

Melquizael Galvao, a prominent Brazilian jiu-jitsu coach, was arrested in Manaus on suspicion of sexual abuse against female students. The arrest followed complaints and a viral audio recording in which he allegedly admits to the incidents and offers financial compensation to victims' families.
Mentioned in this story
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 GalvĂŁo (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 GalvĂŁo 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 GalvĂŁo, 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.
After Melqui's departure, 22-year-old Mica GalvĂŁo, who now resides in the United States and has a son with Olympic champion Amit Elor, born in January 2026 (Aryeh Elor GalvĂŁo), 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.
âItâs difficult to find words for a moment like this,â he wrote. âMy father, Melqui GalvĂŁo, 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.â
Melquizael Galvao is suspected of sexual abuse against female students, with complaints involving at least three victims.
The arrest was based on complaints and a viral audio recording where Galvao allegedly admits to the incidents and offers financial compensation.
At least three victims have reported abuse, with two additional possible victims identified during the investigation.
In addition to being a jiu-jitsu coach, Melquizael Galvao is also a civil police officer in the state of Amazonas.

Grosse Pointe South girls lacrosse team boasts a strong 12-4 record and top 10 ranking!

Nensi Patel gets her first call-up as New Zealand prepares for T20 World Cup, with key players set to retire.
Jeremy Milam wins $5,000 in Kentucky Derby Festival hole-in-one contest!
70-Year-Old Mateos Gonzalez Set to Make History in Spanish Soccer
See every story in Sports â including breaking news and analysis.
The Melquizael case is yet another case of harassment against female students that shakes the gigantic jiu-jitsu community in Brazil and the U.S.. Before Melquizael, in February 2026, multi-world champion Andre GalvĂŁo, who despite having the same last name is not related to Melqui, had also been denounced by a student.