Local Jiu-Jitsu community 'devastated' by champion's killing in Brazil

Leandro Lo (Courtesy photo)

ROCHESTER - Students and trainers at a Rochester Jiu Jitsu school are mourning the fatal shooting of legendary Jiu-Jitsu champion Leandro Lo at a Sao Paulo, Brazil nightclub.
A lawyer for the eight-time Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu world champion confirmed that Lo, 33, died Sunday after being declared brain-dead at a local hospital, according to a report by MMA Fighting.

The killing allegedly took place during a confrontation between Lo and Police Officer Henrique Otávio Oliveira Velozo, the outlet reported.

Witnesses said Velozo grabbed a bottle from Lo's table prompting the fighter to take him down and hold him, according to the outlet, citing a police report.

After the pair were separated, Velozo allegedly pulled out a gun, firing a round into Lo's forehead, according to the site, the New York Post reported today.

Jiu Jitsu black belt John Sanders, who co-owns Sanders Jiu Jitsu on Old Dover Toad, said he knew of Lo and had seen him fight, but never got the chance to meet him.
"We are all devastated," he said of the local Jiu Jitsu community. "He was well thought of and a great competitor."
Lo was one of the most successful Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu athletes of all time, winning his most recent world championship earlier this year in California.