Hélio Gracie -The Legend

Hélio Gracie -The  Legend

                                                                  

                                                                              

It’s very difficult to pinpoint one guy as the most important figure in the history of mixed martial arts. But Hélio Gracie’s name will always be seen up there somewhere.He was one of the founders of Brazilian Jiujitsu.Born on October 1st, 1913 in Belém do Pará, Brazil as the youngest of eight children,he learned traditional jiu-jitsu by watching his brother, Carlos. But his small frame made it difficult for him to execute the moves. As a result, he adapted techniques to fit his limited physical ability and gave rise to modern-day Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
Using these new techniques, smaller and weaker practitioners gained the capability to defend themselves and even defeat much larger opponents. His teachings not only included martial arts, but healthy living and eating. He possessed none of the attributes one would expect from a great fighter. He was not strong, not quick, and not explosive, which were the foundations of what the jiu-jitsu taught by his older brother were about. He developed a defensive style, refining the guard, where the goal against a bigger and more athletic person was to neutralize their strength while exerting as little energy as possible, force them to get frustrated, tired, to make a mistake, and then capitalize.


Until his death, Hélio was the only living 10th degree master of the discipline and is widely considered as one of the first sports heroes in Brazilian history. His impact on the sport of mixed martial arts was profound. His son, Rorion, was credited with developing the concept that became the Ultimate Fighting Championship, and another of his sons, Royce, won the first two UFC tournaments in 1993 and 1994. Two other sons, Rickson and Royler, also competed in MMA.

                                                                      Hélio & Royce 

KIMURA


In 1955, he battled Masahiko Kimura, who by legend in Japan was the greatest judo player of all time, in a submission judo/jiujitsu match  at Maracana Stadium in Rio. The fight drew 20,000 fans, including the president of Brazil. There was a huge size difference with Kimura overweighing Gracie by 20 kgs.During the fight, Kimura threw Gracie around and eventually clamped on a shoulder-lock(Reverse Ude Garami) that is now called a Kimura, and broke Hélio’s arm. Gracie didn’t tap, even hearing his bone breaking. Kimura couldn’t think of anything to do but continue the move, and heard the bone break  again.At this point, Carlos Gracie, Gracie's older brother, threw in the towel because he knew that his brother would not submit. In 1994, Gracie admitted in an interview that he had in fact been choked unconscious  earlier in the match, but had regained consciousness when Kimura released the choke.As a tribute to Kimura's victory, the Reverse Ude Garami technique was named as the Kimura lock, or simply the Kimura, in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

                                                                    Gracie Vs Kimura

Hélio had a mission in life and influenced so many people. He developed a way that a small guy can beat a big guy, or at least, defend himself against a bigger guy.

He  died on January 29, 2009  at the age of 95 .Gracie passed away in his sleep. He died the way he always wanted to – quick and fast.Thanks to this man, there are thousands of people around the world making a living from jiu-jitsu and thousands of fighters making a living from MMA.Without him MMA would not exist, giving jobs to many fighters, promoters and managers and fun to millions of fans around the world.
He taught a way of life, a life of perfection and efficiency -- and not just in jiu-jitsu but everyday life.
On his funeral, one of his son’s asked for a round of applause for his father and placed a black belt over his coffin.

I was watching a You tube video tribute for Hélio when a comment from a fan caught my eye.
“RIP Master Hélio! He is in Valhalla , where warriors go when they die.”