Grandmaster Hélio Gracie passed away yesterday at 95 years old. He is the inventor of Gracie Jiu Jitsu and a legendary Brazilian mixed martial arts fighter who laid the foundations for the sport we know today as mixed martial arts. Grand Master Hélio is a testament to his fighting system and his lifestyle.
“The Jiu-Jitsu that I created was designed to give the weak ones a chance to face the heavy and strong. It was so successful that they decided to create a sportive version of it. I would like to make it clear that of course I am in favor of the sportive practice and technical refinement of all athletes, whatever their specialty may be, as well as good nutrition, sexual control, avoidance of addictions and unhealthy habits. The problem lies in the creation of a sport-oriented Jiu-Jitsu, based on rules and time limits, which benefits the heavier, stronger, and more athletic individuals. The primary objective of Jiu-Jitsu is to empower the weak who, for not having the physical attributes, are often intimidated. My Jiu-Jitsu is an art of self-defense in which rules and time limits are unacceptable. These are the reasons for which I can’t support events that reflect an anti Jiu-Jitsu.”
- Grand Master Hélio Gracie
As a student at Valente-Gracie Miami, it has been privilege to learn what I sincerely believe is the best self defense system ever created. It transcends beyond a self defense system in that Gracie Jiu Jitsu is applicable to every aspect of your life. Though as a white belt I am constantly learning, it’s nice to know that what I am learning has a history. Gracie Jiu Jitsu has taught me to be disciplined, and to invest in my body because at the end of the day, the most important thing is health.
I am blessed to have good friends who love Gracie Jiu Jitsu and who have introduced me to it. I am thankful for the best instructors who have a passion for what they practice and teach. But most importantly I am thankful for Grandmaster Hélio, who is an example to all who study this art.
Grand Master Hélio Gracie (1913-2009)
