Professor Leonardo Xavier is the highest ranking Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt in the greater Houston Metropolitan area. Leo, as he is affectionately known by his friends and students, was born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and has been a life long student, competitor and teacher of the martial arts. He was first exposed to judo at the tender age of five and then went on to experiment in different striking and grappling arts until he found his true calling, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, when he was 15 years old.

From the beginning of Leo’s learning process of the art he showed great promise as a BJJ athlete. His dedicated work-ethic, natural skill and indomitable fighting spirit caused him to be noticed by Saulo Ribeiro, one of Gracie Humaitá’s best students and competitors. Saulo then took Leo under his tutelage and, through the careful guidance of Royler Gracie, helped hone Leo’s skills both as a world-class competitor and sought-after instructor. When Robin Gracie, one of Roylers brothers and main instructors at Gracie Humaitá, decided to take the art of BJJ to Europe, both Royler and Saulo recognized Leo’s natural ability as a gifted teacher and entrusted him with helping them teach the daily classes at Gracie Tijuca and at Gracie Humaitá, the cradle of Brazilian Jiu-jitsu. He was one of the very first people outside of the Gracie family to be allowed the distinctive and rare honor of being a full time instructor at the academy.

Leo soon became a well respected instructor at Gracie Humaitá and also represented the competition team quite successfully, becoming a multiple-medalist at such prestigious events as the World Championships, Rio de Janeiro State Championships, Pan-American Games and the Brazilian National Championship. His success as an active competitor and commitment to the academy by teaching for up to 10 hours a day was validated by the full support of the Gracie staff of instructors that embraced him and took him in as one of their own. Leo was a student at Gracie Humaitá for 15 years and worked as an instructor for the Gracie family for another 10 years, learning indispensable lessons on and off the mats by such noted BJJ luminaries as Rolker, Royler, Rickson and other Gracie family members.

Leo continued to train, teach and compete under the Gracie Humaitá banner as a brown belt. In 1999, after many years of training and sacrifice, his passion and commitment paid off in a big way when he was awarded his black belt by mentors Royler Gracie and Saulo Ribeiro. Soon after his promotion an even bigger honor followed when he was awarded a Black Belt Professor Diploma by the legendary Royler and Rolker Gracie for his excellent contributions to Gracie Humaitá, the original BJJ academy that was founded by Grand Master Helio Gracie. This accolade is reserved for only the most elite practitioners, and it symbolizes the epitome of what Helio Gracie envisioned as the ideal teacher and practitioner of the art he created.

Leonardo is known amongst the Jiu-Jitsu community as “The Wizard”, a nickname given to him by Kid Peligro, the most acclaimed author and one of the most respected writers of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Kid Peligro first noticed Leo’s humble and studious approach to Jiu-jitsu and eventually gave him the nickname because of his ability to read and adapt to his opponents intentions while reacting to every technique by creating a counter move and variation to them seemingly out of nothing. Upon first training with Leo, Kid Peligro was particularly impressed by how his techniques worked on opponents regardless of their size or shapes making them seem weightless.

Shortly after receiving his black belt, Leo was competing in the 2000 Mundials (World Championship) where a spectator was so impressed by his technique and skill that he invited him to the United States to come give a few seminars throughout various states. The spectator soon became a regular student, and Leo began the transition from guest-instructor to being based and teaching full time in the United States. Through consistent hard work and dedication, Leo was able to establish a following of loyal students. Leo’s undeniable passion and enthusiasm for teaching the art of BJJ along with his growing school were motivating factors for him to establish the LX Jiu-Jitsu association with its main headquarters in Sugar Land, TX.

Leo’s constant efforts to promote, develop and expand the art of traditional Gracie-style Brazilian Jiu-jitsu have helped his association to experience a significant amount of growth and success. The LXBJJ association now has affiliate schools spread all over the country and also in his native Brazil. The LX family can be found in Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Arkansas, West Virginia, New York, Brazil and many other places. All LX Academies are staffed with like-minded and equally passionate individuals that share Leo’s vision and commitment to producing high quality champions in the sport to which he has dedicated his life. This success is evidenced by the large number of champions Leo’s schools have produced. LXBJJ members routinely place for medals in all levels of competition.

Leo continues to teach and expand his association, sharing his goals and visions with his ever growing roster of students. He anxiously awaits the day in which he will promote his first generation of Black Belts from the USA so that they can share in spreading his love and knowledge of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.