Grappling X Newsletter

In Memoriam

Helio Gracie

R.I.P.

 

The legendary master and head of the Gracie family, Helio Gracie has passed away at the age of 95. Helio

was a father to nine children including UFC great Royce Gracie. It was said to be believed that Helio passed

away while he was in his sleep, but prior to that he was admitted into a local hospital in Rio De Janeiro,

Brazil due to pain in his stomach. Helio Gracie passed away in his home in Itaipaiva a small town in Rio De

Janeiro, Brazil.

 

Helio Gracie was the youngest of eight children and started to learn the disciplines of Jiu Jitsu by watching

his Brother Carlos teach classes and later made changes to the techniques to call it Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

 

Helio was known for going to Japan to challenge Masahiko Kimura, a fight in which his brother Carlos had to

throw in the towel after Kimura had broken his arm after applying a shoulder lock that now in modern day

MMA is a known submission hold.

 

Gracie's son, Rorion was the man who first implemented the Ultimate Fighting Championship back in 1993

where back in that time the fights were a no holds barred like atmosphere in the Octagon which was known

as the dark days of the sport where Helio's son, Royce won the first ever UFC tournament which pretty much

cemented his legacy as a mixed martial artist.

 

Helio is survived by his wife, Vera his sons, Royce, Royler, Rickson, Rorion, Rolker, Relson, Robin his

daughters Rerika and Ricci and a large number of nephews, nieces and grandchildren as well.

 

 

- From Grappling X

 

 

 

 

(1/29/09)