Checkmat co-founder Leandro Vieira has now been suspended from all affiliation with the organization as allegations of abuse and misconduct have been made against him. Although Vieira is one of three brothers who created the team initially, they have explained that they now use ‘a collective leadership structure’ to make decisions like this. They also explained that Vieira was already removed from a leadership role when allegations were first made, but now they have made the decision to suspend him from all Checkmat affiliation. The decision has come just a matter of days after Julia Angelica Trevino shared her story publicly, but Checkmat have stated that it is ‘not a response to public commentary’.
Trevino shared her story in a recent post to her official Instagram account:
An academy account under the name of Leandro Vieira actually gave a statement in a post to their official Instagram account before Checkmat made an official announcement, including the following excerpt:
”A recent allegation involving Coach Leandro has been posted on social media by a former student/assistant coach who has not been a part of our community for several years. While this allegation does not accurately represent the facts, we take any concerns about our academy very seriously. We want to clarify that this is not a criminal accusation. The matter is a civil issue, and due to the legal nature, it is now in the hands of the justice system.”
It wasn’t long after this that Checkmat addressed the allegations against Leandro Vieira with the following statement:
“Checkmat is governed by a collective leadership structure, and matters of this nature are addressed through established internal processes. The leadership board has reconvened to review a matter previously brought before the organization involving a former member of the leadership board.”
”When allegations were first made, the board removed the individual from any leadership role while allowing limited affiliation pending resolution of an ongoing civil proceeding, which remains unresolved.”
”As part of the board’s ongoing responsibility to reassess unresolved matters that affect organizational standards, the leadership board has 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 this matter is pending.”
Then fellow Checkmat co-founder and Leandro Vieira’s brother, Leo Vieira, also made an official statement on the decision:
”Discipline is rarely easy. Many times it hurts, challenges emotions, and tests relationships. But I believe that the pain of acting with honesty and fairness is smaller than the cost of ignoring my values. With respect to our history, our relationships, and the presumption of innocence, I want to share that my brother, Professor Leandro, remains suspended from team activities while awaiting the judicial decision of the ongoing case. I will continue to move forward with a strong team, united and committed to principles, responsibility, and integrity – on and off the mats. Values are not just words. They are decisions, especially when those decisions are difficult.”
