Unknown Pressures – A Jiu-Jitsu Podcast

Unknown Pressures

Brought to you by two long-time industry insiders: Matt Benyon, the co-founder of Scramble and Polaris, and Hywel Teague, creator of BJJ Hacks, jiu-jitsu / grappling commentator and analyst and formerly of FloGrappling. 

  1. More Charges & Accusations for Melqui and Andre Galvao | Ep.35

    4d ago

    More Charges & Accusations for Melqui and Andre Galvao | Ep.35

    We asked how long it would be before more people became implicated in the Melqui Galvao case. Well, a bombshell just dropped when it was revealed that his brother Enoque, also a serving police officer, has been arrested on similar charges. One good thing from this case is that Melqui has ben put under a preventative prison order, meaning he will stay in jail while the investigation is underway.  The details around Melqui's case have not been widely covered in the English-speaking world, which is why we continue to cover it as best we can. We have to give credit to the efforts of Brazilian media such as BJJ Cria, BJJ Bros and MMA Hoje, along with a number of independent creators, in staying on top of this case so that it doesn't get forgotten.  The Andre Galvao case from earlier this year has resurfaced following allegations from a second female student, who said that even though the San Diego police and attorney's office declined to investigate, she too suffered from harassment at the hands of the disgraced coach. The statement came just days before the IBJJF World Championships, where Galvao is expected to be seen coaching his team.  It's important to not that while equally concerning, the cases of Melqui Galvao and Andre Galvao (no relation) are very different. The Atos Jiu-Jitsu Instagram account issued a statement via lawyers Rosing Pott and Strobehn (English) and Hueso e Andrade (Portuguese) that the San Diego Police Department referred the investigation to the San Diego Attorney’s Office to review for potential misdemeanour violations. On April 9, 2026 the City Attorney’s office advised they would not proceed with charges against Galvao.  This is not to say that the allegations were baseless. Many former Atos team members left or have openly spoken out, such as Josh Hinger, saying that something did happen.  Atos HQ used the statement to announce something called the “Atos safe mat program”. Which they described as “one of the most comprehensive ethics, safety, and protection programs ever structured within the sport”. However, eagle-eyed jiu-jitsu fans may have noticed a similarity with the statement put out by Fight Sports in 2021 when the team was embroiled in it's own crisis involvement sexual crimes.  UFC BJJ 8 recently took place, and while there were some notable matches and cool submissions, a lot of the chatter was fixated on the less-than-stellar commentary and the fact Mikey Musumeci competed with a staph infection that sent him to hospital immediately after the match.  This led us to reminisce on one of the most curious moments in jiu-jitsu history: the horrific outbreak of something called epidemic keratoconjunctivitis (EKC), a super virulent form of pink eye that tore through ADCC 2019, afflicting people such as Craig Jones, Mason Fowler, and even Mo Jassim.  In the rest of the episode we cover topics such as:  The UFC's plans to run Open tournaments much like ADCC and IBJJF The projected return to competition of Mica Galvao  Recent ADCC invites and updates  Tommy Langaker's shocking confession and recovery from drug addiction  And much more...  Please leave us a review on Apple/Spotify Podcasts: Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unknown-pressures-a-jiu-jitsu-podcast/id1838001583 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/61hk0ul9sltg2sKJyPNnjo?si=480898a6fb244b8a Follow Unknown Pressures on IG: https://www.instagram.com/unknownpressures/ Follow Matt on IG: https://www.instagram.com/matthew.benyon Follow Hywel on IG: https://www.instagram.com/hywelteague  Timestamps:  0:00 Melqui case update: brother arrested for rape  4:31 Another claim of harassment against Andre Galvao 19:36 UFC BJJ 8 recap  22:48 UFC BJJ commentary is not great  25:17 Is UFC BJJ botting views?  26:36 Mikey’s biological warfare, competed with staph  29:43 2019 ADCC super pinkeye outbreak  35:04 ADCC competitors vs matside tables  38:46 Enhanced Games & doping in jiu-jitsu  41:11 UFC BJJ announces new Open tournaments

    44 min
  2. The Search for Eddie Cummings: Mateusz Szczecinski & Kamil Wilk | Ep.34

    May 26

    The Search for Eddie Cummings: Mateusz Szczecinski & Kamil Wilk | Ep.34

    Patreon: https://patreon.com/UnknownPressures | There's no way we could go to Leglock camp without talking to Mateusz Szczecinski and Kamil Wilk. The Polish black belts are right on the cutting edge of leglock meta, and their camps have helped raise the level of leglock technique around the world. Hywel and Matt chat with Mateusz and Kamil to find out about the humble beginnings of Leglock camp way back in 2019 in Poland. From their global expansion to discussing how leglock styles differ around the world, the guys share their stories of training in Australia, Japan and elsewhere. Plus, they're coming to the USA soon! Maybe somebody could fulfill their greatest wish and hook them up with the long lost Eddie Cummings. Episode 34 of Unknown Pressures is out now on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and everywhere else. Support us on Patreon for extended episodes, early access, bonus content and more! 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.  Please leave us a review on Apple/Spotify Podcasts: Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unknown-pressures-a-jiu-jitsu-podcast/id1838001583 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/61hk0ul9sltg2sKJyPNnjo?si=480898a6fb244b8a Follow Unknown Pressures on IG: https://www.instagram.com/unknownpressures/ Follow Matt on IG: https://www.instagram.com/matthew.benyon Follow Hywel on IG: https://www.instagram.com/hywelteague Follow Mateusz: https://www.instagram.com/mateusz_szczecinski/  Follow Kamil: https://www.instagram.com/wilku_bjj/  Follow Leglock Camp: https://www.instagram.com/leglockcamp/

    29 min
  3. Melqui Galvao's case gets worse: intimidation, bribery and more | Ep.32

    May 16

    Melqui Galvao's case gets worse: intimidation, bribery and more | Ep.32

    Patreon: https://patreon.com/UnknownPressures | As if his alleged crimes and abuse weren’t enough, Melqui Galvao’s attempts to silence his victims and pervert the course of justice have been revealed. Given unauthorized access to a cellphone in jail, he had been contacting victims and employees in an effort to manipulate witness statements, and his son Mica Galvao has been drawn into the situation after he was heard speaking with his father in a leaked audio. We discuss all the latest updates in this ongoing case, including the fact that one of the victims has named a number of former teammates who she alleges tried to persuade her not to make a report. Shocking. Also in this episode: Polaris 37: Team Polaris vs BJJ Stars update RIP Ulpiano Malachias, gone too soon Our TMZ moment: The Craig Jones-Kaz Crossley drama HUGE: RAF Wrestling announce Dillon Danis vs Khamzat Chimaev The art of promoting combat sports, and how UFC BJJ's formulaic product is it's greatest undoing Why athletes need to be cautious about which events they compete on The latest ADCC invites and what we've heard and more! Episode 32 of Unknown Pressures is out now on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and everywhere else. Support us on Patreon for extended episodes, early access, bonus content and more! 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. Please leave us a review on Apple/Spotify Podcasts: Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unknown-pressures-a-jiu-jitsu-podcast/id1838001583   Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/61hk0ul9sltg2sKJyPNnjo?si=480898a6fb244b8a   Follow Unknown Pressures on IG: https://www.instagram.com/unknownpressures/  Follow Matt on IG: https://www.instagram.com/matthew.benyon  Follow Hywel on IG: https://www.instagram.com/hywelteague

    39 min
  4. Melqui Galvao fallout leaves lives & careers ruined | Ep.31

    May 8

    Melqui Galvao fallout leaves lives & careers ruined | Ep.31

    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. Support us on Patreon for extended episodes, early access, bonus content and more! 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. Please leave us a review on Apple/Spotify Podcasts: Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unknown-pressures-a-jiu-jitsu-podcast/id1838001583  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/61hk0ul9sltg2sKJyPNnjo?si=480898a6fb244b8a  Follow Unknown Pressures on IG: https://www.instagram.com/unknownpressures/ Follow Matt on IG: https://www.instagram.com/matthew.benyon Follow Hywel on IG: https://www.instagram.com/hywelteague

    43 min
  5. One of Jiu-Jitsu's Top Coaches accused of Heinous Crimes | ep.30

    May 1

    One of Jiu-Jitsu's Top Coaches accused of Heinous Crimes | ep.30

    Patreon: https://patreon.com/UnknownPressures | A bombshell rocked the jiu-jitsu world this week when one of the top coaches in the sport was arrested following serious allegations made by multiple female students. Police in Brazil have Melqui Galvao, father of Mica, in custody while the jiu-jitsu world witnesses another prominent name fall from grace.  In this episode, we summarize the facts known at this time: that Melqui Galvao has been arrested as part of an ongoing investigation into crimes that include sexual act involving a minor under 14 years of age, threats and intimidation, and more. We talk about the known facts this time and ask important questions, including: Will Melqui face justice for these alleged crimes? How will this affect the careers of Mica Galvao, Diogo Reis and others? What steps can the jiu-jitsu community take to make sure things like this stop happening? In the rest of the episode we cover: The UFC's anti doping program Mikey vs Arman news Why top BJJ athletes struggle in MMA Craig Jones' recent appearance in Playboy and more.... Episode 30 of Unknown Pressures is out now on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and everywhere else. Support us on Patreon for extended episodes, early access, bonus content and more! 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. Please leave us a review on Apple/Spotify Podcasts: Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unknown-pressures-a-jiu-jitsu-podcast/id1838001583 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/61hk0ul9sltg2sKJyPNnjo?si=480898a6fb244b8a Follow Unknown Pressures on IG: https://www.instagram.com/unknownpressures/  Follow Matt on IG: https://www.instagram.com/matthew.benyon Follow Hywel on IG: https://www.instagram.com/hywelteague

    41 min
  6. Khamzat in Grappling & ADCC Rules are Broken | Ep.29

    Apr 24

    Khamzat in Grappling & ADCC Rules are Broken | Ep.29

    Patreon: https://patreon.com/UnknownPressures | Khamzat Chimaev is one of the scariest, awesomest and entertaining grapplers in MMA, and he's just booked a big-time grappling match. But why isn't he in UFC BJJ? Boggles our minds. We also discuss the recent ADCC North American Trials and highlight how the inconsistently applied rules led to a serious injury for one competitor. Also in episode 29 of Unknown Pressures: Meregali's latest setback Dirty jiu-jitsu gyms The surprise announcement of a big new event in Brazil Viking jiu-jitsu The resurgence of Gianni Grippo Patreon supporters get early access to extended episodes, which includes: Sarah Galvao's awesome techniques An interesting £10,000 prize for jiu-jitsu competitors How jiu-jitsu competitors are making $20,000/month by teaching jiu-jitsu online Our horror stories of dropping into unfriendly gyms  Episode 29 of @UnknownPressures is out now on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and everywhere else. Support us on Patreon for extended episodes, early access, bonus content and more! 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. Please leave us a review on Apple/Spotify Podcasts: Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unknown-pressures-a-jiu-jitsu-podcast/id1838001583  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/61hk0ul9sltg2sKJyPNnjo?si=480898a6fb244b8a  Follow Unknown Pressures on IG: https://www.instagram.com/unknownpressures/ Follow Matt on IG: https://www.instagram.com/matthew.benyon Follow Hywel on IG: https://www.instagram.com/hywelteague

    43 min

About

Brought to you by two long-time industry insiders: Matt Benyon, the co-founder of Scramble and Polaris, and Hywel Teague, creator of BJJ Hacks, jiu-jitsu / grappling commentator and analyst and formerly of FloGrappling. 

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