Leo Sammarelli was an aspiring boxer and MMA fighter, before an accident paralyzed him from the waist down.
However, unwilling to give up martial arts, Sammarelli today competes in Jiu-Jitsu… Against non-disabled fighters.
View this post on Instagram
In a story brought by Global News, it’s said that Sammarelli’s accident happened when he was shot during a Royal Canadian Mounted Police target shooting exercise – which went wrong.
He was shot in the back, leaving him paralyzed from the waist down. But that didn’t stop him from training; he was soon back to the gym, using his wheelchair to hit pads.
Fast forward to today, he recently competed in the “All Versus All” grappling tournament in Canada. He was matched with non-disabled fighters – but held his own in both matches.
Even though he didn’t manage to win, Sammarelli was cheered by the crowd. He sees his performance as good as a victory:
I think they’ve never seen anything like that or that they never even thought it was possible for someone like me to compete and hold my ground against some of these opponents.
I think that’s the biggest victory I came away from that day… Showing people that no matter what has happened to you, that shouldn’t stop you.
View this post on Instagram
Sammarelli also started a “Westcoast Wheelchair Adaptive Boxing” nonprofit organization, which is meant to help other athletes like himself get back in the gym.
Along with his coach, Meego Ward-Yassin, he is helping fighters with disabilities adapt and learn martial arts; as well as helping them find tournaments to compete in.
View this post on Instagram
Sloth Jiu-Jitsu: The Ultimate Guide for Calmly Beating Bigger, Younger Opponents
💥 What if slowing down was the fastest way to win?
💭 Tired of Getting Smashed by Younger, Stronger Grapplers?
It’s not your age. It’s your strategy.
If you’re a passionate grappler over 35 who’s sick of getting outpaced, outmuscled, or out-cardio’d by opponents half your age — this 120 page e-book was made for you.
🔓 Unlock the Power of Sloth Jiu-Jitsu:
Build Sustainable Strength—Without Wrecking Your Joints, Energy, or Jiu-Jitsu
Tired of waking up sore and burnt out after lifting? Sloth Strength is a proven blueprint for grapplers over 35 who want to get stronger—without the pain, burnout, or injuries.
Developed from 25 years on the mats, this no-burnout approach is made specifically for BJJ athletes in their 30s, 40s, and beyond.
