Through his attorney Átila Machado, Brazilian jiu jitsu coach and instructor Melqui Galvão has denied all allegations following his arrest on April 28 in Manaus on charges related to the SA of at least three girls.
“The defense reiterates that Melquisedeque Galvão remains at the disposal of the competent authorities, trusts in the regular functioning of institutions, and awaits the complete clarification of the facts,” the statement read.
Melqui Galvão‘s legal team also pointed to his professional background as part of his defense, noting that he has an “unblemished functional history, having worked for years in public safety activities, training, personal defense, and instruction, always with dedication to public service and the fulfillment of duties inherent to his position.”
The arrest was set into motion after a 17 year old athlete came forward with allegations of abuse that she says occurred during a BJJ competition trip to Italy. Investigators from the 8th Women’s Defense Police Station in São Paulo later identified two additional individuals Melqui Galvão allegedly targeted, one of whom reported that the abuse began when she was just 12 years old.
Authorities noted that the parents of the young women presented investigators with an audio recording in which the suspect allegedly acknowledged the conduct in an indirect manner, along with a series of messages that were said to contain evidence of suspicious activity.
Melqui’s statement would be a lot more credible if he didn’t call his own behaviour inexcusable repeatedly in the recording he had sent to the parents.
The case has a geographic dimension that widened the scope of the investigation considerably. Melqui Galvão operated across two states, running a team and training facility in São Paulo while also serving as a civil police officer in the state of Amazonas, where he had long been associated with community outreach and social initiatives. All three alleged cases are connected to regions where he was professionally active.
In response to the fallout, the Amazonas Civil Police placed Melqui Galvão on precautionary administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation. The agency also launched a separate internal inquiry to examine the circumstances surrounding his employment status and whether his out of state activities were compatible with his official duties. The institution made clear it
“does not condone any type of irregularity or misconduct, reiterating its commitment to legality, ethics, and transparency.”
The arrest generated immediate responses from within the jiu jitsu world. Olympic gold medalist Amit Elor, who is married to Mica Galvão, addressed the situation directly in a video posted to her social media platforms.
“I try to keep my page positive and fun,” she said. “However, with the recent news, it’s extremely hard to stay silent.”
Amit Elor expressed both outrage and admiration for those who came forward.
“I am still so disturbed and angry, but extremely proud of the brave girls and their families that spoke up,” she said, before calling on others to do the same. “If anyone has more information, please come forward.”
She used the platform to push for broader systemic change as well.
“There has to be a drastic change to protect and educate against sexual abuse. If you witness any misconduct, it is your obligation to report it,” she said. She directed a particular message toward parents: “To all the parents out there, especially dads, teach your sons to respect women, because that’s where it all begins.”
Prior to the video, Amit Elor had posted a written statement in the immediate aftermath of the arrest.
“Angry and heartbroken. We must protect athletes, especially minors! And hold people accountable,” she wrote. She also addressed those who had experienced similar situations directly: “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 added a pointed message for those who may have witnessed wrongdoing but remained quiet: “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.”
Mica Galvão, one of the most recognized competitors in the sport and Melqui Galvão‘s son, published a lengthy statement that addressed the tension between personal loyalty and moral principle.
“My father, Melqui Galvão, was the one who put me on the mat for the first time as a child,” he wrote. “He was the one who taught me 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 an unambiguous stand: “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.”
The International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation and the Confederação Brasileira de Jiu Jitsu both responded to the arrest with permanent bans, barring Melqui Galvão from all sanctioned competition and participation under either organization.
Mica Galvao has since attempted to re-brand BJJ College gyms into Mika jiu-jitsu (MJJ)
The investigation remains ongoing.
