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Leandro Vieira Named in Public Civil Lawsuit in California Involving Checkmat

Leandro Vieira and Checkmat BJJ — civil lawsuit California

In recent days, the international jiu-jitsu community has begun to more openly address public statements made by women regarding experiences of misconduct within the sport. This renewed discussion gained momentum after athlete Alexa Herse shared a series of posts on her personal social media describing what she characterized as inappropriate behavior during training involving Andre Galvão. Alexa’s statements, published openly and attributed solely to her, were widely circulated and prompted broader conversations within the community. Following these posts, other women began speaking publicly about their own experiences, many of which had remained undisclosed for years. It is within this broader context that the name Leandro Alcantara Vieira appears in a publicly accessible civil lawsuit filed in Santa Clara County, California, which also names organizations associated with the Checkmat team. This article is intended to provide factual, public-record information only, based on statements made by the individuals involved and documents available through official court records. It does not offer conclusions or judgments. Context surrounding the public discussion After Alexa’s posts were made public, conversations intensified around issues such as power dynamics in high-level training environments, the culture of silence in competitive sports, and institutional responsibility. As these discussions unfolded, additional women came forward with personal accounts, each distinct in circumstance and timing. One such case involves Julia Trevino, whose allegations are detailed in a civil lawsuit that has been publicly available prior to the recent attention and is now receiving increased visibility. The inclusion of these developments together is purely chronological and contextual, and does not imply causation or collective responsibility. Julia Trevino’s public statements In posts shared on her personal profile, Julie Trevino explains that she chose to speak publicly after many years of remaining silent. According to her account, the events she describes occurred when she was still a minor and involved a relationship of trust with a figure of authority in jiu-jitsu. In her public statements, she says that: Julie Trevino also states that she filed a report with local law enforcement. These statements are available directly from her own public accounts, where she serves as the primary source of the information. What the public civil lawsuit states In addition to her personal statements, a civil lawsuit filed in Santa Clara County, California, is available for public review through the UniCourt database: 👉 LEARN MORE According to the court filing, Julia Trevino is the plaintiff and alleges that she was subjected to sexual abuse during her childhood by an instructor who, at the time, held positions as a coach, mentor, and advisor. The lawsuit also names entities associated with the jiu-jitsu community, including Checkmat, alleging that these organizations had supervisory authority over the instructor in question. Among the claims outlined in the filing, the plaintiff alleges that the organizations: The case is a civil matter and, based on publicly available records, no final judgment has been issued at this time. Allegations versus judicial findings It is important to note that: This article reports only what is stated in public documents and public statements, without interpretation or inference. Why this is so important to the jiu-jitsu community Situations like this have brought renewed attention to long-standing concerns within competitive sports, including: Providing access to public records allows the community to review original sources and engage with the information directly. Public sources referenced Public Statements It is important to note that Leandro Vieira published a statement on his Instagram regarding the matter, as did Checkmat. Checkmat Statement “Checkmat is governed by a collective leadership structure, and matters of this nature are addressed through established internal processes. The leadership board reconvened to review an issue that had previously been brought before the organization involving a former member of the leadership board. When the allegations were first raised, the board removed the individual from any leadership role, allowing only limited affiliation while an ongoing civil proceeding awaited resolution, which remains unresolved. As part of the board’s ongoing responsibility to reassess unresolved matters that affect organizational standards, the leadership board voted to suspend the individual from all Checkmat affiliation until the civil action is resolved. This is an administrative governance decision made to uphold organizational standards and responsibilities. It is not a finding of fact and not a response to public commentary. Checkmat remains committed to maintaining a safe, professional, and respectful training environment across all affiliated academies. No further public comment will be made while the matter is pending.” Leandro Vieira Statement “To our community, We want to address this matter openly and directly. A recent allegation involving Coach Leandro was posted on social media by a former student and assistant coach who has not been part of our community for several years. While this allegation does not accurately represent the facts, we take any concerns raised about our academy very seriously. We want to clarify that this is not a criminal accusation. The matter is civil in nature and, due to its legal status, is now in the hands of the justice system. Coach Leandro has over 20 years of experience as a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, teaching students of all ages around the world. Throughout those years, he has never had any allegation of misconduct. Those who train here know the values we live by every day: respect, discipline, and care for one another. Our commitment remains unchanged: to provide a safe, positive, and respectful environment for every student and family. We thank everyone for their understanding, trust, and continued support during this time.” Final note This article is informational in nature only.It does not constitute an investigation, accusation, or legal conclusion. BJJGirlsMag emphasizes the importance of due process, responsible reporting, and thoughtful engagement with sensitive issues affecting the sport.

Interview with Lauren Barone: The Woman Behind Philly Phenoms, a Pro Grappling Franchise for Athletes

Lauren Barone, founder of Philly Phenoms, at a pro grappling event

Lauren Barone is a blue belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, entrepreneur, and the visionary behind Philly Phenoms, a sci-fi-inspired pro grappling franchise designed to create real opportunities for hardworking athletes, especially women. In this exclusive interview, Lauren shares her journey from hobbyist to leader, how she balances her projects, and why representation on the mats matters more than ever. 1. What was the moment you realized you were hooked on jiu-jitsu? Growing up a fan of martial arts definitely laid the foundation for me. Starting classes at the same time as my husband helped a lot too. Having a built-in training partner made the early days easier and more fun. 2. Why did no-gi become your preferred style? I still have a lot of respect for the gi and enjoy it now and then. But the pace and freedom of no-gi really match how I like to move and solve problems. 3. Your ‘Thicc Girl Jitsu’ message is super empowering. What inspired it? As a heavyweight competitor, I fully embrace the nickname and have fun with it. I hope that confidence and silliness help others feel more comfortable owning who they are on the mat. 4. What have you learned from training with 10th Planet and Nomad Grappling Team? Nomad Grappling Team, who sponsors me, has supported me so much throughout my journey. Training with 10th Planet has also been amazing, especially diving into leg locks and different grappling systems. 5. Philly Phenoms is all about athlete opportunity. What’s the mission behind it? I wanted to help hardworking athletes get onto the pro grappling stage. I’ve already suggested names for women’s matches, and I’d love to see a full women’s PGF bracket in the future! 6. How do you balance being both an athlete and an entrepreneur? My schedule has definitely changed while juggling multiple projects. Hiring a small team has helped a ton. I rely heavily on structure, checklists, and being organized. 7. Which of your projects feels the most you, and why? Philly Phenoms is the most me. Owning this new franchise is incredibly exciting. As a sci-fi fan, I love the theming and I’m always brainstorming fun ideas to hype the brand and spread the message. Empowerment in Motion It’s worth noting that “Thicc Girl Jitsu” and Philly Phenoms are two distinct but equally powerful expressions of Lauren Barone’s presence in the grappling world. “Thicc Girl Jitsu” is her personal brand, rooted in confidence, inclusivity, and humor. It’s a body-positive message for women who don’t see themselves represented in the traditional jiu-jitsu image. Philly Phenoms is her professional franchise, themed around science fiction. As a proud sci-fi fan, Lauren built a grappling team that blends athletic performance with creativity and storytelling. It’s not just a team, it’s a movement. We thank Lauren Barone for taking the time to share her journey with us. More importantly, we thank her for what she is building within the jiu-jitsu community. Whether she is creating new platforms for athletes, challenging outdated body norms, or bringing fresh energy to the sport, her work is a clear example of what empowerment looks like on and off the mats. Lauren’s approach blends performance, personality, and purpose. As she continues to grow Philly Phenoms, she’s also inspiring a new generation of confident, unapologetic grapplers. She is not just grappling opponents, she is grappling expectations and changing the game.

Behind the Mat: The Abuse and Neglect That Tarnish Our Sport

Alcenor Alves BJJ black belt jiu-jitsu instructor

In November of last year, a deeply disturbing case shook the Brazilian jiu-jitsu community. A 23-year-old athlete from Amazonas took to social media to share his traumatic experiences, revealing that he had been abused by his instructor between the ages of 10 and 14 during his early years in the sport. The accused, a 56-year-old coach, was arrested at a championship in Balneário Camboriú, where he was attending the event with young athletes. According to the authorities, at least 12 victims have been identified, and six more are expected to testify. What made the case even more alarming was how the first few testimonies led to a wave of new allegations. Well-known athletes like Matheus Gabriel, Ary Farias, Meyram Maquiné, and Thalison Vitorino also came forward with their own childhood experiences. Survivor Testimonies One athlete shared that during team trips, the coach would allegedly give the children medication to help them sleep. The victim spoke out via Instagram stories, describing both physical pain and emotional confusion. “All we wanted was to become world champions, but we were manipulated and forced to endure things we didn’t understand.” He added that the coach used emotional manipulation, gifts, travel expenses, and promises to gain trust and silence the children, many of whom came from underprivileged backgrounds. “He said I was like a son to him. But the truth is, I was just another child suffering in silence.” Why the Delay? Detective Déborah Ponce de Leão, who is leading the investigation, explained that shame and emotional dependency often prevent victims from speaking out. “Many of the boys admired him as a mentor. It took years for them to process what had happened. Our team had to work carefully to support them emotionally.” Police reports confirm that the instructor used his reputation and influence to gain access to children and manipulate them over the years, often during travel and competitions. Moving Forward This case highlights the urgent need for safety, transparency, and accountability in youth sports. Martial arts communities—especially those involving minors—must have clear protocols in place to prevent abuse and ensure trust. No title, medal, or achievement is more important than the well-being and dignity of a child. Editor’s Note: This article deals with a sensitive topic and has been carefully edited in accordance with advertising and content guidelines to protect the dignity of those involved while ensuring responsible coverage.

BJJ or Breakup? The Struggle No One Talks About

Jiu-jitsu relationship struggles — navigating BJJ and relationships

You’ve probably heard the story before, the woman who wants to train jiu-jitsu but her boyfriend or husband won’t let her. Or the other way around, the girlfriend who picks a fight because her partner trains.Yeah, that kind of drama happens more often than people think. So let’s try to help out those who still see “this grappling thing” as a source of jealousy, tension, or relationship crisis. Everyone Has a Reason to Be on the Mat Let’s be honest here, everyone starts training jiu-jitsu for a reason,Some take it seriously and evolve,Some are just testing the waters,Some ride the wave of what’s trendy,Some are there for health or as a hobby,And yes, some show up just to “get lucky” with the opposite sex. No big surprises so far, these types exist in every sport and every social setting.So why is jiu-jitsu such a lightning rod for conflict? Simple, the “close contact” nature of the sport feeds the insecurities of outsiders and opens the door for a whole lot of misinterpretation. From the Outside, It Looks… a Bit Too Close If your partner practices BJJ, it’s okay to feel a little weird the first time you see them rolling with someone else, bodies locked in a confusing frenzy of grips, sweeps, and guard passes.It looks intense. It is intense. There’s sweat, limbs everywhere, awkward angles, yeah, we get it. But if you understood what jiu-jitsu is really about, you wouldn’t see it as threatening. I guarantee it. Jiu-Jitsu Pays the Price for Being Misunderstood Grappling naturally gives room for outsiders to create all kinds of negative interpretations.Some people take that and run wild with it, thinking it’s all just an excuse for cheating or bad behavior.But let’s be clear, blaming jiu-jitsu for someone’s character is like blaming a spoon for making you fat. Of course, we’re not going to sugarcoat it, yes, some people do go to gyms just to flirt or hook up.That’s reality. But… The Gentle Art Has Its Own Filter, Natural Selection Here’s what I’ve learned over the years, serious jiu-jitsu gyms naturally weed out the bad apples. People who don’t train seriously, who gossip, who create awkward situations, who damage the team’s reputation, they don’t last.Time and the team itself will make sure they’re gone. It’s not the sport’s fault, it’s a matter of personal character.And BJJ has a way of exposing that faster than most things in life. Insecurity Does Not Equal Truth Many people have a weird tendency to blame others for their own insecurities and frustrations.They point fingers at jiu-jitsu to justify their lack of trust in their partner.They don’t even try to understand the sport. That’s how we get to that dreaded line, “It’s either jiu-jitsu or me.” My Story, I Chose Both and I Learned a Lot As a woman who’s been training for almost 19 years, let me be real,Yes, I’ve dealt with harassment.But every single time, a well-placed “no” or an armbar solved the problem. What does that tell you?Boundaries, character, communication, attitudeThey matter in every part of life, at home, at work, at school and of course, on the mat. If You Love Someone Who Trains Jiu-Jitsu Before you start spinning conspiracy theories, try to actually understand the sport.When taken seriously, BJJ becomes an addiction in the best way. People train for hours, not because of who’s there, but because of the training itself.Respect and friendship grow.The team becomes family. I’ve seen so many people who were given the ultimatum,“Me or jiu-jitsu” And you know what? Many of them chose jiu-jitsu. Just like that. Text by Erika VilhenaOriginally published on BJJ Girls Mag

The Blue Belt Burnout: Why So Many Quit BJJ at This Stage

blue-belt-burnout-bjj-women-progression

If you train Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, you’ve probably heard of the infamous blue belt dropout. For some, it’s just a meme. For others, it’s a painful reality. But why do so many promising practitioners hang up their gi right after reaching this milestone? Let’s break down what really happens when the high of earning your blue belt starts to fade — and what you can do to push through. From Motivation to Frustration In the white belt phase, everything is new and exciting. You’re learning fast, progressing quickly, and maybe even tapping out higher belts. The blue belt comes as a well-earned reward. But once that belt is tied around your waist, things change: This shift can feel overwhelming and demotivating if you’re not prepared for it. 5 Real Reasons People Quit at Blue Belt 1. The Motivation Drop We often chase goals with intensity — but once we reach them, a strange emptiness can follow. The blue belt feels like a finish line, when in fact, it’s only the beginning. 2. Increased Pressure Now that you’re not a beginner, your professor and teammates expect more from you. Mistakes that were once forgiven now draw criticism. That pressure can make you question your progress. 3. Injuries & Recovery As we roll harder, injuries become more common. The constant battle with pain — knees, fingers, shoulders — can take a toll on your body and your mind. This is a huge factor in dropout rates. 4. The Long Road to Purple Unlike the transition from white to blue, earning your purple belt takes years. For impatient or unmotivated practitioners, that long gap can feel like forever. 5. The Identity Crisis A true blue belt isn’t just about technique — it’s about mindset. You’re expected to give white belts a challenge and keep up with purple belts. When that doesn’t happen, self-doubt creeps in. Real Stories, Real Struggles I went through her own blue belt crisis — recovering from a shoulder injury just to face another one during competition. But she’s still on the mats. Tiago, now a purple belt, once felt like his game was falling apart. He was injured, discouraged, and unsure. But he stuck around — and leveled up. May, another BJJ Girls Mag contributor, says earning her blue belt was a dream. She came back from a break, trained hard, and embraced the ups and downs. How to Survive Your Blue Belt Crisis Final Roll: This is Where Black Belts Are Made The blue belt crisis is real — but it’s also a test. If you can roll through it, you’ll come out stronger, both physically and mentally. Don’t quit. Not yet. Your journey is just getting started. Read Also: