Prominent Brazilian jiu-jitsu coach arrested on suspicion of sexual abuse

Considered by many to be the greatest ju-jitsu coach in Brazil today, even called the Brazilian John Danahar, Melquizael Galvao was arrested on Tuesday in Brazil for suspected sexual crimes against female students in Manaus.

The father of Micael Galvão (Mica), considered the biggest name in jiu-Jjtsu in Brazil today, Melqui is also a civil police officer in the state of Amazonas.

The temporary arrest was decreed after complaints gathered by the 8th Women's Defense Police Station (DDM), which is investigating reports of abuse involving at least three victims. According to the police, the complainants presented a recording in which the suspect indirectly admits to the incident and tries to prevent the case from going forward, with the promise of financial compensation. The 13-minute audio recording of Melquizael's plea to the victim's parents went viral throughout the jiu-jitsu community. In the recording, the coach acknowledges his mistake, swears remorse, promises financial compensation to the student's parents, and even mentions suicide if they proceed with reporting him.

During the investigation, two other possible victims were identified in different states of the country. In their testimonies, they reported similar episodes. In one of the cases, the victim stated that she was 12 years old at the time of the events.

According to the police, Melqui Galvão had traveled less than 24 hours earlier to the state of Amazonas, where he also works as a civil police officer. After contact between the corporations, he presented himself to the authorities in Manaus, where his arrest was carried out.

The case has generated strong repercussions in the jiu-jitsu community. The suspect is known in the sports world and is the father of multi-champion Mica Galvão, who, after several world titles and the ADCC, had already been planning the migration to MMA in the welterweight division. In addition to Mica, Melqui also trained champions from the white belt level, such as Diogo Reis (2022 ADCC champion), Fabricio Andrey and Thalison Soares.

Mica Galvao Reacts

After Melqui's departure, 22-year-old Mica Galvão, who now resides in the United States and has a son with Olympic champion Amit Elor, born in January 2026 (Aryeh Elor Galvão), took over leadership of the team. On his Instagram, Mica made an official statement saying he was devastated by what happened, but asking that justice be served.

“It’s difficult to find words for a moment like this,” he wrote. “My father, Melqui Galvão, was the one who put me on the mat for the first time as a child. He taught me to fight, to compete, to respect my opponent, and to have character. Everything I have achieved in life has his hand in it. My gratitude and love for him are real and will not change. At the same time, I feel obligated to be honest. May the facts be investigated seriously and may justice fulfill its role. I repudiate any type of harassment against women and children. This is a value I carry and for which I make no exceptions. I am processing all of this as a son, an athlete, and a human being. I move forward taking care of the team with the same respect and dedication as always.”