Ask a BJJ Black Belt – Leandro Lima

Hi Leandro,
you stayed in Austria, Graz for two months as a trainer for Zitadelle Graz. 

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself. What is the story behind Leandro Lima?

My name is Leandro, I was born in Manacapuru Amazonas Brazil and I currently live in São Paulo. I am a black belt in competitive jiu-jitsu

2. Where are you from? Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Brazil. My home town is called Manacapuru Amazonas.

3. When did you discover BJJ?

I discovered Jiu-Jitsu with 15 to 16 years through a friend who trained years before I did. Since then I haven’t stopped training.

4. When did you move to São Paulo?

When I was 17/18 years old. That was in 2014, as soon as I got my blue belt. Since then I’ve been training at Cícero Costa with Cícero from blue to black.

5. How was your first meeting with Cicero Costha?

I went to Cícero Costha with a friend from my city, who has been training there for some time already. I met him at an MMA event in my city, so I said that I really want to leave Amazonas to train Jiu-Jitsu. He talked to Cícero so that I could live with the other boys at the academy. I still recognize when I first met Cícero on the day I arrived. He is always smiling and always willing to help if you need something. No matter what. 

6. How did Cicero Costha change your life?

Totally! Totally changed my life in my city. I didn’t have many opportunities to be something, because I never liked studying.  So in Jiu-Jitsu I saw a way out, a way for other chances. Through Cícero I had the chance to get to know several other countries and travel all over the world.

7. What does the training mean to you, in your life?

Because of Jiu-Jitsu I learned to respect and also to be respected. Jiu jitsu is my life.

8. Do you remember your first tournament?

My first competition was in Manaus in 2013. I had five fights in the Amazonian championship, finishing in second place. I was very happy with my performance back then.

9. What was the biggest success in your life?

Success in my life today is being able to live from Jiu-Jitsu, travel the world, meet new people and be able to help my parents.

10. What are your targets in future?

My plans for the future are to continue competing and training at a high level, so that I can produce champions and also have my own academy.

11. And last but not least, how was your stay in Austria?

My stay here in Austria was very good. I met new people, I was able to learn and teach and also improve my English. This will help me a lot for the future. I hope to come back here next year.

Thank you Leandro. It was a pleasure meeting you. We really enjoyed the trainings and time with you. Hope to see u soon. Hopefully already next year!