The 2025 IBJJF European Jiu-Jitsu Championships saw the rise of a new force in the lightweight division—Leonardo Souza of KSA Team. Competing in his first major championship as a black belt, Souza didn't just win gold, he submitted every opponent on his path to the top of the podium. His 100% submission rate at such a high level is a testament to his skill and years of dedication to the sport.

We caught up with Leonardo to learn more about his journey, his influences, and what’s next after his stunning performance in Lisbon.

Leonardo, congratulations on winning gold at the IBJJF European Championship! How does it feel to capture your first major title as a black belt?

The feeling was one of extreme happiness and joy. I wasn't imagining that I would win, especially winning in the way that I did—finishing all my fights. I couldn't believe that I had managed to do this. It was a childhood dream becoming reality.

Can you tell us about your journey in jiu-jitsu? How did you get started, and what inspired you to compete?

My first contact with jiu-jitsu was at the age of 11, and from that first experience, I fell in love with it. I have always liked fighting. I did karate when I was younger and a bit of capoeira, but when I had the opportunity to train jiu-jitsu, I knew this was the sport that could change my life.

I have always had this feeling inside me that jiu-jitsu could transform my life. Since then, since I was 11, I have never stopped. I have always been training hard every day until I managed to achieve my first big title, which I have been working towards for many years.

Who were some of the biggest influences on your jiu-jitsu, both inside and outside of competition?

My first great influence was my first teacher, Rodolfo. I was very inspired by him and his jiu-jitsu. Then, over time, I had other influences, of course, like Pedro, when I changed gyms—he was a great influence for me too. My two biggest influences were my first teacher, Rodolfo, and Pedro Maia.

Outside the mat, my biggest influence was my brother, Rafael. At first, he didn't support me much, but when he took his first jiu-jitsu class, he understood how magnificent jiu-jitsu is and began to support me a lot.

You submitted all of your opponents—what do you think contributed most to your ability to finish every match?

What contributed the most was that I have always trained submission attacks a lot, ever since my colored belt days. Even in sparring, I always set a goal to try to submit my training partner at least once. I think that made a difference.

Your submission rate was 100%, which is rare at this level. What do you believe sets your submission game apart from other black belts?

I think what sets my submission game apart from other athletes is that I always step in with the goal of trying to submit my opponent. Since my colored belt days, most of my victories have been by submission.

What are your goals for the rest of the 2025 season? Are there any events you're particularly excited about?

My next goals are to keep working hard and improving my jiu-jitsu, compete in the Grand Slam championships, do superfights, and continue evolving. I want to showcase my jiu-jitsu to the world in the best way possible and aim to submit all my opponents. The event I’m most excited to compete in is the World Championship, without a doubt.

With his aggressive approach to competition and submission-oriented style, Leonardo Souza is quickly making a name for himself in the black belt ranks. After an incredible campaign at the IBJJF European Championships, he now sets his sights on even bigger challenges in 2025, particularly the Grand Slam events, and ultimately, the World Championships.

If his performance at Euros is any indication, jiu-jitsu fans should keep a close eye on Souza. His journey is just beginning.