Instructors

Immerse yourself in the world class technique and attention to detail that has allowed Lucas Lepri to capture 9 World Championships as a black belt.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

Every new student at Lucas Lepri Jiu Jitsu Academy receives orientation classes to begin their jiu jitsu journey.

Lucas Lepri

LLJJA HQ and Fort Mill Owner/Founder & HQ Head Professor

Lucas is from Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil and came to the US in 2009 to be an instructor at Alliance, New York City. After 3 years of instructing in New York, Lucas spent 2 years instructing at the Alliance US headquarters in Atlanta, GA, alongside Master Romero “Jacaré” Cavalcanti. Though not all great athletes make great instructors, Lucas’ instructor training grounds have been among the best in the world and his student’s successes are a testament to his teaching and coaching abilities. He has produced many World, Pan, and European medalists and people have moved from all over to train with Lucas full-time.

Frederico Silva

LLJJA Fort Mill Co-Founder & Head Professor

Frederico Silva started his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey at age 16 in his hometown Brasília-Brazil, inspired by his cousin Lucas Lepri.

In the colored belts, he made his name competing nationally and internationally, collecting titles such as: Brazilian National (CBJJ), Brazilian National NoGi (CBJJ), AJP Jiu-Jitsu Pro New York, bronze medalist at Pan Ams NoGi, World NoGi, and several times IBJJF Opens.

He moved to Charlotte-NC in 2015 to be the assistant coach at Lucas Lepri Academy, teaching children and adults of all ages and all levels. In addition to participating in the training of several competitors.

He won his black belt at the hands of his mentor and professor Lucas Lepri in 2016. He continued his journey in competitions winning Second Place at Pan Ams NoGI, Third Place at World NoGi, and IBJJF Opens, these being 4 x Charlotte International Open Gold medalists.

Professor Fred is currently the Lucas Lepri Academy Fort Mill Head Instructor.

Donovan Espinosa

LLJJA HQ Kids Head Professor & Professor Lepri Assistant 

Professor Donovan is an American born black belt under Professor Lucas Lepri. With a unique ability to explain movements & concepts, Professor Donovan makes jiu-jitsu accessible to everyone – of all ages and skill levels. He started jiu jitsu when he was 16 years old and is a world class instructor. With a calm demeanor and never ending patients, professor Donovan is perfect for teaching jiu-jitsu to young kids, sharing his passion for jiu-jitsu to the future of the Lepri Team HQ. 

Andre Gois

LLJJA HQ Adult and Kids Professor & Professor Lepri Assistant 

Professor Andre is a jiu-jitsu black belt under Lucas Lepri. Training jiu jitsu since he was 15 years old, he worked extensively with Professor Luciano Nucci (Casquinha) while representing the Alliance team in the sport at an international level in Sao Paulo, Brazil. He moved to Charlotte in 2018 to train with Professor Lepri, and has over 7 years of teaching experience. Professor Andre has on his resume important titles such as the Worlds No Gi, Pan American No Gi, and American Nationals Champion. Professor Andre teaches at the HQ the adults and kids program.