Heart Of A Lion – The Leo Vieira Highlight

Coming from a grappling family that consists of black belt brothers Ricardo and Leandro, there were never any shortcuts to greatness. Leozinho chose a path that would have him at the helm, and the crossroads, of many of the most successful teams in competition today.

Leo originally trained under Alliance founder Romero “Jacare” Cavalcante, earning his black belt from him in 1997. After a dispute with the other Alliance general, Fabio Gurgel, Leo and some of the black belts from Alliance left to start Brasa team where he competed and coached for many years. In 2008 however, seeking more than the team he helped found could offer, Leo and his brothers struck out again forming the now world renown Checkmat team, home to champions and leg harvesters Cavaca and Buchecha.

Leo has pulled down some significant hardware in his time, including Worlds, Pans, Brasilieros, and multiple ADCC golds. Truly one of the most feared in his time.

Leozinho is know for his fluid and acrobatic Jiu Jitsu style, which has garnered him quite a few fans over the years, us included. The ease at which Leo is comfortable on his hands and inverted – at full speed – makes his style of Jiu Jitsu awesome to watch for both the uninitiated and the veteran grappler alike.

So pay respect to the king of Jiu Jitsu jungle and one of the greatest Mat Monsters of all time.