Kaynan Duarte announced his departure from Atos amid ongoing controversy surrounding founder Andre Galvao.
In a formal statement, Duarte addressed the recent developments that have rocked the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu community.
“Brazilian athlete Kaynan Duarte, one of the leading figures in international jiu-jitsu and submission grappling, hereby makes a public statement in an ethical, respectful, responsible, and transparent manner regarding the recent developments involving the Atos Jiu Jitsu brand and its management.”
Despite the separation, Duarte expressed appreciation for his time under Galvao’s guidance.
“The athlete expresses his gratitude to Andre Galvao for the partnership that began in 2016, for the trust, guidance, and joint work that directly contributed to his consolidation on the world jiu-jitsu stage.”
The statement emphasized that Duarte’s role within the organization was strictly as an athlete.
“The athlete clarifies that he does not take part in the organization’s management, operational decisions, or internal processes, maintaining a position of institutional distance consistent with his exclusively athletic role and public image.”
Commenters online were quick to point out that Duarte likely used AI to help him craft the statement.
Duarte’s departure follows a wave of high-profile exits from Atos in recent days. Lucas ‘Hulk’ Barbosa officially ended his affiliation with the team through a statement from his academy, Atos Northwest, after dedicating over a decade to the organization. Bruno Frazatto, JT Torres, Dom Bell, Lucas Pinheiro, and Gustavo Batista have all publicly announced their separations from the team.
The exodus comes after former Atos student Alexa Herse made serious allegations against Andre Galvao. Herse stated she has filed a report with local law enforcement. Andre Galvao has categorically denied the allegations, calling them false rumors and suggesting they originated from someone with a personal vendetta.
Duarte’s competitive schedule remains focused on international competition.
“For the 2026 competitive cycle, his strategic planning includes high-level international preparation and global competitions, with absolute focus on the ADCC (Abu Dhabi Combat Club), in Poland, consolidating his presence on the world stage.”
The statement concluded by reinforcing Duarte’s priorities.
“With a career marked by professionalism, discipline, and credibility built over years of dedication to high performance, he reinforces that his focus remains entirely on sport, on his development as an athlete, and on building a solid career path.”
Full statament:
OFFICIAL STATEMENT
To the press, partners, sponsors, sports organizations, and the general public
Brazilian athlete Kaynan Duarte, one of the leading figures in international jiu-jitsu and submission grappling, hereby makes a public statement in an ethical, respectful, responsible, and transparent manner regarding the recent developments involving the Atos Jiu Jitsu brand and its management. In particular, the athlete expresses his gratitude to André Galvão for the partnership that began in 2016, for the trust, guidance, and joint work that directly contributed to his consolidation on the world jiu-jitsu stage.
At this moment, Kaynan announces the beginning of a new cycle in his career, following different paths, with a focus on new perspectives, new projects, and the strengthening of his professional trajectory.
From an institutional standpoint, the athlete clarifies that he does not take part in the organization’s management, operational decisions, or internal processes, maintaining a position of institutional distance consistent with his exclusively athletic role and public image. He reaffirms his personal commitment to values such as ethics, transparency, and integrity, recognizing that situations of this nature are serious and must be investigated responsibly by the competent authorities.
With a career marked by professionalism, discipline, and credibility—built over years of dedication to high performance—he reinforces that his focus remains entirely on sport, on his development as an athlete, and on building a solid career path. For the 2026 competitive cycle, his strategic planning includes high-level international preparation and global competitions, with absolute focus on the ADCC (Abu Dhabi Combat Club), in Poland, consolidating his presence on the world stage.
This statement is institutional, preventive, and informative in nature, aimed at ensuring public clarity, image preservation, communication responsibility, and legal security.
Kaynan Duarte
Professional Jiu-Jitsu Athlete
