*pictured Nicole Matthew and Rosie Miller alongside Andre Galvao
The Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu community faces a moment of reckoning as champion Nicole Matthews announces her decision to step back from competition, citing concerns over problematic leadership within the sport.
Matthews released a public statement addressing what she describes as a pattern of misconduct across multiple prominent teams.
“When I said at the end of 2026 I would be retiring from competing like I have been and taking on a bigger leadership role this is why,” Matthews wrote. “Another team and more foul accusations that are seemingly true. Lets be so real that makes 3 teams that are associated with some nefarious s**t.”
The competitor expressed frustration with what she perceives as widespread complicity.
“Its hard to fathom that so many are willing to look the other way when we KNOW the kind of shit theyve been doing behind closed doors. Morals and ethics arent real if you pick them only when convenient,” Matthews continued in her statement.
Her announcement comes amid growing tensions within the BJJ community, particularly surrounding Team Atos, one of the sport’s most established organizations. Recent weeks have seen several high-profile departures from the team, though official explanations remain limited.
It should be noted that Mathews trains at Method jiu-jitsu and is not a part of team Atos.
Nick Salles, a black belt under Mikey Musumeci, amplified Matthews’ concerns by sharing his own observations.
“I’ve heard truly horrific and hein0us things about a well-known gym today and its head instructor, and it’s painful to see a sport I love so deeply associated with that kind of harm and evil,” Salles stated. “Now, more than ever, we need people to stand up against injustices when you see it. Remaining silent and doing nothing IS violence.”
Former Atos Competitor Rose Miller has taken concrete action, removing her affiliation with Atos from her social media profiles and terminating her membership.
In a post on Reddit, Miller explained her position:
“I have removed Atos from my bio, removed my promotion post, and cancelled my membership today. I have only trained there once in the last 2 weeks as this information has been coming out.”
Miller indicated she possesses information she cannot yet disclose publicly.
“I am not able to say more at this time but I am standing with the girls and am supporting them in sharing more when they’re ready. This is deeply troubling and sad time for us. All my energy is currently dedicated making safe spaces for the girls and women. I will make a public statement as soon as I am able.”
While Miller was seen training at Team Legion following her departure from Atos, she has clarified she has not joined that organization.
The upheaval extends beyond Miller. ADCC champion Rafaela Guedes is also parting ways with Atos, though she did not respond to requests for comment.
Additionally, Andy Murasaki was observed training at Kingsway, a location associated with Gordon Ryan, which represents an unusual development given Ryan’s connection to Andre Galvao and the Atos organization.
For Matthews, these developments underscore her central argument about the need for structural change within BJJ.
“Jiu jitsu for far too long has been led by toxic and corrupt men. This is my why,” she wrote. “We NEED strong, powerful female leadership in this sport that makes champions. A safe space for everyone.”
