The arrest of Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt instructor Melqui Galvao on suspicion of offenses involving a minor drew immediate and pointed responses from the athletes with closest ties to him. Mica Galvao, Diogo Reis and Amit Elor each addressed the situation publicly, all three making clear their opposition to any form of harassment or agression against women and children while reckoning in their own ways with the personal weight of their connections to the man at the center of the allegations.
The International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) and the Confederação Brasileira de Jiu-Jitsu (CBJJ) moved swiftly, jointly announcing a permanent ban against Galvao and closing every door to sanctioned competition and participation under their respective organizations.
Galvao was taken into custody after a prison warrant was issued by the Court of Justice of the State of São Paulo, routed through a court that specializes in matters concerning children and adolescents. Records reviewed through the Brazilian legal database Jusbrasil.com.br place the warrant’s issuance on April 23rd, citing three counts under Law 8.069/90, Brazil’s Child and Adolescent Statute along with Law 13.441/2017. Issued under the authority of the National Council of Justice (CNJ), the warrant authorized law enforcement to seek police assistance in bringing Galvao before the issuing judge. The Civil Police of Jundiaà in the state of São Paulo are leading the investigation and Galvao is reported to be in local custody.
Mica Galvao, Melqui‘s son, published a lengthy public note that did not shield her father from scrutiny despite the profound personal stakes. Originally written in Portuguese, statement began by acknowledging what he helped build:
“My father, Melqui Galvão, was the one who put me on the mat for the first time as a child. He was the one who taught me to compete, to compete, to respect opponents and to have character. Everything I’ve achieved in life has to do with him. My gratitude and love for him are real and do not change.”
He followed that with a clear statement of principle:
“At the same time, I feel obligated to be honest: let the facts be investigated seriously and let Justice fulfill its role. As a person, I repudiate any form of harassment or violence against women and children. This is a value I carry and make no exceptions.”
He closed the statement with a personal reckoning:
“I don’t have answers for everything right now. I’m processing this as a son, as an athlete and as a human being… I have responsibilities to the people who believe in me, to the team I represent with so many athletes. It is to them that I direct my energy now. I move forward, with all the respect and dedication as always.”
The post accumulated over 125,000 likes within hours of being published.
Diogo Reis, a black belt competitor who has trained under Galvao and refers to him as his master, issued his own public note in Portuguese, acknowledging a bond of gratitude while declining to place it above accountability.
“To me, the Master always treated me with respect and attention, and for him I have love and gratitude for all the teachings and opportunities,”
he wrote.
“Regardless of that, regarding the disclosed facts, which are being properly investigated by the competent authorities, may justice be done.”
He concluded:
“As a person and as a professional, I repudiate any attitude of harassment or any other form of violence against women and children, and I am part of this match. I remain focused on my career, my training and the team that now, more than ever, needs me, with all the respect and dedication as always.”
That post received more than 35,700 likes.
Amit Elor, Melqui Galvao’s daughter in law, took the most direct tone of the three.
“Angry and heartbroken. We must protect athletes, especially minors! And hold people accountable.”
She then addressed those who have faced similar experiences:
“To anyone who’s experienced s**ual abuse in any form, your voice matters. Speak up, we will listen, we will stand with you, and together we can compete for justice and safety.”
She also directed pointed words at those who might have knowledge of misconduct and choose to say nothing:
“If you witness any misconduct and CHOOSE to STAY SILENT and not report it, you are supporting the abusers!! And that makes you no better than they are…”
No statement from Galvao or his legal representatives had been released at the time of publication. Calls continue to circulate urging anyone with information connected to the case to contact the appropriate authorities.
