Australian grappler Izaak Michell, recently expelled from one of the world’s most prominent jiu-jitsu training facilities, now faces formal charges in Texas and has been named to Hays County’s Top 12 Fugitives list.
The 26-year-old athlete is wanted on a second-degree felony charge of SA, with authorities offering a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading directly to his arrest or indictment. Law enforcement officials have issued a stern warning to the public: “Use caution—subject is a martial arts expert” and “Never attempt to apprehend wanted persons yourself.”
Michell’s last known residence was in Austin, located in Travis County, Texas. According to the official fugitive notice, he stands approximately 5’11” and weighs between 185 and 195 pounds. He is described as having a shaved head, green eyes, and multiple tattoos on both arms.
BJJ icon Craig Jones posted about it on his social media, urging people to remain vigilant and provide any information if available.
The charges come after multiple women came forward with allegations against Michell, who had recently won the ADCC Asia trials in the 170 lbs (77kg) division. Two women have now spoken publicly about their experiences, including Hannah Griffith, an IBJJF No-Gi World Champion and three-time Pans No-Gi gold medalist.
Griffith, a 23-year-old brown belt from South Africa who trains under renowned coach John Danaher, shared a detailed statement on social media describing her experience and the response from her training facility.
“I truly don’t believe I would have had the courage to come forward if my brother hadn’t helped be my voice in the beginning and advocate for me, alongside others who supported me,” Griffith wrote. “I also want to acknowledge that when I informed my coaches John Danaher, Gordon Ryan, and Garry Tonon they responded with immediate seriousness, compassion, and action. They removed Izaak from the gym and made it clear that my safety and well-being were their priority.”
Griffith explained that speaking publicly was not a decision she made lightly, particularly given the timing of the alleged assault, which occurred just one week before she was scheduled to compete at the World Championships.
“I am normally a very private person, and speaking publicly about my personal life is something I never imagined I would have to do,” she wrote. “However, after deep reflection, I feel morally obligated to share what happened to me. Not for attention, but because silence allows harmful behavior to continue.”
She was explicit in characterizing the nature of the incident: “What happened to me was not a misunderstanding, mixed signals, or a moment of confusion. It was a clear violation of my consent. Consent is unmistakable, and responsibility always lies with the person who chooses to ignore it.”
A second woman, Ariel De Haro, a real estate professional from Austin, Texas, also came forward with allegations. De Haro stated she is “in no way part of the BJJ community” but decided to share her experience to encourage other women to come forward.
“Months ago, I experienced a violation of my consent by someone I knew, Izaak Michell,” De Haro wrote. “I didn’t share this right away because I needed time to process what happened and to feel safe enough to put words to it. That silence wasn’t confusion or uncertainty. It was fear, shock, and the weight of trying to understand something that never should have happened.”
De Haro addressed others who might have had similar experiences: “If you’ve experienced something similar, please know you’re not weak for taking time, and you’re not wrong for protecting yourself. Your boundaries matter. Your ‘no’ matters. And you are not alone.”
The allegations first came to light through the Simple Man podcast, where co-host Nicky Ryan confirmed that Michell was removed from Kingsway Jiu-Jitsu after multiple women reported to authorities.
“Pretty much just because I believe like multiple different women went to the police, you know claiming that he SAd them,” Ryan explained during the show.
According to the podcast hosts, Michell traveled to Thailand, where ADCC trials were taking place, though his current whereabouts remain unknown to authorities.
“It seems like he might be trying to hide out there, but I don’t know,” one host said, while another added: “I think it’s a visitors thing for like you could probably only stay there for like a month or something.”
Griffith concluded her statement by encouraging other women who may have experienced similar situations to speak up.
“If you have been a person harmed by Izaak Michell, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me personally,” Griffith wrote. “I can also put you in contact with advocacy which is a hundred percent confidential or direct you to authorities.”
She added: “For the women who feel alone, unheard, or afraid to take that first step. If you have experienced something similar, please know that your ‘no’ matters, your feelings matter, and your safety matters. It was not your fault, and you are not alone.”
Hays County is requesting that anyone with information regarding Michell or his whereabouts contact them anonymously at 1-800-324-TIPS (8477), submit tips online , or use the P3 Tips app. The warrants were active at the time of the fugitive notice posting.
