Several world-renowned Jiu-Jitsu champions, including Matheus Gabriel, Meyram Maquine, Ary Farias, and Thalison Soares, have publicly addressed the shocking allegations against coach Alcenor Alves. Alves, a black belt instructor, is under temporary arrest following accusations of sexually abusing at least 12 children over a span of 15 years.
The allegations have brought to light deeply troubling abuses within the Jiu-Jitsu community and spurred calls for greater vigilance to protect young athletes.
Matheus Gabriel’s Brave TestimonyTwo-time Jiu-Jitsu world champion Matheus Gabriel is among the victims who have come forward. In an emotional interview with TV Globo, Gabriel detailed the abuse he endured as a child while training under Alves.
Gabriel recounted that the first incident occurred when he was just 11 years old, during a trip to compete in a championship. “We traveled a lot to compete in São Paulo and Rio. One night, I woke up to him touching me. I was in shock. I didn’t know how to react,” he revealed.
Gabriel’s courage in speaking out has been hailed as a pivotal step in uncovering the scope of Alves’s alleged crimes, which have left a lasting impact on the victims and their families.
Arrest and Ongoing InvestigationAlcenor Alves was apprehended during a Jiu-Jitsu competition for children and teenagers in Santa Catarina. The Amazonas Civil Police, acting on a warrant, have charged him with rape of vulnerable persons and sexual exploitation.
Juliana Tuma, the lead investigator, highlighted the commonalities among the victims. “Most of the victims came from low-income families and faced economic and social vulnerabilities. For many, Jiu-Jitsu was their only hope for a better future,” Tuma explained.
The investigation has identified at least 12 victims so far, and authorities are working to uncover additional details about the extent of the abuses.
Community Reactions and SupportThe revelations have sparked outrage and heartbreak within the Jiu-Jitsu community. White House Jiu-Jitsu, where Alves served as a high-performance technical director, issued a statement distancing itself from the accused instructor and pledging full cooperation with authorities.
“Our school has always upheld the principles of Jiu-Jitsu and integrity,” the statement read. “We support the victims and are committed to ensuring that justice is served.”
Prominent figures in the sport, including Checkmat coach Keiser Girao, have expressed admiration for Matheus Gabriel’s bravery. “What Matheus did was heroic,” Girao said. “His courage has not only brought attention to these heinous crimes but also provided relief and hope for others who have suffered in silence.”
A Call for ChangeThis case has underscored the urgent need for stronger safeguarding measures within martial arts schools and competitions. While Jiu-Jitsu is a sport celebrated for its discipline and respect, this incident has revealed vulnerabilities that must be addressed to protect young athletes.
The Jiu-Jitsu community has rallied around the victims, vowing to take action to ensure a safer future for all practitioners. “These actions do not represent the values of Jiu-Jitsu,” one statement read. “We must remain vigilant to prevent such abuses and hold those responsible accountable.”
As investigations continue, the bravery of Matheus Gabriel and others who have come forward serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of speaking out and seeking justice. The hope is that this case will inspire systemic changes to protect vulnerable athletes and reinforce the principles of integrity and respect that Jiu-Jitsu stands for.
Sloth Jiu-Jitsu: you can be slow and unathletic and still kick butt in Jiu-Jitsu.
