The team

José Henrique Leão Teixeira Filho is a 6th-degree Jiu Jitsu black belt, Vice-President of the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Confederation and President of the Barra Jiu Jitsu Association.

He started his training at the famous “Gracie de Copacabana” academy in Rio de Janeiro with Grand Master Rolls Gracie who in the seventies became champion of the Gracie family and the idol of a generation.

Rolls revolutionized the style of jiu-jitsu, rendering the Art more agile and dynamic in action. His innovations were characterized by a will to win, self-confidence and a diversification of techniques that greatly boosted the sport.

He was for many years a leader in his field and a symbol for a whole generation.

“Rolls Gracie meant a lot to us all, his contribution to the growing importance of jujitsu cannot be denied. His discipline and determination in class made a deep impression on me and are values that I believe in until today. I have made them the mission of my school:”
“To teach and mold with Determination, Respect and Discipline”
Leão Teixeira

When Leão Teixeira joined the academy, Rolls introduced him to Carlos (Carlinhos) Gracie Jr. who taught him the first moves of the Art. Later, Carlinhos was his instructor and worked with him on major projects aimed at enhancing the popularity of Jiu Jitsu as a sport.

Rolls passed away in 1982, and Carlinhos took over his academy in Copacabana, in line with a decision taken during a meeting attended by all the students and Angela Gracie, Rolls’ widow.

In 1984, Carlinhos, together with his brothers Crolin and Rillion, initiated another project: he moved his Jiu-Jitsu academy to the Barra da Tijuca, a new and fast-growing district of Rio de Janeiro.

The Jiu-Jitsu Club started in the Olegário Maciel avenue and later changed its name to become the famous Gracie Barra Academy which trained the largest Jiu-Jitsu team in the world with branches in every country. Its team now wins awards in most national and international competitions.

Felipe started studying BJJ at “Escola de Jiu Jitsu Leao Teixeira” in 1994 at the early age of 13.Since then he has fully dedicated himself to BJJ whether by assisting his teacher or participating in seminars and competitions.
In 2001, at the young age of 21 Felipe was graded to black belt at the “Escola de Jiu Jitsu Leao Teixeira” by Master Leao Teixeira and Helio Moreira.

After many years working an instructor to Escola de Jiu Jitsu, Roger Gracie Academy, Budokwai and traveling the world teaching seminars he founded the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu School in the UK. A school influenced by the philosophy of master Leao Teixeira and Felipeʼs own experience.

Parallel to the development of the BJJ School he is also co-founder of the “Future Champions Charity” in UK.

Neville has been studying martial arts since the age of ten, training in a variety of striking systems including Muay Thai and Kung Fu.

Whilst at university he became aware of BJJ and commenced his training in 2001. Neville is fascinated about how the concepts of Jiu Jitsu, namely analysis, strategy, and discipline can be applied to all parts of life, be it business or personal, to identify and achieve objectives.

Ian started his training over 20 years in Goju Kai Karate under Tino Ceberano in Australia. During his Karate days he met John Will who attended hombu dojo for a seminar by a visiting Karate expert, John demonstrated some techniques and in so doing showed alternatives to the traditional syllabus. In an instant Ian knew he wanted to become his student.

After teaching both Karate and Arnis for a number of years, the opportunity arose to train with John when he opened a school in Melbourne. John was originally teaching Pencak Silat in Geelong however this later became ‘Shootfighting’ that was a blend of stand up and ground fighting.

After training with John for over 6 years he moved to the UK where he met Felipe and shortly thereafter joined the BJJ School.

Rory started training in martial arts in 2000 learning the fundamental principals of fighting and self defence at Royal Holloway University MMA club of which he is now the instructor.

Rory started specific BJJ training in 2004 under Braulio & Vitor Estima plus other prominent instructors. Rory affiliated himself with the BJJ School with its formation in 2007 where he now trains and helps instruct both adults and children.

Most notable achievements in Rory’s martial arts career are obtaining the title of 2005 European Brazilian Jujitsu Open Undefeated Champion (wt/class respective) and winning a Mauy Thai fight in Thailand in 2006. When not on the mats Rory is climbing trees and using chainsaws.

Ed has been practising BJJ since 2004 and Judo since 2006. He is very passionate about BJJ and a very dedicated practitioner. He has also extremely competitive and has fought both nationally and internationally.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu has become his way of life! Ed is more than happy to help anyone improve both skill level and fitness . Ed is also a Premier Level 3 Advanced Personal Trainer and Nutritional Adviser.

Some of Ed accolades in Bjj

Silver – Scandinavian Open 2008 Purple Belt Super Heavy Weight
Silver – Gracie Invitational 2008 Blue Belt Super Heavy Weight.
Gold – Bristol Open 2008 Open Weight Class.
Silver – Bristol Open 2008 Blue Belt Super Heavy Weight.

James began training in BJJ in 2000. As well as training with BJJ
School, James regularly travels abroad to train and keep up to date with new developments in BJJ.

Jamie started training in BJJ in 2007. He is a Child Mentor and Councillor who has over 15 years experience of working with young people in schools, play and competitive sports.

Also a qualified and experienced Football Coach, Jamie is using all his knowledge as an Assistant Instructor within the Children’s Programme here at BJJ School.

He is also a Co-Founder of The Future Champions Project here in
the UK.

Antony started training BJJ in 2005 and is one of the original members of BJJ School.
Antony is an active competitor winning accolades including gold at the 2009 IBJJF European Championships, British champion in 2010 and with a further gold medal at Seni 2010.
As the youth squad co-ordinator Antony teaches a variety of children including those with special educational needs and is an instructor for the Future Champions project. Antony has dedicated himself full time to BJJ and also teaches adult classes at Leyton Mills.

After only starting BJJ in April 2007, Daniel traveled to Lisbon, Portugal in January 2009 to compete in the European Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Championships, where overcoming stiff competition he became the European Juvenile Heavy Middleweight Champion.

He won his first tournament at 15, the 2007 Northern Open, winning all of his matches by submission. He also has an impressive record competing in adult categories, achieving outstanding results, beginning to defeat adults when he was aged just sixteen.

The Londoner also has the distinction of being the first Featherweight ever to win the Welsh Open.

Leoni has been studying martial arts since the age of six, from traditional Jiu Jitsu, to Judo and BJJ.

Leoni began training in BJJ in 2006 and joined the BJJ School team in 2009 upon moving to London. As the first female instructor, Leoni now teaches the women’s BJJ and self defence classes and assists with the children’s classes.

As one of the most active female competitors in the UK, Leoni competes both nationally and internationally, with personal highlights including winning the British Championships at middleweight in 2009, and lightweight and open weight in 2010.