Brazilian jiu-jitsu is having its #MeToo moment

With legend Andre Galvao accused of sexual misconduct, gyms and athletes have been forced to confront a culture of silence, hierarchy and gender blindness in the sport.

By: Matt Wilkinson, Coastal Carolina University and Ina Seethaler, Coastal Carolina University, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: March 4, 2026

Words: 1,301

Last Updated: 6 days, 8 hours ago

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By Matt Wilkinson, Coastal Carolina University and Ina Seethaler, Coastal Carolina University

A #MeToo-style reckoning appears to be unfolding within Brazilian jiu-jitsu.

In February 2026, Brazilian jiu-jitsu legend Andre Galvao was accused of sexual misconduct by multiple women, including a teenager who had trained at Atos Jiu Jitsu, the school Galvao co-founded in San Diego in 2008 that now boasts academies around the world.

The backlash was swift: Multiple gyms and high-profile athletes …

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