The fracture lines running through one of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu’s most prominent teams have widened dramatically as an affiliate instructor who publicly defended Andre Galvao now alleges that some departing competitors face far worse accusations than those leveled against the embattled team founder.
Jonathas Eliaquim, head instructor at Atos Zurich, escalated the controversy in a series of Instagram comments claiming that certain high profile athletes who recently left the organization engaged in relationships with teen girls and that their public departures were motivated by self preservation rather than principle.
The comments represent a significant escalation in the fallout from allegations made by Alexa Herse, who trained at Atos since childhood. Herse publicly accused Andre Galvao of inappropriate touching during training sessions and repeated comments about her body and appearance over a six month period. When she sought help from Angelica Galvao, Herse said she was told:
“not to say anything”
and advised that:
“if it’s wrong, you have to at least act like it’s right. And don’t bite the hand that feeds you.”
Herse has confirmed filing a report with local law enforcement.
The allegations prompted a mass departure from Atos San Diego. Bruno Frazatto, JT Torres, Dom Bell, Lucas Pinheiro, Gustavo Batista, Lucas “Hulk” Barbosa and Kaynan Duarte all publicly announced they were leaving the team. Many cited fundamental disagreements with leadership’s handling of the situation.
“I would like to say that we do not agree with and do not condone the actions taken by the team’s leadership. This type of attitude is unacceptable.”
Among those who stayed the only major names are Davi Ramos and Ronaldo Junior. It’s speculated that Galvao might be sponsoring his visa therefor putting him in a really tough situation.
Eliaquim now claims those departures were not what they appeared.
The Swiss instructor went further, suggesting that some individuals within the organization attempted to address these alleged incidents but were thwarted.
The timing of these allegations coincides with Eliaquim’s announcement of the “Atos Pink Team” program, launched on Valentine’s Day. The initiative offers four free Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes per week to women who have experienced “any type of unwanted situation” across three European locations in Zurich, Basel and Combourg in France.
The program drew immediate skepticism given its proximity to Eliaquim’s controversial defense of the Galvaos.
