Roberto Leitão, a renowned coach and Luta livre athlete, passed away on November 28th, 2020. He was 83 years old. COVID-19 triggered his death.
Roberto Leitao, a well-known Brazilian martial artist, died on Saturday as a result of the Covid-19 virus. He was first admitted to the Hospital Vitória in Barra da Tijuca after being diagnosed with COVID-19, according to a family post on Instagram.
He was initially doing well but was admitted to the hospital owing to his age and past cancer and cardiac surgery. He sadly died on the morning of November 28th, according to reports.
Roberto Leitao’s Family wrote on Instagram:
“Today, at 9 am, Master Leitão rested. Thank you to everyone who has been with him throughout his journey and especially in thought during this last month. The master fought for everything in life without ever complaining. Victorious for forming a family that learned the true values of life, competent engineer, sensitive artist, son, brother, husband, grandfather, and exquisite father, there was no one who didn’t like his company. He turned his love of fighting into a school. He taught, trained, encouraged, and stimulated many to sport and to physical and mental health those who had the privilege of being close to him. Rest in peace, you have fulfilled your path as a true master. We are grateful to have had the privilege of being a part of your journey. With all love, your children, grandchildren, son-in-law, and daughter-in-law.”
The death of such a martial arts hero is a major loss not just to the individuals who knew him personally, but also to anybody who benefited from his efforts in promoting Luta Livre.
Roberto Leitao
Roberto Claudio das Neves Leitão was born on May 15, 1937, in Santa Catarina, Brazil. He died on November 28, 2020, in Rio de Janeiro (aged 83). Luta Livre rank: 10th-degree black belt In judo University Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro SAKURAJU.
Leitao, a black belt in judo and former head of the Brazilian Wrestling Federation, was known for teaching Luta Livre, or free fighting. Marco Ruas and Pedro Rizzo are two of his former students.
Leitao has also authored a book on the biomechanics of combat and was a professor of mechanical engineering.
At the age of 58, he dominated Olympic superheavyweight wrestling gold medalist Jeff Blatnick in a sparring bout by submitting him twice. Blatnick later told New York Magazine, “I was so frustrated – I’m an Olympic champion, and a 65-year-old man made me feel helpless.”
