Melqui Galvao

Melqui Galvão built a dual professional identity as a law enforcement officer and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu coach based in Manaus, Brazil. He served as a civil police officer and investigator with the Manaus Police Department's special anti-kidnapping squad — one of the city's more specialized law enforcement units. In BJJ, he developed as a practitioner under Ronnie Melo, though his broader team affiliation beyond his direct coaching role has not been confirmed by available sources.

Within the grappling community, Melqui earned his widest recognition not through his own competitive record but as the father and primary coach of professional grappler Mica Galvão.

Melqui Galvão's most significant contribution to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu was his role as principal coach and mentor to his son Mica Galvão throughout Mica's formative competitive years. The father-son dynamic shaped Mica's early career trajectory, with Melqui accompanying him to international competitions in an official coaching capacity.

Under this guidance, Mica Galvão rose to become one of the most recognized young grapplers in the sport, competing at the highest levels of both IBJJF events and major submission grappling promotions. Coverage of Mica's competitive development consistently highlighted the close coaching relationship between the two as a central element of his rise within the sport.

Arrest and Allegations

On April 28, 2024, Brazilian authorities arrested Melqui Galvão on suspicion of rape and sexual crimes against adolescent female students. According to reports from Brazilian outlets including G1 and Record, the alleged incidents involved young female athletes and are reported to have occurred in the context of international competitions — settings to which Melqui had direct access in his capacity as a coach. His position within the competitive BJJ environment placed him in close proximity to young athletes, a circumstance central to the nature of the accusations leveled against him.

Governing Body Response

One day after his arrest, on April 29, 2024, both the IBJJF and the CBJJ issued permanent bans against Melqui Galvão, prohibiting him from participating in or attending any events sanctioned by either organization. The speed of that response — within 24 hours of the arrest — reflected the seriousness with which both governing bodies treated the allegations.

Broader Impact

The case drew significant attention across Brazil and within the international BJJ community, owing in large part to Melqui's close association with Mica Galvão, a high-profile competitive athlete. The circumstances prompted wider discussion about safeguarding practices, the oversight of coaches at international tournaments, and the mechanisms through which BJJ governing bodies respond to allegations of misconduct by coaches and support staff.