Patreon: https://patreon.com/UnknownPressures | This horrific case has affected many, including the victims, the promising athletes left uncertain of their future, and, of course, Melqui's son, Mica Galvao.
As further details of Melqui's case come to light and more victim reports have been filed (taking the total number to 10), we fear that things will only get worse. Expect more cases, more accusations, more shocking details, and more disappointment that things of this nature could ever happen in jiu-jitsu.
The knock-on effect has been sudden and severe. The many lives of Melqui's alleged victims that have been damaged should never be overlooked, but consider the dozens of others also caught up in this case; the young, predominantly poor athletes who will suddenly lose their training, their accommodation, their sponsorships; Melqui's own son Mica Galvao, one of the most talented athletes of his generation who now is being thrust into the spotlight and put under unimaginable pressure from all angles.
In this episode we discuss the recent developments of Melqui's case, including the exodus from his gym BJJ College, the closure and ill-timed and ill-advised rebranding of the gym.
We also consider how this will affect ADCC, which stands to lose two returning champions in Diogo Reis and Mica Galvao, and possibly others from the same team.
Speaking of ADCC, a flurry of invites were sent out this last week, which has suddenly made the event look a lot more enticing.
In the Patreon-only section we cover the recent IBJJF Brazilian Nationals (Brasileiros), which proves that the gi is alive and well, and highlight the amazing performances of grapplers such as Tainan Dalpra and Andy Murasaki. Also, Matt and Hywel share their stories of cross-training judo. Matt's time in Japan saw him train with high-school kids and policemen in a very traditional atmosphere, while Hywel's had him cross paths with catch wrestlers and former Olympians. Judo rules.
Episode 31 of @UnknownPressures is out now on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and everywhere else.
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Unknown Pressures is a jiu-jitsu podcast brought to you by two long-time industry insiders: Matt Benyon, the co-founder of Scramble and Polaris, and Hywel Teague, jiu-jitsu / grappling commentator and analyst.
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