Leonardo Xavier
Professor Leonardo "The Wizard" Pinheiro Xavier was born January 3, 1976, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. At the age of 5, Leo ventured into his first martial art, taking judo in school. At the age of 13 Leo began to take Tae Kwon Do classes. Finally, a friend introduced him to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Leo immediately became good friends with his coach, Saulo Ribeiro and Royler Gracie. Under their watchful eye, Leo began to successfully compete in local and regional tournaments in Brazil and, while he was still a blue belt, Leo began to help with classes. Leo trained during this time at the legendary birthplace of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Gracie Humaitá gym in Rio. In 1999, Leo realized his dream of being promoted to black belt from the hands of his coaches Saulo Ribeiro and Master Royler Gracie. He is one of an elite group who have had the privilege of teaching Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at Gracie Humaitá.
In May, 2008, Professor Xavier was promoted by Royler Gracie to the rank of third degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Read more about Leonardo Xavier: Instructor Lineage, Accomplishments in The Art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Relocation To The United States
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