Andre Galvao has announced his return to the mat as head coach at Atos Jiu-Jitsu headquarters in San Diego less than a month after misconduct allegations created widespread concern throughout the Brazilian jiu-jitsu community. The move ends a self imposed absence that many in the sport are already questioning as far too brief.
In a video posted to social media, Andre Galvao opened with a religious framing that set the tone for what followed. He invoked his faith in Jesus Christ and described his arrival in the United States as a divinely guided mission.
“For more than 30 years, I have dedicated my life teaching jiu-jitsu, mentoring students, and helping families on and off the mats,” he said. “I came to the United States with a purpose within, and I believe, no doubt, that God placed this in our heart, to serve people, to teach, and to build lives through jiu-jitsu and through the Word of God, our faith in Jesus Christ.”
The announcement followed shortly afterward.
“I would like to announce right here, right now, that I’m back teaching Atos Jiu-Jitsu headquarters every single day, from Monday to Friday, sometimes Saturday. I’m here teaching every single day, from 6 a.m. all the way to 8 p.m. I’m here all day long, and if you want to come and visit me and see me, I’m here.”
The return comes after former student Alexa Herse made public allegations of misconduct against Andre Galvao. He has described those allegations as false and retaliatory and in the video maintained that he has cooperated fully with authorities.
“I have been fully willing to cooperate with law enforcement and with all jiu-jitsu organizations in this matter,” he said. “In fact, I already reached out to the San Diego Police Department first. They never called me, they never contacted me. And I went there to make sure that they know that I’m very clear on supporting and helping them, and I’m ready to assist in any way possible.”
Notably, neither in this statement nor at any other point in the video did Andre Galvao directly address or deny the specific allegations made against him.
Andre Galvao also used the platform to reframe the period of organizational upheaval at Atos as the result of routine business corrections rather than a response to controversy.
“These were corrections to the policies that had existed for many, many years,” he said, adding that he also owns a second gym in Beaumont, California. “These decisions were not easy, and I understand that change can sometimes create frustration and disagreement.”
The return also throws into question the structural changes Atos quietly made to its public facing leadership. The academy had updated its website to list Sarah Galvao alongside coaches Michael Perez and Orlando Samson as head instructors, a change first publicly noted by Alec Baulding. The update replaced a previous roster that had featured both Andre Galvao and Angelica Galvao in prominent leadership positions.
That arrangement drew widespread skepticism from the start. Sarah Galvao felt the fallout firsthand. At Polaris 36 in Croydon, England, Sarah Galvao defeated Libby Genge by submission, but her presence on the card was the subject of real deliberation behind the scenes.
Sarah Galvao competed, earned her win and the Atos name never appeared on the broadcast.
That kind of reputational quarantine now appears to be unwinding on Andre Galvao‘s terms.
In closing his video Andre Galvao struck a conciliatory tone without offering specific accountability.
“Leadership requires accountability, humility, genuine care for people. And I’m choosing not to attack anyone right now, or argue online, or create more division inside the community. I trust that the truth will come forward through the proper time and through the proper process.”
The attempted comeback by Andre Galvao landed exactly how many people expected: like a long video that managed to say almost nothing while trying very hard to sound profound. Instead of addressing the allegations directly, accountability was being sidestepped. Invoking God mid-statement feels less like reflection and more like a predictable escape hatch used whenever a public figure wants to soften scrutiny without actually answering questions. This feels empty. Andre Galvao basically walked back his own changes in order to resume being in position of power and to not acknowledge his role in the mass exodus from the team.
