Professor Leo Lerner is a highly accomplished Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt, martial arts instructor, and the proud owner of Raiz Jiu-Jitsu. He earned his black belt under Master Ralph Garcia—Head Coach at American Top Team in Tampa, Florida—who himself is a black belt under Rinaldo Santos, a direct student of the legendary Carlson Gracie Sr.

Leo began his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey in 2002 under Master Pablo Popovitch, a former ADCC champion. From the moment he stepped onto the mats, he was captivated by the art, dedicating over two decades of his life to mastering and teaching Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

In addition to his extensive grappling background, Professor Leo brings experience as a former MMA competitor, holding a record of 5-1. He also co-owned American Top Team in Doral, Florida, alongside UFC veteran and knockout artist Thiago Silva.

At Raiz Jiu-Jitsu, Professor Leo leads a program rooted in technical excellence and real-world effectiveness. With over 20 years of experience in professional martial arts—including BJJ, Kickboxing, and MMA—our mission is simple: to empower every member of our community with the skills to defend themselves while building strength, confidence, and lifelong discipline.