The legacy of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu icon Leandro Lo has come under intense scrutiny following recent accusations from his mother, Fatima Lo. She claims that the NS Brotherhood name and her son’s image are being used without the family’s consent, and that individuals unaffiliated with Leandro’s vision have taken control of the team he built.

Lo, an eight-time IBJJF World Champion, was widely regarded as one of the greatest competitors in Jiu-Jitsu history. Tragically, his life was cut short in 2022 when he was murdered at the age of 33. Beyond his dominance on the mats, he founded NS Brotherhood in 2015, breaking away from PSLPB and Cicero Costha to form his own team alongside elite grapplers.

Fatima Lo’s Statement: “He Was Never About Money”

Fatima Lo took to social media to express her outrage over what she views as the exploitation of her son’s name and image.

“Brotherhood was founded by Leandro Lo in 2015—a name he carried with pride, fought for, and even tattooed on his chest. He was never about money, and neither were we.”

She claims that individuals who had not trained with Leandro for years filed a patent for the NS Brotherhood name and are now profiting from his legacy.

“Now, those who never fought for this team, never represented it, and hadn’t trained with him for years, have taken ownership of the NS Brotherhood name and continue to exploit Leandro’s image.”

Calling for action, she urged Lo’s supporters to stand with the family in fighting against what she believes is an unauthorized takeover of his legacy.

NS Brotherhood’s Response

In response, NS Brotherhood issued an official statement on February 21, 2025, rejecting the accusations and defending their leadership. The statement, signed by the team’s legal representative, Professor Augusto Ferrari, reaffirms the team’s commitment to ethics, transparency, and respect.

NS Brotherhood strongly condemned “threats, insults, defamation, slander, or online harassment” directed at Ferrari, asserting that his leadership has always aligned with the fundamental values of Jiu-Jitsu.

The statement claims that since 2022, the team has been focused on preserving the legacy of their late master, while also respecting the family’s wishes regarding his name. However, they denounced what they call baseless accusations that damage Ferrari’s reputation and the team’s integrity.

NS Brotherhood Defends Ferrari’s Leadership

The team emphasized that there is an effort to remove Ferrari from leadership, a move they strongly oppose.

“We clarify that Ferrari has never engaged in any illicit or illegal activities, nor has he personally or financially benefited from the project.”

The statement highlights Ferrari’s long-standing involvement with NS Brotherhood, noting that he has been with the team since its inception in 2015 and took over as head coach in 2018. They credit him with expanding the team’s reach, organizing seminars, and helping bring in top-level athletes.

Further, they defend the legal restructuring of NS Brotherhood, stating that Ferrari legally modified his company name (Ferrari Team Academy) to NS Brotherhood to ensure proper registration and compliance with governing bodies.

Financial Controversy: Lo Family’s Role in Management

NS Brotherhood also addressed concerns regarding financial management, revealing that a member of the Lo family was originally appointed to handle the team’s finances.

“This management included collecting fees, controlling memberships, and registering branches. However, it is important to emphasize that this function was never effectively carried out by the appointed person, which compromised the fulfillment of responsibilities.”

This statement suggests internal conflicts within the team and raises questions about how financial matters were handled after Leandro’s passing.

Legal Action & Call for Resolution

Given the rising tensions, NS Brotherhood urged an end to personal and institutional attacks, stating that they reserve the right to take legal measures if defamation continues.

Despite the controversy, they reaffirmed their commitment to honoring Leandro Lo’s memory, stating:

“We remain committed to strengthening Jiu-Jitsu as a tool for social transformation and personal development, always honoring the memory of the Great Master ‘in memoriam’ and the values he left as his legacy.”

The Battle for NS Brotherhood: What’s Next?

This public dispute over who controls NS Brotherhood has divided the Jiu-Jitsu community, with many questioning the legitimacy of both sides’ claims.

While Fatima Lo insists that the family never consented to the business takeover, NS Brotherhood maintains that everything was done legally and in accordance with Lo’s vision.

As tensions rise, the future of NS Brotherhood’s leadership, brand ownership, and Leandro Lo’s legacy remains uncertain. It remains to be seen whether this dispute will escalate into legal action or if both parties can find common ground in preserving the legacy of one of the sport’s greatest icons.