“I am a fifth degree black belt under Royler Gracie from Gracie Humaita. I want to recommend you my friend, Leonardo “The Wizard” Xavier. I called him “The Wizard” because when I first started to train with him he would pull moves and it just looked like a magician, I did not know where it came from. We met in 1996 training for the first Worlds at Gracie Humaita and at times Leonardo would take me away and we would train together and he would do crazy things that I have never seen before, “Wizard” moves, that is why I call him “The Wizard”. He grew up at Gracie Humaita in Rio de Janeiro under Master Royler Gracie and Master Rickson Gracie and his technique is flawless, he is a great instructor, I could not recommend you any better.”

“I first met Leo when I hosted Master Rickson Gracie in Australia. Leo accompanied Master Rickson to help during the Australia tour… It is no surprise that a disciple of Rickson can dismantle the fine elements of Jiu-Jitsu at it’s core. Leo has a fantastic ability to connect with everyone from walks of life. He delivers a firm but friendly seminar that has everyone at ease with an intellect wit and a great sense of humor. His understanding and dedication to passing on Master Rickson Gracie’s vision of Jiu-Jitsu and self-defense is truly second to none. It is very clear to me that he has a deep understanding based on his own research to better himself through his genuine intention to preserve Jiu-Jitsu’s effectiveness. I would have no hesitation whatsoever in recommending Leo Xavier. From beginner to black belt this guy will leave you wide eyed and unable to sleep.”

“Throughout my Jiu-Jitsu journey I’ve had the pleasure of training with a half dozen of Rickson Gracie black belts. Professor Leonardo Xavier is by far the closest representation of what Master Rickson Gracie stands for. Everything from the philosophy and concepts to the ethics and code is aligned with our Master. I am truly blessed to call him my Professor.”