Lucas Lepri

Early Life and Introduction to Jiu-Jitsu

Lucas Lepri was born in Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil, in September 1984. Growing up, he actively participated in various athletic disciplines, including futsal, judo, swimming, skating, and capoeira. His passion for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu ignited in 2000 after watching Fernando "Margarida" Pontes demonstrate techniques on a Brazilian MTV program. Inspired by Margarida's dynamic style, Lepri began training shortly thereafter, marking the start of his lifelong dedication to the art.

Training Under Elan Santiago and Alliance Team

Lepri commenced his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey under the guidance of Elan Santiago, who awarded him his black belt at the end of 2006. Seeking to further elevate his competitive skills, Lepri joined the prestigious Alliance Jiu-Jitsu, training alongside legendary instructors such as Fábio Gurgel, Fernando "Tererê" Augusto, Alexandre "Gigi" Paiva, and Romero "Jacaré" Cavalcanti. This elite training environment significantly influenced his technical development and competitive mindset.

Technical Style and Signature Techniques

Lucas Lepri is renowned for his precise guard passing, relentless pressure, and strategic grip management. His technical mastery is exemplified by the extraordinary feat of maintaining an unpassed guard for an entire decade of high-level competition. Known for his analytical approach, Lepri has shared his expertise through instructional content, including a detailed Digitsu instructional focused on the knee-on-belly position, emphasizing control, transitions, and submission finishes.

Establishing Lucas Lepri Jiu-Jitsu Academy

After relocating to the United States, Lepri founded the Lucas Lepri Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Charlotte, North Carolina. Under his leadership, the academy quickly rose to prominence, securing five team titles at the IBJJF Charlotte Open (2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2021). Responding to increased demand and aiming to expand his influence, Lepri established a second academy location in Fort Mill, South Carolina.

Advocacy for Clean Sport in Jiu-Jitsu

Lucas Lepri is a vocal advocate against steroid and performance-enhancing drug (PED) use in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. In a 2022 public statement, he strongly criticized the culture surrounding PEDs, emphasizing respect for athletes who achieve success naturally. Drawing from personal experience, Lepri openly shares his journey of becoming a nine-time world champion through disciplined, natural training methods. He actively encourages young athletes to prioritize long-term physical and mental health over short-term competitive gains.

IBJJF Hall of Fame Induction

On May 19, 2022, Lucas Lepri was inducted into the IBJJF Hall of Fame, an honor reserved for the most accomplished figures in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. This prestigious recognition celebrated his nine black belt World Championship titles and his unprecedented run of five consecutive lightweight world championships from 2014 to 2018. Upon receiving this distinction, Lepri expressed gratitude for the privilege of having his name etched alongside the sport's greatest legends.

Post-Competition Career and Global Influence

Following his retirement from IBJJF World Championship competition after securing his final title in 2018, Lucas Lepri remains deeply involved in the global Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu community. He regularly travels internationally, conducting seminars across Europe, Asia, and other regions, sharing his renowned guard passing and pressure-based techniques. Despite stepping away from active competition, Lepri maintains a rigorous daily training regimen, consistently sparring and drilling alongside his students. His disciplined lifestyle and unwavering dedication continue to inspire athletes at his academies, many of whom have begun achieving notable success at major tournaments representing Team Lepri.