Alexandre "Xande" Ribeiro, born on January 20, 1981, in Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil, is a legendary figure in the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). He began his BJJ journey at the Associacao Monteiro de Jiu-Jitsu under the guidance of Binho, Guto, Yano, and Lucinho Monteiro.
Xande's competitive career is nothing short of extraordinary. He is a seven-time IBJJF World Champion, including two Absolute (open weight) titles, five Heavyweight titles, and three Pro Division championships. His dominance extends to the no-gi realm, where he claimed two IBJJF No-Gi World Championships and two ADCC World Championships. These accomplishments led to his ranking as the #1 BJJ competitor of all time by BJJ Heroes up until 2020.
In 2002, Xande moved to the United States, initially settling in Toledo, Ohio. Five years later, he relocated to San Diego, California, where he and his brother Saulo Ribeiro founded the University of Jiu-Jitsu. This move marked the beginning of the Ribeiro Jiu-Jitsu Association, which would grow to become one of the most respected BJJ organizations worldwide.
Xande's BJJ lineage is impressive, having trained under renowned figures such as Royler Gracie and Vini Aieta. However, his most significant influence has been his older brother, Saulo Ribeiro, also a multiple-time world champion. Together, the Ribeiro brothers hold the most titles in World Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Championships, cementing their status as one of the most successful sibling duos in the sport's history.
In 2008, Xande briefly ventured into mixed martial arts (MMA), competing for the Japanese promotion Sengoku. He won both of his professional MMA fights by knockout, showcasing his versatility as a martial artist.
After a long and illustrious competitive career, Xande announced his retirement from IBJJF competition in 2022, following the World Championships. He also competed one final time at the 2022 ADCC World Championships before retiring from competition altogether. However, in a surprising turn of events, Xande announced his return to competition at the IBJJF European Championship 2025, demonstrating his enduring passion for the sport.
In 2020, Xande embarked on a new chapter in his career, leaving the Ribeiro Academy to start his own jiu-jitsu academy and team called "Six Blades Jiu-Jitsu" based in Austin, Texas. This new venture quickly gained traction, with numerous schools across the US and Brazil joining as affiliates. By 2023, Six Blades Jiu-Jitsu was ranked 8th for male athletes at the World Jiu-Jitsu Championship, showcasing the rapid success of Xande's new team.
Xande's contributions to BJJ extend beyond his competitive achievements. He is known for his technical prowess, innovative approaches to the sport, and his ability to break down complex techniques for students of all levels. His instructional videos and seminars are highly sought after in the BJJ community.In December 2023, Xande's legacy was further cemented when he was announced as the first member of the 2024 class of the ADCC Hall of Fame, recognizing his immense impact on the sport of submission grappling.Throughout his career, Xande has been praised not only for his technical skills but also for his embodiment of the martial arts spirit. His dedication to the sport, respect for his opponents, and commitment to continuous learning have made him a role model for BJJ practitioners worldwide.
Today, Xande continues to teach and inspire the next generation of BJJ practitioners through his Six Blades Jiu-Jitsu academy in Austin, Texas. His journey from a young boy in Manaus to a globally recognized BJJ legend exemplifies the transformative power of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and the heights that can be achieved through dedication, skill, and a true passion for the art.
