José Leão Teixeira, also known by his nickname: “Zé Beleza”, is one of the founding members of the Gracie Barra academy and the Escola de Jiu Jitsu Leão Teixeira a prime BJJ academy in Rio de Janeiro which is renowned for its work with children.
He trained extensively with Rolls Gracie and got his black belt by Carlos Gracie Jr. At around 1986 he started to take on the kids classes at the Gracie Barra academy and his unique methods of training created a genuine interest for kids which eventually helped increasing the number of children training to over 100. See his full biography from BJJ Heroes.
Main Achievements:
Copa Company Champion* (1986)
International Masters & Seniors Champion (1999)
Cidade de Niteroi Cup Champion (1983 absolute)
Rio State Champion – Campeonato Carioca (1985)
Campeonato Marrom e Preta Champion (1986 weight & absolute)
Brazilian National Champion (1993)
“Zé Beleza”, gave a seminar at Frontline Academy in Bergen at the end of February 2014. He talked about his beginnings at the famous “Gracie de Copacabana” academy in Rio de Janeiro with Rolls and Carlos Gracie Jr., his bjj philosophy and jiu jitsu today:
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