Brazilian jiu-jitsu legend Helio Gracie dead at 95
by Jesse Holland on Jan 29, 2009 12:18 PM EST
67 comments
Helio Gracie, founder and 10th degree master of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, died earlier this morning at home at the age of 95 in the district of Itaipava, in the mountain region of Rio de Janeiro.
Widely considered as one of the first sports heroes in Brazilian history, Gracie is also the father of world-renowned fighters Rickson Gracie, Royler Gracie, Relson Gracie, Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) founder Rorion Gracie and of course, its first ever champion Royce Gracie.
The youngest son of Gastao and Cesalina Gracie's eight children, Helio learned the art of traditional Japanese jiu-jitsu by studying and imitating his brother Carlos, who was versed in the art of submission fighting after their father befriended Japan's "Count Combat," who would instruct Carlos out of gratitude to Gastao.
Carlos became an instructor of jiu-jitsu, and one fateful day his teenage brother Helio was forced to replace him when a student showed up for class and Carlos was not available. Helio conducted the training based mostly on theory and imitation of his brother, but the student was so impressed that he asked to retain Helio and Carlos added him as an instructor at the school.
Due to his frail body and physical limitations, traditional jiu-jitsu was not easy for him to execute. Helio began refining his technique to compensate for his disadvantages, improving the leverage in the execution of some of the techniques. Through both experimentation and trial and error, Gracie Jiu-Jitsu was born.
Helio would fight sporadically for over 35 years, but his most famous match came against Masahiko Kimura in 1951. Kimura, who outweighed Gracie by 80 lbs., broke Gracie's arm during their match in Brazil with a shoulder lock that now bears his name.
Not only did Kimura break it, but he continued to apply pressure because Helio refused to submit. Carlos Gracie eventually threw in the towel but not before earning the respect of Kimura.
From Kimura:
"I applied Udegarami. I thought he would surrender immediately. But Helio would not tap the mat. I had no choice but keep on twisting the arm. The stadium became quiet. The bone of his arm was coming close to the breaking point. Finally, the sound of bone breaking echoed throughout the stadium. Helio still did not surrender. His left arm was already powerless. Under this rule, I had no choice but twist the arm again. There was plenty of time left. I twisted the left arm again. Another bone was broken. Helio still did not tap. When I tried to twist the arm once more, a white towel was thrown in."
Helio would recover and continue his career, including a 3 hour and 40 minute fight against former student Valdemar Santana at a YMCA in Rio de Janeiro in one of the longest fights in history.
After a life of competition, Helio would corner his sons in their fighting careers and continue to progress the principles of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. In 1997 Black Belt Magazine named Helio "Man of the Year" for his contributions to the sport.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Gracie family during this difficult time. Helio was a true pioneer and visionary and his place in the world of mixed martial arts will never be forgotten.
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he had a huge part of the greatness we see today. rest in peace good man.
by tonydanza on Jan 29, 2009 12:19 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Was he the Gracie that was honored at UFC 1? I seem to remember one of the real old Gracie’s being there and getting some special attention of some sort.
by LJ on Jan 29, 2009 12:27 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Noooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
R.I.P.
Thank you Helio,
My heart goes out to the Gracie Family
I hope the UFC does a little something during it’s show
by Mikeybear2009 on Jan 29, 2009 4:15 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
God rest his soul. A legend and MMA wouldn’t be what it is without him.
R.I.P Helio
by Ca$z on Jan 29, 2009 6:13 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I hope they honor him in some way during the GSP/Penn 2 card.
by naturalshadow on Jan 29, 2009 4:09 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
No Dana has decided to promote the next Jason Statham movie instead….
by Ca$z on Jan 29, 2009 8:34 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I remember UFC1. I think watching Royce from day one toke me from being a boxing fan to being a MMA fan. I have seen from UFC 1 to presant. Thanks to the Gracies. God Bless.
by iagoof22 on Jan 29, 2009 8:48 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
A sad day for MMA.
Helio was a true pioneer of the sport and one of the greatest fighters to ever live. Without him we would have absolutely none of this at all.
RIP Helio.
by Rhys on Jan 30, 2009 7:38 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
a true pioneer and a true warrior, rest in peace.
by ruan-fiy on Jan 29, 2009 12:21 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
RIP
You contributed to what MMA is today, and I thank you as a fan.
by Jared on Jan 29, 2009 12:25 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
What? The Gracie family really pioneered the UFC. Things wouldn’t be what they are today without those guys.
by LJ on Jan 29, 2009 12:26 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
What a loss, I have always admired Helio for the accomplishments he has achieved. His art has inspired millions around the world, he has lived a life that people can only dream about. From the early days, learning from carlos to becoming the most feared man in Brazil to becoming saving a mans life from a shark attack,
Helio is without a doubt, my favorite fighter of all time!
I want to send my sympathy to the gracie family and to all the bjj students and masters all over the world, this is truly a devastating loss… Much respect to Helio, much respect to the Gracie family..
“"I created a flag from the sport’s dignity. I oversee the name of my family with affection and nerves of blood, -Helio Gracie
-Andrew Cespedes
by drew on Jan 29, 2009 12:33 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Well said…
by --utaptout--...RIP Helio, and thanks... on Jan 29, 2009 7:30 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
A master in every sense of the word. Great mean, lived an intriguing life and will be greatly missed.
by DoctorSamson on Jan 29, 2009 12:47 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
We will always remember the man responsible for putting Jiu Jitsu where it is today and one of the people responsible for making MMA what it is today.
Rest In Peace Hélio! My condolences to all the Gracie family, students and all who knew him.
by JJ on Jan 29, 2009 1:02 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
RIP. Thanks for revolutionizing our sport, and really giving it its start
by Andrew on Jan 29, 2009 1:05 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
For those that may of not know this.. the orginal concept behind the creation of the UFC was to promote Brazilian JiuJitsu.. the Martial Art that Grand Masters Carlos and Helio Gracie created.
It’s a sad day.. but also a day to pay tribute.. and to honor the Gracie Family.. For his Family.. friends.. students of Brazilian JiuJitsu around the world.
Brazilian JiuJitsu has given me so much that I can not begin to see myself without JiuJitsu…I’m honored and live with great and humility in being a Brazilian JiuJitsu Student.
Where would we be today without MMA.. UFC.. BJJ..??
Where would BJJ be today with Helio Gracie??
It’s very hard to say.
Let today 0129 nad UFC94 0131.. be a celebration of Helio Gracie’s Jiujitsu!!
A toast for Grand Master Helio.. God Bless You Mestre!!! Ficar Com Deus
by PhilQNY on Jan 29, 2009 1:08 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Well said Phil. Thank you for everything Helio.
by GregC on Jan 29, 2009 2:24 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Well said Phil. My life would be really missing something if I hadn’t discovered BJJ for myself and my son.
MMA wouldn’t exist as we know it thats for sure.
I join you in your toast and will celebrate his legacy this saturday night too.
May BJJ live forever.
by Ca$z on Jan 29, 2009 8:43 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Thank you for all you have done. A true warrior and Master, RIP Master Gracie.
by Jeff on Jan 29, 2009 1:13 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
GOD BLESS YOU GREAT MASTER YOU WILL NEVER WALK ALONE
REST IN PEACE
ALEX HERRERA-JUDO BLACK BELT HAVANA-CUBA
by HALEXTITO on Jan 29, 2009 1:13 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
its a very interesting story, the evolution of jiu jitsu and its importance in the founding of mixed martial arts. and the gracie family will forever be one of the historic, driving forces behind the story of this sport. RIP. here’s to a life well lived and helio gracie’s legacy.
by Hardcase on Jan 29, 2009 1:16 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Man, I wish I had half the mojo Helio had! Full respect my man, you will be missed – extra props for naming all your sons with an “R”.
by noneed4name on Jan 29, 2009 1:35 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
RIP having a mark on history is the greatest achevment a person can have
by Shadow side on Jan 29, 2009 1:40 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
He will go down in history and be remembered. What his family did and is doing for martial arts will probably never be topped. 170lbs fighter came in and dominated 3 for fighters a night all twice his size. No rounds, no gloves, no weight classes. How? BJJ. Thank you Helio. RIP.
by hatteras on Jan 29, 2009 1:55 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
He is a great example of how to live a long and good life through Jiu-Jitsu…he will be missed!!
-Relson Gracie BJJ San Antonio
by wickedelbow on Jan 29, 2009 2:11 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Where it all began, and will live on through all of us that hit the mats or enter the cage. Rest well Master Gracie.
-Relson Gracie Austin
by MMAsubb on Jan 29, 2009 2:13 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Sorry Gracie Family BUT;
I got NEW updates on the TEAM PENN/RUSH LISTS coming in about an hour, ive got Marquardt/Evens, ive got Hughes, hell ive even got CANADA as a whole!!! The lists are looking fuller every minute, keep filling in your “HOW” if you havent already. Im reading all posts in all threads to find YOUR predictions guys, keep making them!!! BJ BJ BJ!!!
by ( (AdamG ) ) on Jan 29, 2009 2:17 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
you got way too much time on your hands adam!!
by kevin on Jan 29, 2009 2:55 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
LMAO!, just got back to this list and there is a bunch of new posts and threads this afternoon, trying to keep up LoL!!!
by ( (AdamG ) ) on Jan 29, 2009 3:55 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Rest in peace Helio.
GSP 4th round TKO.
by NorthStar on Jan 29, 2009 4:39 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
R.I.P mma Wouldnt have been the same without you
by The Philicutioner on Jan 29, 2009 3:03 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
he lived a very long full life to 95…that would be good enough for me
by McArthur on Jan 29, 2009 3:50 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Riddle me this…if Royce, Rickson, Renzo are pronounced Hoyce, Henzo, and Hickson…how is Helio pronounced? Is the H silent meaning it would be pronounced Elio???
by McArthur on Jan 29, 2009 4:23 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
you are correct sir. In portuguese, much like spanish, the h at the beginning of a word is silent.
by --utaptout--...RIP Helio, and thanks... on Jan 29, 2009 7:29 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
RIP Master Gracie from Team Carlson Gracie in Seattle
by TABASCOsauce on Jan 29, 2009 4:37 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
and all the way from Gracie Barra here in Birmingham, UK.
by Ca$z on Jan 29, 2009 8:46 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Rest In Peace Helio. The world of Martial Arts owes you a great deal of thanks, you changed fighting forever!
Hopefully the UFC honors this great man.
by Sofa-King-Toasty on Jan 29, 2009 5:06 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
no hay ninguna perdida aqui, solamente orgullo de lo q fue GM helio gracie muchas gracias por darnos algo tan grande cm el jujitsu brazilero y q descanse en pass maestro nosotros lo veremos a el otro lado CHUI
by chui on Jan 29, 2009 5:54 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Few things bring tears to my eyes. As I type this, I am welling up with emotion at the loss of the pioneer for the greatest martial art ever known to man, Helio Gracie.
Having trained in Gracie Jiu JItsu, I have a deep love for the beauty of it. The techniques, the flow, the positions, the movements are all somehow poetic in their intricacies. I owe alot to this beautiful martial art. It is and always will be a huge part of my life. For this, I’d like to say, “Thank you Helio, for being my hero and opening my world”.
I have always had a profound respect for the Gracie family, particularly for Helio and Helio’s oldest son Rickson who is the single greatest Gracie Jiu Jitsu artist of all time. The world has benefited greatly from Helio’s existence, especially my fellow fans and practitioners of MMA and BJJ. We should all thank Helio for being the man that he was, and for giving us the memories of his life.
Once again, thank you Helio, and God rest your soul.
by --utaptout--...RIP Helio, and thanks... on Jan 29, 2009 7:22 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
RIP Helio
RedLine BJJ Edmond Ok
by NewGuyTheGunMan on Jan 29, 2009 11:52 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I never knew that you could find peace in a martial art until I discovered Gracie Jiu Jitsu. Every time I hit the mats it is a release of all the negative energy that I store up from my everyday life. So for me BJJ is just as spiritual as it is physical and mental. So for that I owe the Gracie family my sincerist gratitude.
R.I.P Helio Gracie, you are The Master!
by Matt25 on Jan 30, 2009 8:04 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
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