Lucas Leite | |
Birth Date: | 3 November 1982 |
Birth Place: | São Paulo, Brazil |
Residence: | La Habra, California |
Team: | Checkmat |
Rank: | black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu |
Lucas Joas Gomes Leite (born November 3, 1982) is a Brazilian grappler. He is a multi-time world champion with first-place finishes at the Gi, Nogi, and Grapplers Quest world championships.[1] Leite started training Brazilian Jiu-jitsu when he was 12 years old under Ryan Gracie.[2] He earned his black belt under Leo Vieira in 2006.
Lucas is noted for having a dynamic half guard game utilizing a twisting knee-hip pressure that is difficult to stop.[3] He says he likes to attack through half guard because it is effective in both gi and no gi competition.[4] Though a natural lightweight, Leite mostly competes at heavyweight or absolute because he often practices with heavier training partners at his gym.[5] Leite moved from Brazil to California in 2007 and opened his own jiu-jitsu academy, where he currently teaches full-time.[6] Leite's students include UFC fighter Jessica Penne.[7] He is a member of Checkmat BJJ Academy.[8] Leite won the Pan American Championships in the under 94 kg division in 2015.[9]