Leandro Paes, a 5th degree black-belt in Jiu-Jitsu, has dedicated his professional life entirely to Jiu-Jitsu only because he persevered in pursuit of his dream. At 47 years of age, Leandro is a high-performance competitor and professor of the martial art. In Brazil, where he was born, he began practicing the sport at the age of 11, on the recommendation of a teacher due to his behavior. Over time, he saw a career opportunity, even though few people around him believed it would be possible.
In the last major IBJJF championship of the year, the No Gi Worlds held this month in Las Vegas, Leandro was champion in the masters division after closing-out the final with his teammate Suyan Lopes, from Carlson, and increased his collection of important titles. In the No Gi World Championship, he is now a two-time champion. For the next season, the goal is to maintain the stability of good results to win gold at the IBJJF Grand Slam.
Read the full interview below!
VF COMUNICA: How did your journey in Jiu-Jitsu begin and what motivated you to continue over the years?
LEANDRO ‘SETE BALA’ PAES: I started when I was 11 years old. My mother was advised by my teacher to enroll me in martial arts because I was a very restless kid. I used to fight a lot in school and this could calm me down and help me develop. I have always had a competitive spirit and in Jiu-Jitsu I competed in my first tournament after less than a month of training. I won and soon became addicted to the adrenaline. This kept me away from the streets, drugs, alcohol, etc. When I was growing up I saw a job opportunity and wanted to make a living from the sport. It was all very difficult and only now, a few years ago, have I been able to make a 100% living from martial arts here in the United States.
VF COMUNICA: What were the biggest challenges you faced in your career, especially competing in the masters division?
LEANDRO ‘SETE BALA’ PAES: The biggest challenges I faced in my career were the prejudice because I was the only one who believed that I could make a 100% living from martial arts, and for many years I worked hard in other jobs to continue fighting for my dream and supporting my family and raising my children. Thank God I married a strong woman who fought side by side with me until we succeeded. Today I teach classes and am a Jiu Jitsu athlete, competing in the masters category, but taking my career in the masters division as professional as possible, since the championships between the masters are really tough these days. Several excellent athletes, legends of the sport who are returning to fight, and becoming a masters champion is getting harder every day.
VF COMUNICA: Among all the achievements this year, including the No Gi Euros and the World Master, which victory was the most special for you and why?
LEANDRO ‘SETE BALA’ PAES: This year was wonderful, I won all the IBJJF Opens in the division I competed in, 5 Opens, and I was also champion twice in the absolute. I won the American Nationals and was runner-up in the open class. I won the Worlds in 2023, the Euros and the 2024 World Championship. I only lost the Pan No Gi final this year. But the championship that had the most impact on me was the No Gi European in Rome, Italy, it was a dream come true. In fact, there were two dreams: visiting the Colosseum and being European champion. For me, these were the most special moments of the year.
VF COMUNICA: How do you balance your training routine, competitions and personal life?
LEANDRO ‘SETE BALA’ PAES: Balancing my training routine, classes and family is very easy for me these days. I always have a weekly plan and I identify where I need to give more of myself that week, in case I find myself focusing too much on one thing and leaving the other two aside. But I try to identify the right time for each area.
VF COMUNICA: What has changed since competing in the master division?
LEANDRO ‘SETE BALA’ PAES: Competing in the master category hasn’t changed anything for me. I continue to have the same focus, dedication and commitment. My opponents continue to be tougher every day and that makes me improve my level. Only time has changed.
VF COMUNICA: What are the most important values or lessons that Jiu-Jitsu has brought to your life?
LEANDRO ‘SETE BALA’ PAES: Jiu-Jitsu, as a martial art and sport, teaches a series of lessons and values that can be applied both on and off the mat. Here are some that Jiu-Jitsu has brought to my life: respect, humility, self-confidence, resilience, teamwork. Although it is an individual sport, Jiu-Jitsu involves training and learning with others, fostering a strong sense of camaraderie and mutual support. Discipline, essential both on the mat and in everyday life. Health, an active and healthy lifestyle.
VF COMUNICA: What advice would you give to someone who is starting out in Jiu-Jitsu or thinking about competing in the masters?
LEANDRO ‘SETE BALA’ PAES: Starting out in Jiu-Jitsu, especially if you are thinking about competing in the masters division, can be an exciting and challenging experience. Here are some tips to help you through this process: be patient and consistent, set your goals, train with an open mind, be willing to learn and don’t compare yourself to anyone else, everyone has their own time, this will prevent you from getting frustrated. Take care of your body. As you get older, it is important to listen to your body to avoid injuries. Prepare yourself mentally. Competition is not just about the physical, mental preparation is also crucial. Pay attention to your diet and hydration. Good nutrition can improve your performance and recovery. Remember that Jiu-Jitsu is an activity that should be enjoyable. Competing can be a rewarding experience, but the most important thing is to enjoy the journey and the lessons that Jiu-Jitsu offers.
