Our History

The history of LX Jiu-Jitsu begins in 1991 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where a young Leonardo Xavier first became inspired to learn the art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. A close childhood friend of Leo’s from age of 7 was the one who initially introduced him to the sport. From this simple introduction, his friend never could have imagined that Leo would become such a world class instructor and have such a positive impact on so many people.

Even early in his career, Leo’s ability and technical skills were clearly evident. His unique talent was noticed by multiple time world champion Saulo Ribeiro who gave Leo an opportunity to train and teach under him at Gracie Tijuca.

After establishing himself with Saulo, another opportunity arose when Robin Gracie, one of Master Helio Gracie’s son’s, moved to teach Jiu Jitsu in Spain. This left a vacant instructor position at Gracie Academy Headquarters (Academia Gracie Humaita) and Leo was invited to take the position and take an instructor’s course at the Gracie Humaita Academy from Masters Royler and Rolker Gracie.

While acting as a dedicated and loyal assistant to the two Masters, Leo gained a wealth of priceless knowledge about the art as well as invaluable experience on how to be an effective teacher. It is at the Gracie Humaita Academy where he excelled and completed his training to become a black belt Professor. This distinguished lineage to the source of Gracie Jiu Jitsu is what sets him apart from almost all other current instructors.

After demonstrating his knowledge in Jiu Jitsu, Leo eventually started teaching at his own school in Brazil and was later invited to teach together with 3 time Olympic Judo player Frederico Flexa.   During this time he continued to refine his skills and teaching abilities.

Leo’s initial connection to the United States was in the early 2000’s when a dedicated American student sought him out and traveled to Brazil to learn from him. After taking classes with Leo, the student was impressed by what he had learned, and invited Leo to come teach in the United States and share his knowledge.

After spending time and teaching in several different locations in the US and while learning about American culture and customs, Professor Leo felt that the Sugar Land area was the best fit for him and a great place to establish his roots and become a part of the community. Sugar Land is now where he lives, raises his family and is a place he is proud to call home. Sugar Land is official headquarters for his school.

LX Jiu-Jitsu Sugar Land had a humble beginning when Leo was first starting out more than 13 years ago. Classes were initially taught inside another martial arts school where a room was subleased. The first class had only three students but as word spread and Leo’s reputation was established, the classes quickly grew, not only in number, but in diversity and quality of students.

Students came from many different professions, back grounds and age groups who sought a higher level of instruction and more authentic experience and in traditional Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. In 2012, it was finally time for LX Jiu-Jitsu to establish its own home and the school was moved to its present location.

LX Jiu-Jitsu was built from scratch with the help of many dedicated and loyal students. As the first and only authentic Gracie Jiu-Jitsu School in the Sugar Land area, LX Jiu-Jitsu is proud to set the standard in the Sugar Land community and surrounding areas. Hard work, excellence, passion for Jiu-Jitsu, and students who believe in and share the vision of Professor Leonardo Xavier, have helped make LX Jiu-Jitsu what it is today.