today, even called the Brazilian John Danahar, Melquizael Galvao
was arrested on Tuesday in Brazil for suspected sexual crimes
against female students in Manaus.
The father of Micael Galvão (Mica), considered the biggest name in
jiu-Jjtsu in Brazil today, Melqui is also a civil police officer in
the state of Amazonas.
The temporary arrest was decreed after complaints gathered by the
8th Women’s Defense Police Station (DDM), which is investigating
reports of abuse involving at least three victims. According to the
police, the complainants presented a recording in which the suspect
indirectly admits to the incident and tries to prevent the case
from going forward, with the promise of financial compensation. The
13-minute audio recording of Melquizael’s plea to the victim’s
parents went viral throughout the jiu-jitsu community. In the
recording, the coach acknowledges his mistake, swears remorse,
promises financial compensation to the student’s parents, and even
mentions suicide if they proceed with reporting him.
During the investigation, two other possible victims were
identified in different states of the country. In their
testimonies, they reported similar episodes. In one of the cases,
the victim stated that she was 12 years old at the time of the
events.
According to the police, Melqui Galvão had traveled less than 24
hours earlier to the state of Amazonas, where he also works as a
civil police officer. After contact between the corporations, he
presented himself to the authorities in Manaus, where his arrest
was carried out.
The case has generated strong repercussions in the jiu-jitsu
community. The suspect is known in the sports world and is the
father of multi-champion Mica Galvão, who, after several world
titles and the ADCC, had already been planning the migration to MMA
in the welterweight division. In addition to Mica, Melqui also
trained champions from the white belt level, such as Diogo Reis
(2022 ADCC champion), Fabricio Andrey and Thalison Soares.
Mica Galvao Reacts
After Melqui’s departure, 22-year-old Mica Galvão, who now resides
in the United States and has a son with Olympic champion Amit Elor,
born in January 2026 (Aryeh Elor Galvão), took over leadership of
the team. On his Instagram, Mica made an official statement saying
he was devastated by what happened, but asking that justice be
served.
“It’s difficult to find words for a moment like this,” he wrote.
“My father, Melqui Galvão, was the one who put me on the mat for
the first time as a child. He taught me to fight, to compete, to
respect my opponent, and to have character. Everything I have
achieved in life has his hand in it. My gratitude and love for him
are real and will not change. At the same time, I feel obligated to
be honest. May the facts be investigated seriously and may justice
fulfill its role. I repudiate any type of harassment against women
and children. This is a value I carry and for which I make no
exceptions. I am processing all of this as a son, an athlete, and a
human being. I move forward taking care of the team with the same
respect and dedication as always.”
The Melquizael case is yet another case of harassment against
female students that shakes the gigantic jiu-jitsu community in
Brazil and the U.S.. Before Melquizael, in February 2026,
multi-world champion Andre Galvão, who despite having the same last
name is not related to Melqui, had also been denounced by a
student.