Leonardo Vieira leads technical seminar at inauguration of Checkmat Brazil headquarters

Event brought together approximately 350 students from various dojos in an exclusive clinic led by a founding member of one of the most influential jiu‑jitsu teams in the world.

By Global Sports Comunicação
Curitiba, January 5, 2026

On December 13, one day after the official inauguration of the Checkmat Headquarters Brazil, renowned professor Leonardo Vieira led a comprehensive technical seminar for students from across the network who traveled to Curitiba to deepen their understanding of the gentle art of Brazilian Jiu‑Jitsu.

Léo Vieira conducts a technical session surrounded by Checkmat Brazil black belts. © Global Sports

Founding members of Checkmat — one of the most prominent jiu‑jitsu teams on the planet — Leonardo Vieira, Sebastian Lali and Ricardo Vieira have driven the organization’s global expansion since its creation in 2008. Each leads a strategic front of the international operation: Leonardo Vieira, a leading figure of his competitive generation, oversees activities in North America and Asia; Sebastian Lali coordinates the team’s structure in Brazil and Latin America; and Ricardo Vieira heads the European branch.

Léo Vieira breaks down fundamentals and transitions with the precision of someone who turns technique into art. © Global Sports

Based in Seal Beach, California (USA) for more than a decade, Léo Vieira maintains the tradition of returning to Brazil annually to conduct clinics for instructors and athletes — and the seminar at the Brazilian headquarters marked a historic milestone in his work with the federation’s grassroots levels as well.

Léo Vieira closely observes student execution, offering detailed technical adjustments. © Global Sports

In total, more than 350 students and instructors participated in the activities led by Leonardo Vieira at the new headquarters — a true technical and philosophical immersion in the principles of Jiu‑Jitsu. The program was divided into two distinct sessions: the first targeted practitioners up to green belt, focusing on fundamental techniques and the conceptual foundations of the art; the second was exclusively for brown and black belts — approximately 70 instructors and advanced students — and offered deeper exploration of concepts such as attack timing, strategic transitions, and pressure control.

Leonardo transforms complex concepts into accessible learning. © Global Sports

In addition to black belts, participants included blue, green, purple, and brown belts, underscoring Checkmat’s commitment to training at all levels. The strong turnout of athletes and instructors from multiple regions highlighted the seminar’s role as a milestone for technical and institutional integration within the Checkmat network in Brazil.

With outstanding teaching skills, Leonardo clearly communicates even the subtlest technical details. © Global Sports

Inaugural clinic

During the seminar held at the team’s new dojo, the master presented material tailored to different technical levels but grounded in a single guiding principle.

“I applied the same principle across all three levels of practitioners we serve today: the principle of controlling the moment of attack. I helped students understand that there is the right time to attack — whether on top or on the bottom,” Vieira explained to Revista Budô.

With charisma and mastery, Léo Vieira captures everyone’s attention on the mat — every word a lasting lesson. © Global Sports

Throughout the clinic, content was adjusted to suit different levels of experience, always beginning from a neutral position in which both athletes had offensive options. From there, Vieira outlined approaches for athletes on top and on the bottom, encouraging students to recognize the optimal timing to execute each movement.

“Timing is more important than technique,” the professor stated. “Technique helps conserve energy, but it is not what guarantees success in position. Understanding timing requires study beyond the physical — it is something practical, dynamic, and demands sensitivity.”

Structure and symbolism

More than a technical class, the experience carried profound symbolic significance for Léo Vieira, who emphasized the importance of hosting the seminar at the team’s new national headquarters — a space representing the fulfillment of a collective dream for Checkmat Brazil.

“Today we have one of the best‑structured dojos in the world. Sebastian and Letícia dedicated three intense years to make this space a reality — with a refined architectural project, planned lighting and impeccable finishes. The entire environment was designed to provide comfort, safety and performance, with Olympic‑grade tatami mats from Original Tatamis Yamamura. It is truly gratifying to be home — in a new home — welcoming teachers, students and friends at this very special moment,” he concluded.

The seminar gathered practitioners of various ranks and regions, strengthening technique, community, and Checkmat identity. © Global Sports

Sebastian Lali highlights the role of seminars in unifying the checkmat network

“The seminars are, in practice, our most direct form of continuing education. Through them, we keep our teams aligned with what is happening in competitions, current technical trends and the evolution of the art. Right now, for example, I am in Europe doing exactly that: before the European events, updating teachers, leading camps and closely supporting athletes preparing to compete.

Professors Leonardo Vieira and Sebastian Lali alongside Perninha, national parajiu-jitsu icon and multi-time champion, who leads the team in Irati (Paraná). © Global Sports

“Last year, I conducted **more than one hundred seminars in different regions — Brazil, South America, Europe and the United States. Léo certainly led even more. Our priority is to keep the affiliates constantly updated, both in technical content and in the team’s core principles. This is also essential to strengthen the bonds across the network. The goal is not only that practitioners wear the Checkmat brand, but that they truly feel integrated into the team.

Léo Vieira shares his lifetime of experience on the mats, transmitting the essence of the Gentle Art. © Global Sports

“I make it a point to visit all of our schools in Brazil at least once a year. In some cases, I go twice a year. I also regularly visit schools in Argentina, Paraguay and, soon, Chile. In Europe, I visit at least once annually — last year I visited twice, and this year is my first visit — and I also visit the United States every year.

Main tatami at the Checkmat Brazil Headquarters, equipped with Olympic-grade mats by Original Tatamis Yamamura — combining design, safety, and elite standards. © Global Sports

“Léo, for his part, travels the world constantly. He is deeply present in Asia — Japan, Singapore, Abu Dhabi — and competitive in the United States with the same intensity that I travel across Brazil. I usually bring him to Brazil twice a year, typically in July and December, and during those periods we plan school visits and regional gatherings with affiliates, bringing together instructors and students for shared training and technical integration.

On the HQ Brazil mats, Léo Vieira teaches more than positions — he inspires mindset. © Global Sports

“Today, our routine is more focused on working for the team as a whole rather than a single academy. We live Checkmat around the world.”

Access the photo gallery from the Technical Seminar held at the Checkmat Brazil Headquarters.