Leonardo Xavier

Who is Leonardo Xavier?

Professor Leonardo "The Wizard" Xavier was born on 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, at the age of 15 a friend introduced him to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Leo immediately became good friends with his coaches, 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 Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, Gracie Humaitá academy 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 and honor of teaching Jiu-Jitsu at the legendary Gracie Humaitá.

In May, 2008, Professor Xavier was promoted by Royler Gracie to the rank of third degree black belt in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu.