Leão Teixeira

José Henrique Leão Teixeira Filho (born October 14th, 1957), better known as Leão "Zé Beleza" Teixeira, is a 7th degree coral belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. A fierce competitor, Teixeira is most notable for being one of the founders of Gracie Barra, the IBJJF, for his commitment to the teaching and development of kids through jiu-jitsu, and for his series of schools: Leão Teixeira Escola De Jiu-Jitsu. As of 2023, Teixeira has also joined the Campeão United Jiu-Jitsu Association's multi-member Council, which oversees the curriculum, credentials, and ranking of all schools underneath the Campeão United banner. 
==Early Life==
Leão Teixeira was born in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil on October 14th, 1957. As a child his martial arts journey did not begin with jiu-jitsu, but with judo and capoeira. He trained under influential judo coaches Fernando Brito and eventually George Mehdi - from whom he earned his green belt. 
One of Teixeira's close friends was (and still is) jiu-jitsu legend Marcio “Macarrão” Stambowsky, and in the mid-70's Stambowsky convinced Leão to join him for a class at the famous Gracie Academy in Copacabana with the late Master Rolls Gracie. After a quick beginner-only class with Carlos Gracie Jr. the young Teixeira was thrown into regular classes, and his journey with jiu-jitsu was underway. 
==1980's==
In 1982, Teixeira graduated with a degree in Physical Education from Gama Filho University. This year also marked the sudden, unexpected death of his mentor Master Rolls Gracie. Carlos Gracie Jr. took up the leadership role at the school, and was the one who promoted Teixeira from blue, to purple, to brown, and finally to black belt in 1986.
In 1984, Carlos Gracie Jr., along with Teixeira, Crolin Gracie and Rilion Gracie, and the Machado brothers, expanded the Copacabana club to a rapidly expanding borough of Rio De Janeiro named Barra da Tijuca. This was the beginning of Gracie Barra Academy, and Teixeira was a part of it's gestation. 
Teixeira's weight class for competition was Peso Médio (82kg/181lbs) and the 1980's held many of his great performances on the mats. In 1983, he won Cidade de Niteroi Cup in the absolute division. He was Rio State Champion in 1985, and 1986 saw him win the Campeonato Marrom e Preta for both his weight class and absolute. 1986 also included his victory as champion of Copa Company and award for Most Technical Fighter (as a brown belt). After this impressive year Leão was promoted to black belt at the now well-established Gracie Barra school. 
==1990's==
The 1990's brought more hardware from tournaments, and also growth of Teixeira's businesses. In 1993 he was the Brazilian National Champion, and in 1999 he won both the International Masters & Seniors championships. 
From a professional standpoint, the 1990's marked international recognition for his gift in developing curriculum and teaching standards for children's jiu-jitsu. In 1992 Carlos Gracie Jr., Leão Teixeira, and Jean Jacques Machado founded Associação de Jiu-Jitsu da Barra, a jiu-jitsu association that held popular and competitive tournaments that would lead to rapid growth and expansion. 1994 Teixeira, alongside his friend and mentor Carlos Gracie Jr., founded the IBJJF, which was a development closely linked to the successes of the Associação de Jiu-Jitsu da Barra. He was the organization's first vice president, and was also on it's board. 
1992 also saw public recognition of Teixeira's teaching methods, and an invitation from Dalal Achcar to create a jiu-jitsu program at the Center for Art and Culture in Gávea. It was from this early collaboration that the Leão Teixera School of Jiu-Jitsu was born. This original school in Gávea, as well as it's other associated academies, is renowned for it's effective programming as well as producing high level jiu-jitsu players. The schools' mission is to "Educate and Train our students with Determination, Respect and Discipline."
==2000-present==
With his competitive days behind him, Teixeira moved into the world of politics and policy. He developed jiu-jitsu curricula for both the American School of Rio De Janeiro (2014), and Escola Eleva (2017). About these opportunities, Master Teixeira stated "The opportunity to be present, through a sports education process, in two of the most renowned schools in Rio de Janeiro, confirms the value of our jiu-jitsu and self-defense program for young people." 
On August 26th, 2017 after 31 years as a black belt, Master Leão Teixeira was awarded his coral belt. The ceremony took place at the World Masters in Las Vegas, and the belt was awarded to Teixeira from his friends and mentors Carlos Gracie Jr., Maurício Gomes, Marcio Stambowsky, Romero Cavalcanti, Sergio Penha, Marcio Simas and Rilion Gracie. 
Sharing his passion for jiu-jitsu as a method for developing youth, Master Teixeira joined a contingent of jiu-jitsu supporters and practitioners to present Bill 4478/2019 to the Federal Senate of Brazil The goal of this bill was to introduce jiu-jtsu into elementary schools in Brazil. 
In 2023, Teixeira joined the Campeão United Jiu-Jitsu Association's multi-member Council, which oversees the curriculum, credentials, and ranking of all schools and students underneath the Campeão United banner.
==Personal Life==
Master Leão Teixeira is bilingual, speaking both Portuguese and English. He lives in Rio De Janeiro with his family, and in his spare time he enjoys golf.
Category:1957 births
Category:People from Rio de Janeiro
Category:Brazilian people
Category:Universidade Gama Filho alumni
Category:Brazilian jiu-jitsu
Category:Sportsmen