Leandro Lo Pereira do Nascimento, “Leandro Lo”, was one of the most accomplished Brazilian jiu-jitsu athletes to have ever lived. Like many legends in sport, Leandro came from humble beginnings. But it was those beginnings that would shape his character and ignite a passion to become more.
Leandro was born in May of 1989 on the east side of São Paulo, one of the poorest areas of the city. He started jiu-jitsu at the age of 15 through Projecto Social Lutando Pelo Bem (PSLPB), a social project led by Cicero Costha for underprivileged kids in São Paulo. While Leandro achieved some success during his youth, it wasn’t until 2011 that he really started making a name for himself.
In little more than a decade, Leandro Lo became an 8x IBJJF World Champion, an 8x IBJJF Pans Champion in five different weight classes, a 2x IBJJF Europeans Champion, a 4x IBJJF Brasileiros Champion, a 4x UAEJJF Abu Dhabi World Pro Champion, and a 7x Copa Podio GP Champion in three different weight classes.
Leandro Lo was taken from this world far too early, but his legacy will go on in the minds and hearts of all who knew him. The legend of Leandro Lo will never die, and he will forever inspire future generations of youth to follow their dreams.
It was through Brazilian jiu-jitsu that the boy from São Paulo became a jiu-jitsu hero. It is our hope that the Instituto Leandro Lo will help many more to follow in his footsteps.