator and has regularly trained police officers across the country. SBT News also reportedly spoke to other students in the gym, noting that Galvao’s extensive police connections prevented various complaints from moving forward.
IBJJF bans Melqui Galvao after arrest, son Mica Galvao issues statement
In the aftermath of the arrest, Melqui’s son Mica Galvao has since issued a statement. The BJJ superstar and 2024 Super Grand Slam winner said he is still “processing” the events, but denounces any form of harassment and violence against women and children.
“Everything I’ve achieved in life bears his hand,” Mica wrote about his father. “My gratitude and my love for him are real and unchanged. At the same time, I feel obligated to be honest: let the facts be investigated seriously and let Justice fulfill its role.
“As a person, I repudiate any form of harassment or violence against women and children – this is a value I carry with me and that admits no exception.
“I don’t have answers to everything right now. I’m processing this as a son, as an athlete, and as a human being. What I know is that I have responsibilities to the people who believe in me, to the team that means so much to so many athletes. And it is for them that I direct my energy now. I move forward with the same respect and dedication as always.”
The IBJJF, along with its Brazil arm CBJJ, have also since released a statement, banning Melqui Galvao from all of their events moving forward.
“The CBJJ and IBJJF hereby inform that Melqui Galvão is permanently banned from their organizations and is strictly prohibited from participating in any events or activities sanctioned by these entities,” the statement read. “The CBJJ and IBJJF vehemently repudiate any behavior that violates the integrity and safety of practitioners, especially when the victims are children and adolescents.
“We commend the athletes who had the courage to come forward and expose these acts of violence, empowering other victims to feel encouraged to denounce their abusers. The CBJJ and IBJJF clarify that all cases of abuse will be handled with the utmost rigor and reaffirm their commitment to ensuring safe, ethical, and respectful environments in all their activities.”
Melqui Galvao is unrelated to BJJ legend Andre Galvao, another high profile coach recently accused of sexual misconduct towards his teenage students.
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