Saulo Ribeiro began his training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 1992 under Royler Gracie, the son of Helio Gracie, at the legendary Gracie Humaitá gym. He received his black belt on November 27, 1995, which is faster than the typical rate that a person advances in BJJ. Saulo is one of the world's best competitors, combining both gi and no-gi in the last decade.
Saulo's Competition titles include (as a Black Belt only):
- 6 time Gold Medalist - World Jiu-Jitsu Championship: 1996, 97, 98, 99, 2000, and 2002
- 2 time ADCC Submission Wrestling World Championship Champion: 2000, 2003
- 3 time Gold Medalist - Brazilian National Championships: 1995, 98 (x2)
- 4 time Gold Medalist - Pan-American BJJ Championship: 1998 (x2), 2007, 2007 (no-gi),
- 2 time Gold Medalist - Rio de Janeiro State BJJ Champion
- 2 time Arnold Schwarzenegger/Gracie World Submission Champion
- No Holds Barred Superfight Champion - The Fightzone
Saulo's younger brother, Alexandre "Xande" (pronounced "Shawn-gee") Ribeiro, began his training in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil also under the instruction of Royler Gracie and Saulo at the Gracie Humaitá Academy.
Xande's Competition titles include (through all ranks):
- 8 time Gold Medalist - World Jiu-Jitsu Championship 1999, 2000, 2004, 2006 (x2), 2007, 2008 (x2)
- 6 time Gold Medalist - Pan-American BJJ Championship 1998, 1999, 2001, 2002, 2005, 2006
- 2 time Gold Medalist - World Cup BJJ Championship
- 2 time Gold Medalist - Brazilian National Championships: 2004 (x2)
- 3 time Gold Medalist - Grapplers Quest Championship
Xande (left) and Saulo Ribeiro (right) in Hawaii.
Both Saulo and Xande have conducted seminars throughout the Americas, Europe, the Middle East and Asia. In 2007 the Ribeiro brothers moved from Toledo, Ohio to San Diego, California to open the "University of Jiu-Jitsu". Saulo Ribeiro currently heads approximately 12 Training Associations throughout the United States. These Training Associations are led by instructors hand picked by Saulo to represent and teach his style of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to others. The Training Associations also often host seminars featuring either Saulo, Xande or their other Black Belt students.