The first rumblings surrounding the Andre Galvao incident emerged when an anonymous profile reposted video footage of Gordon Ryan slapping Galvao across several Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu communities online.
The profile was not initially taken seriously given Galvao’s previously uncontroversial public image.
Since then a number of high profile athletes have left Atos. This resulted in official statements released by Alexa Herse, Andre Galvao and the IBJJF. Many within the community waited for Ryan to weigh in.
Ryan’s animosity toward Galvao has been well documented over the years, although both have since retired from elite competition.
What few expected was that Ryan’s first public reaction to the Team Atos split would focus not on Galvao but on Craig Jones.
Ryan took to Instagram with commentary that sidestepped the substance of the Galvao situation entirely. Instead, he centered his remarks on Jones’s response or lack thereof.
Ryan suggested Jones only speaks out when personal motivation exists.
Jones did voice his support for those affected at Atos and even went and shared this seemingly in an attempt to silence Herse and others.
The text in Portuguese translates to ‘don’t bite the hand that feeds you’.
Jones has periodically reshared statements of support on social media but has not issued extended commentary on the Galvao situation.
The Galvao allegations center on claims made by Alexa Herse, who trained at Atos since childhood.
Herse alleged that Galvao would interrupt her training to partner with her, make s**ual moaning sounds in her ear while on top of her and that when his head was very close to hers he licked her ear.
Equally concerning to Herse was the response she said she received after bringing her concerns to Angelica Galvao, Andre Galvao’s wife.
Galvao has categorically denied all accusations in a written statement dated February 1, 2026.
