About US

My name is Professor Leandro Massaro. I am a fitness coach and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt under the legendary Wellington “Megaton” Dias. I hold a third-degree black belt certified by the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) and have dedicated my life to the study, practice, and competition of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu since 2000.

Throughout my 26 years in the art, I have competed in some of the sport’s most prestigious tournaments, earning medals and gaining valuable experience on the international stage. My competitive journey has taken me to events such as the World Championship, American Nationals, Pan-American Championship, European Championship, Arizona State Championship, and Asian Championship.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has always been much more than a martial art to me. It has played a fundamental role in shaping the person I am today, pushing me beyond my comfort zone and helping me become healthier, happier, and more confident.

Through years of training, teaching, and competing, I have learned that success is built on hard work, dedication, honesty, and integrity. These are the same values I strive to bring to every class, helping students develop not only their technical abilities but also the confidence, discipline, and resilience they can carry into their everyday lives.

Over the years, I have built friendships that will last a lifetime and had the privilege of training, working, and competing alongside some of the most talented practitioners in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Today, I am passionate about sharing the knowledge and experience I have gained throughout my journey and helping others discover the many benefits of this incredible martial art.

My dedication to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has led to several notable accomplishments throughout my competitive career, including:

• 🏆 2011 IBJJF No-Gi World Championship — Competed as a brown belt in the Masters Division in California.
• 🏆 2012–2013 IBJJF World Rankings — Ranked among the top five athletes in the world in the Brown Belt, Master 2 Division, in both Gi and No-Gi.
• 🏆 2021 IBJJF World Rankings — Finished the season ranked in the top 10 in the Black Belt Middleweight, Master 4 Division, among 152 athletes, and in the top 50 overall in the Master 4 Black Belt Division, among 729 athletes.
• 🏆 2022 European Championship — Earned 3rd place in the Black Belt Division.
• 🏆 2022 Dublin International Open — Earned 1st place in the Black Belt Division.
• 🏆 2022 Masters International North America — Earned 2nd place in the Black Belt Division.

Whether you are a complete beginner, an experienced practitioner, or someone looking to improve your fitness, build confidence, and learn practical self-defense, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu offers something valuable for everyone.

My goal is to provide an environment where students can learn, challenge themselves, and grow both on and off the mats. I believe that the lessons learned through Jiu-Jitsu extend far beyond training, creating opportunities for personal growth, lasting friendships, and a healthier lifestyle.

If you are looking for Gracie Jiu-Jitsu in St. Petersburg, Florida, I invite you to join my Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes and experience firsthand the transformative power of this martial art.

Your journey starts on the mats.

Helio Gracie, a 9th degree red belt, is undeniably one of the most significant figures in the history of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. As one of the pioneering representatives of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu in the 1930s and 1940s, he also served as the father and mentor to many fighters who brought his family's martial arts legacy into the mainstream, especially in the early 1990s. Renowned competitors like Royler, Rickson, and Royce Gracie emerged from his lineage, which is among the strongest in Jiu-Jitsu history. Helio Gracie is celebrated as one of the founders of the Brazilian grappling art.

Professor Megaton, known formally as Wellington Dias, boasts over 30 years of experience in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, making him one of the most renowned and respected BJJ instructors globally. His exceptional skills have made him a sought-after figure in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes, particularly at Gracie Jiu-Jitsu St Petersburg, where he shares his extensive knowledge.

As a Judo and BJJ black belt, Professor Megaton has maintained a competitive drive that has kept him at the top of his game for two decades. A representative of the Gracie Humaita team, he is notable for being the only Jiu-Jitsu fighter to have competed in all first 16 editions of the World BJJ Championships as a black belt, from 1996 to 2018, achieving podium finishes on four occasions. Additionally, he is the proud father of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu star Mackenzie Dern.