# Leandro Escobar ‘Tatu’

> Black Belt

## Overview

**Name:** Leandro Escobar ‘Tatu’

**Belt Rank:** Black Belt

**Date of Birth:** April 30, 1981 (age 45)


## Bio

A black belt under André Almeida ‘Dedeco’ at Brazilian Top Team, Leandro Escobar ‘Tatu’ came up through the Marcio Stambowsky academy in Tijuca before cementing his legacy as a team builder rather than a solo competitor. After Dedeco moved to the US in the mid-2000s, Tatu began teaching alongside Rafael ‘Formiga’, and in January 2008 they merged with Augusto Mendes, Bruno Mendes, and Master Alvaro Mansor to form Soul Fighters, a squad that quickly produced top prospects like Diogo ‘Moreno’ and João Gabriel Rocha. When Soul Fighters dissolved in 2020, Tatu and Formiga co-founded Double Five, keeping João Rocha in the fold.
## Specialties

- Half Guard
## Achievements

- 1st Place IBJJF Pan Championship (2003)
- 2nd Place CBJJ Brazilian Nationals NOGI (2010 / 2009)
- 3rd Place IBJJF World Championships NOGI (2010 / 2007)
- 3rd Place IBJJF Pan Championship (2009 / 2008 / 2004)
- 3rd Place IBJJF Rio Open Bronze (2011)
- 1st Place IBJJF Pan Championship (2002 brown)
## Lineage

- Carlson Gracie (Red Belt)
- Ricardo Libório (Black Belt)
- André Almeida (Black Belt)
## Links

- Twitter: http://www.bjjpix.com

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**Last Updated:** September 24, 2026

**Data Source:** bjj.space (https://bjj.space/people/leandro-escobar-tatu-19554)