BJJ Creator Helio Gracie, 95, Passes Away
Helio Gracie
Helio Gracie, regarded as the creator of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, passed away in his sleep early Thursday in Brazil. He was 95.
Gracie began teaching judo at age 16 but soon realized that the moves were difficult to execute, eventually leading to the development of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, now known as BJJ, which relied more on leverage and positioning as opposed to strength, allowing smaller and weaker practitioners to succeed against larger competition.
The only 10th degree master of BJJ in the world, Helio was the father of professional fighters Rickson, Royler, Royce, Relson, and Rorion. Royce is a UFC hall of famer who won the UFC 1, UFC 2, and UFC 4 open weight tournaments, while Rorion was one of the founders of the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
Helio will be buried in Brazil this afternoon.
MMAFrenzy.com sends its condolences to Helio’s family and friends.
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REST IN PIECE*** YOU LIVE A GOOD LONG LIFE AND THANKS FOR EVERYTHING YOU HAVE DONE TO HELP THE SPORT EVOLVE
This man was really the begining of MMA (and his children) we were lucky to have him, and i am sure he will be missed!
respect to a true master. may his legacy live on.
RIP, nice to no he didn’t suffer
RIP Helio Gracie!
Thank You For BJJ!
rip mma god, rip!
I am saddened by the news of Helio’s passing, he accomplished so much in his life-time and developed, in my opinion one of the most effective fighting systems ever created. As the pioneer of BJJ, his teachings and knowledge will live on through the Gracie family and will continue to be taught by BJJ practitioners throughout the world.
Helio will be greatly missed and always remembered as the founding father of the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu fighting system, and as a legend of the sport.
R.I.P
Sad day in MArtial arts history, rest in peace. Thanks so much for everything you and your family have done!
like everyone has said . its a big loss in the world period let alone MMA . All we can say is “Thank You ” . you did some cool stuff with the time you were given
Definitely thankful for his contributions to Martial Arts, and the world in general.
I suppose going in your sleep is probably one of the best ways to go, glad he went peacefully.
While I would much rather “go” in the midst of an orgy with 24 hookers, I echo all of your other sentiments.
I don’t know about the “orgy with 24 hookers”, but I did say “one of” for a reason…
Wrong. Just wrong.
And yet, so completely expected.
i would like to meet the man who did not die after an orgy with 24 hookers… knowing one of them has aids..
dbiz that was rude and socially unacceptable… then again it does sound like a interesting way to go… carry on
i remember seeing this guy in the big “Gracie Trains” when Royce would fight…thats awesome that he’s the only 10th degree blackbelt in the style he founded, an honor that i’m guessing wont be matched. RIP
RIP
It’s always sad to see a pioneer of any sport pass, Helio especially. Helio seemed like a man of infinite class and wisdom. It truly is a sad day in the world of martial arts. Rest in Peace Helio. Although I’m sure he’s making someone tap beyond those pearly white gates.
rest in peace master
a true hero in my country
we will honor and respect you forever
q DEus te abencoe e te receba bem
RIP Helio and thank you
RIP to a true Budo master….
Thank you Grand Master Helio, you will be missed.
REST IN PIECE
Thanks so much for everything you and your family have done!
Gracie Barra playa del carmen quintana roo mexico
In this age that we live in,for a man to become Immortal or have a legitimate legacy,its damn near impossibe-he truely succeeded in this impossible deed,2 U & Ur family-The steps of Ur legacy will walk in place with those who carry now his craft-R.I.P
Helio,
Thank you for all you have done. BJJ is the reason American MMA has done so well. I train in BJJ and it just brings me so much happiness.
You have done well!!!
Thank you Great Master Hélio Gracie for your legacy! You showed everyone that, cleverness and the right technique, David can really win over Goliath, RIP “O grande mestre vai pro céu, mas se ele encontrar o diabo pelo caminho, pobre do diabo… Ou bate, ou apaga.”