Career
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.
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 Royler Gracie and Saulo Ribeiro.
He is one of an elite group who have had the privilege and honor of teaching Jiu-Jitsu at the Gracie Humaitá Academy. In May, 2008, Professor Xavier was promoted by Royler Gracie to the rank of third degree black belt in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu.
He is currently (2014) a 4th degree promoted by Rickson Gracie and recognized by Jiu-Jitsu Global Federation (JJGF).
Mitsuyo Maeda (前田光世) → Carlos Gracie Senior → Hélio Gracie → Royler and Rickson Gracie → Leonardo Xavier
Multiple Medals at the World Jiu-Jitsu Championship (including bronze at black belt)
Two Time Brazilian National Champion
Instructor of many International and Pan American BJJ Champions
Texas Police and Fire Games Grappling Champion Instructor
Defense Tactics Instructor of The Sugar Land Police Department
International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation Certified Referee
World Class Referee
Leo is also considered a World Class Referee of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Submission Wrestling. In 2000, Professor Xavier traveled to the United States to give several seminars.
He liked the United States and started to travel often to the United States teaching the art that he loves.
In 2003 Leo realized that he loved teaching his style of Jiu-Jitsu to the American people and moved to United States. Leo now intends to remain in the United States to continue his work and efforts to develop Jiu-Jitsu in the United States.
Leo is currently developing and expanding Gracie Jiu-Jitsu in Sugar Land, Texas (Houston Area), where he lives and operates the LX Jiu-Jitsu School. He is recognized in the martial arts world and Jiu-Jitsu community as one of the most charismatic professors and as a world-class authority of the art
With more than 20 years of experience, Leo is highly sought after for teaching seminars and courses around the World.
Few people can match his ability to combine a deep knowledge of the art with a passion and enthusiasm for teaching the legion of loyal students that he gained all over the world.
