Alcenor Alves

On November 23, 2024, Brazilian jiu-jitsu coach Alcenor Alves was arrested in Itajaí, Santa Catarina, while a children's BJJ competition was actively underway at the venue. The public nature of the arrest drew immediate and widespread attention from the global BJJ community.

Alves faces charges of rape of a vulnerable person and sexual exploitation. Allegations brought forward by multiple top competitors accuse him of sexually abusing at least 12 children over approximately 15 years. The scope and duration of the alleged abuse — carried out within the context of his coaching role — shocked practitioners and administrators across the sport. His position afforded him sustained access to minors over the lengthy timeframe covered by the allegations, amplifying concern within the community.

In response to the arrest and the gravity of the allegations, both the IBJJF (International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation) and the CBJJ (Confederation of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu) issued permanent bans against Alves, barring him from participation in any capacity at events sanctioned by either governing body.

The case stands as a prominent example of swift institutional action by BJJ's major sanctioning organizations in response to criminal allegations involving child abuse. The governing bodies' decisive response reflected the severity of the allegations and underscored a broader commitment to athlete safety within the sport.