In the wake of serious allegations against Andre Galvao and mounting pressure on Atos Jiu Jitsu HQ, one of the team’s most prominent athletes has quietly severed ties with the organization he helped elevate to international prominence.
Lucas Barbosa has officially ended his affiliation with Atos through a statement released by his academy, Atos Northwest. The announcement comes as the BJJ community continues to process allegations made by former Atos student Alexa Herse and the subsequent mass departure of high level athletes from the team.
“We want to address the recent events at Atos HQ. Our school is independently and locally owned, we are committed to maintaining a safe, respectful environment for our members and we take this matter very seriously therefore after careful consideration, we have ended our affiliation with Atos.”
The decision represents a significant personal cost for Barbosa who dedicated more than a decade to building the Atos brand.
“Lucas devoted over 10 years to the team, pouring in blood, sweat and tears and it’s taking time to adjust to the right path forward would be and how to build a new beginning.”
Barbosa’s departure adds to an already substantial list of prominent athletes distancing themselves from the organization. Bruno Frazatto, JT Torres, Dom Bell, Lucas Pinheiro and Gustavo Batista have all publicly announced their separations from Atos in recent days.
Batista’s statement was particularly direct noting that the leadership’s actions were unacceptable and makes our permanence in the team unsustainable.
In her public statement Herse described what she characterized as a pattern of inappropriate behavior over six months alleging that Galvao touched her inappropriately during training sessions and repeatedly commented on her body and appearance.
Perhaps equally concerning to many in the community was Herse’s account of seeking help from Angelica Galvao.
“I reached out to Angelica Galvão, someone I have always looked up to as a second mother and who has known me and mentored me since I was a kid. Not only did she do nothing about it, she told me not to say anything and told me 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 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 who recently left ATOS before this whole thing happened and this person is not even stated in the rumors but obviously has a personal vendetta due to financial cuts and administrative decisions.
Following days of departures and public pressure Atos HQ released a statement announcing that Andre and Angelica Galvao would be immediately and indefinitely separated from their positions and all associated roles within the organization.
For Barbosa and his team at Atos Northwest the path forward involves both practical and emotional challenges.
“As of public records, we no longer have any association with Atos and the internal transition and rebranding are in progress. Leaving was only part of the decision, determining what comes next took careful planning but we are excited to announce more details soon about the new team we are building, it will be a new era and a bright beginning.”
The statement concludes:
“Our principles, team and foundation remains the same. Lucas has dedicated his life to the sport, to our team, our students and family. He will continue to do so.”
Full Statement:
