Helio Gracie : Dead at 95 years

[David Jamieson]

"The day on January 29 morning more sad for lovers of art soft. Creator of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu along with his brother Carlos, Master Hélio Gracie, who had completed 95 years in 2008, died in Rio de Janeiro. The tatami not have details about the death of the Master, but the death is confirmed."

RIP Helio

[sanjuro_ronin]

"The day on January 29 morning more sad for lovers of art soft. Creator of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu along with his brother Carlos, Master Hélio Gracie, who had completed 95 years in 2008, died in Rio de Janeiro. The tatami not have details about the death of the Master, but the death is confirmed."

RIP Helio

This for real ?
Wow, what a run Helio had, I mean, surely on of the all time greatest MA of this century, easily.
RIP old man, you certainly deserve it.

[David Jamieson]

http://jbonline.terra.com.br/nextra/2009/01/29/e290126426.asp

in english vis a vis google translator: http://translate.google.com/translate?prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&u=http%3A%2F%2Fjbonline.terra.com.br%2Fnextra%2F20 09%2F01%2F29%2Fe290126426.asp&sl=pt&tl=en&history_state0=

[sanjuro_ronin]

I didn't know he had Lucemia...
Wow, fighter to the end.
No matter your feelings on BJJ and GJ in particular, Helio revolutionized the MA world.
The man walked the walk and talked the talk.

[TenTigers]

I bet he goes down in history with the likes of Kano and Chang. At least he should. Not so much for his innovations, but for what he brought to the MA world.

[sanjuro_ronin]

I bet he goes down in history with the likes of Kano and Chang. At least he should. Not so much for his innovations, but for what he brought to the MA world.

He was quite innovative, BJJ's core was made famous by Helio, the Guard, position before submission, adapting Judo to Vale Tudo.

[SIFU RON]

I met his son in Torrance, California. Some of my friends were students at their school in Torrance. GM Helio Gracie was a pioneer in Martail Arts. The Gracie family has accomplished many things in all aspects of Martail Arts and they continue to pass it on with their family tradition.

My best to the Gracie family.

Ron Shewmaker

[Pork Chop]

RIP Helio-さん

[GeneChing]

A true legend. I'm sorry I never had the opportunity to meet him.


Helio Gracie Dead (http://sherdog.com/news/news/helio-gracie-dead-15977)
Thursday, January 29, 2009
by Brian Knapp (bknapp@sherdog.com)

Helio Gracie, the father of Gracie jiu-jitsu, is dead at the age of 95. Gracie passed in his sleep early Thursday in Itaipaiva, Rio de Janeiro, after he had been admitted to a local hospital a few days prior for stomach problems.

“He passed the way he always wanted to –- quick and fast,” said an immediate relative, who asked not to be identified. The relative said Gracie’s body would be buried on Thursday.

The youngest of Cesalina and Gastao Gracie’s eight children, he learned traditional jiu-jitsu by watching his brother, Carlos, teach it, 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.

Gracie was involved in two legendary fights. He lost to Masahiko Kimura -- a man who outweighed him by some 80 pounds -- in 1951 when Carlos threw in the towel after Kimura broke Gracie’s arm with the shoulder lock that now bears his name. Four years later, Gracie fought former student Valdemar Santana for nearly four hours and won by technical knockout after Santana succumbed to exhaustion.

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.

Gracie is survived by his wife Vera; his sons Rickson, Royler, Rolker, Royce, Relson, Robin and Rorion; his daughters Rerika and Ricci, as well as numerous siblings, nieces, nephews, and grandchildren.

[Lucas]

Makes for a sad day indeed. The man will be a legend of his own time.

RIP

[Three Harmonies]

Helio Gracie 1913-2009


The legendary patriarch of jiu-jitsu's first family, Helio Gracie, has passed away at the age of 95. The father of nine children, including UFC Hall of Famer Royce, the master of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu was revered throughout the world for his gentle manner off the mat and his amazing skill and technique on it. He will be sorely missed. The UFC sends its sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Helio Gracie. -

[1bad65]

RIP Helio

Sad news, but he lived a long and full life.

[Dale Dugas]

Joss has been lit and prayers said.

RIP

[jow yeroc]

RIP Master Gracie. He leaves behind an incredible legacy.

[MasterKiller]

The Coffin. (http://www.sherdog.com/thumbnail_crop.php?image=http://www.cdn.sherdog.com/_images/pictures/20090129072719_coffin.JPG&width_size=600)

[Oso]

RIP


that coffin pic is nice all things considered, very poignant.

[Li Kao]

Very sad hearing this but he sure lived a full life -- we should all be so lucky. He created a legacy that will endure for a long time.

[Hardwork108]

"The day on January 29 morning more sad for lovers of art soft. Creator of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu along with his brother Carlos, Master Hélio Gracie, who had completed 95 years in 2008, died in Rio de Janeiro. The tatami not have details about the death of the Master, but the death is confirmed."

RIP Helio

RIP Helio.

[GunnedDownAtrocity]

he lived a long and accomplished life, but its always sad when a legend passes. wasn't he still practicing not all that long ago?

[golden arhat]

an inspiring guy for sure, too bad.....:(

[X_plosion]

Rest In Peace, Helio Gracie.

[GeneChing]

From Adisa Banjoko of the Hip Hop Chess Federation (http://ezine.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?p=909325). Click to the article for a lot of nested videos.


True Master: Hip-Hop Recalls Helio Gracie (http://www.allhiphop.com/stories/lifestylesports/archive/2009/02/05/20831857.aspx)
Published Thursday, February 05, 2009 1:30 PM
By Adisa Banjoko, The Bishop of Hip-Hop

“There are times when someone like a cousin dies and it is not a matter of shedding tears. But we may hear of someone who lived fifty or a hundred years ago, of whom we know nothing and who has no family ties with us whatever ever, and yet from a sense of giri [honor/respect] we shed tears.”
- Hagakure

The Legacy of the Great Helio Gracie.
Starring:
DJ Johnny Juice Rosado of Public Enemy fame
Rakaa from Dilated Peoples
Herb Dean, Ultimate Fighting Championship referee
and Hip-Hop

The global martial arts community suffered a great loss in recent days. Grand Master Helio Gracie, passed away January 29th 2009. Helio was founder of the Gracie Jiu Jitsu martial arts system. His system was developed in the 1930's. It innovated new approaches on traditional Japanese Jiu Jitsu. He understood that if a smaller person took a bigger guy down to the ground, he had a much easier chance of winning a fight. Building an intricate system of pins, joint locks and choke holds, Helio would change combat forever. He put his own life on the line fighting all comers, irrespective of size or weight or style. Even boxing legend Joe Louis declined a chance to tangle with the Gracies. Once asked exactly what his art was about, he replied "What the samurai's did with their swords, we do with our hands."

Helio and his brothers took the art from a relatively unknown status and change the history of the world with their wisdom, courage and compassion. Helios sons, Rorion, Rickson, Royler, Rolker, Relson, Robin and Royce Gracie would become household names proving the art on the streets of Brazil and America in the 1980's. Their cousins Ralph, Renzo, Ryan and Charles would carry the family banner to the shores of America as well with devastating fashion. Their arrival to the U.S. changed the course of American martial arts like no other family. The Gracies stand alone as the first family of modern martial arts. Helio not only promoted self-defense. He taught people to embrace clean living, a good diet and encouraged family values and using your mind to avoid physical confrontations.

Be crystal clear on this fact: There is no UFC, without the Helio Gracie. There is no Georges St. Pierre vs. BJ Penn, no Rashad Evans, no movies like "Never Back Down" or "Red Belt," no TapOut clothing. With many people, their greatness cannot be measured. But the influence of Helio Gracie can be traced with great accuracy from Brazil, to Los Angeles, to the Bay to New York to Hawaii and the rest of the world.

It can even be traced to Hip-Hop. Its hard to think about Hip-Hop's love of the battle - think the influence of Bruce Lee and Jeet Kune Do - on b-boys and DJ's and MC's and not see what fertile ground this was for Helio's teachings.

On the track "Kublai Khan," Vinnie Paz from Jedi Mind Tricks spits "My mother raised me alone, you can't break me/My hearts pumpin the blood of Royce Gracie." In the track 7 Pounds GZA says "They still cage matching MC's thats scrapping/Not the UFC, but my opponent is tapping." Alcoholics, Dilated Peoples, Heltah Skeltah and many others have mentioned the Gracies in their music. Even Notorious B.I.G spoke of the art in "Hope You N***s Sleep" saying he'd use "Jujitsu, when I hit you then I split you."

Today AllHipHop.com is going to talk to DJ Johnny Juice Rosado, DJ for Public Enemy (known worldwide for his Night of the Living Baseheads remix) and life long martial artist, Rakaa from Dilated Peoples (he holds a purple belt in Gracie Jiu Jitsu and trains with Helios grandsons) and Ultimate Fighting Championship referee and old school Pasadena rapper Herb Dean. Here they discuss the impact of Helio's work in martial arts and the world around them.

AllHipHop.com: How did you learn about Gracie Jiu Jitsu?

Johnny Juice: In the late 80's I went through a certain type of training in the military. This was late 1988 and '89. There was an emphasis on ground fighting, because he had to have the ability to fight in the sand. Its very hard to fight on sand fighting upright. We did Japanese Jiu Jitsu, but it was not the same obviously as the Gracies. We had some Brazilians come in and teach us. The first thing I thought of when I saw it was the end of the first "Lethal Weapon," where Mel Gibson chokes out Gary Busey with a triangle choke.

When I saw the movie I was like, "That don't look like it'll work." I later learned that one of the Gracies choreographed that fight scene. I was like "This is kinda weird". Then I got choked by one of my fellow service members [laughs]. I was like "Oh s**t"! It worked!"

AllHipHop.com: When did you first learn of Gracie Jiu Jitsu?

Rakaa: Like almost everyone else by watching Royce Gracie in the first UFC. A friend of mine began training not too long after that.

I was impressed enough to accept an invitation to an introductory class. I've been training ever since, though, touring makes it hard to train as much as I'd like.

AllHipHop.com: Do you remember the first and last time you spoke with Helio?

Rakaa: The first time would was a total surprise. It was years ago at the old Academy location and I was still a white belt, and we somehow ended up walking towards each other down the hallway. I felt like a little kid. I was very happy when Rorion stepped in and introduced us! The last time was at the opening reception of the new Torrance Academy location on Artesia, CA. I believe that was in June 2007. In those years, I was blessed to be in his presence numerous times, including two seminars and many pleasant surprises at the Gracie Academy. I am also proud to say that he was aware of my music, and he liked that I put his picture in my album cover and featured his grandsons in other

AllHipHop.com: What are your thoughts on the impact of Helio on American martial arts?

Johnny Juice: I think Helio did what Bruce Lee was trying to do. Bruce was trying to get everybody to open their minds and look outside of their conventional martial arts box. Discard what isn't useful. Add what is useful. If that was their style, thats what they did. Initially, the UFC was created to prove that Gracie Jiu Jitsu was superior to everything else. As we see, its not just superior, its the perfect complement to all the other arts that exist. Bruce was really trying to get people to see that, and we were not ready for it.

But its greatest achievement was the opening of the mind. It was the philosophical approach. People tend now to be a lot more open. They are more accepting of things that are different. We have a Black President now. I'm not saying Helio was responsible for that. But I think in a small way he was. Just the fact that someone could change their idea about something as serious as their martial art. The way they train. They will start thinking about everything they do. It started with a martial art, but it wasn't just a martial art. It was an opening of the mind. People think to themselves. "If I was wrong about my art being the best, maybe I'm wrong about other view points." Martial arts always serves as a microcosm of the world in general.

AllHipHop.com: How has Gracie Jiu Jitsu been affected your life beyond the physical application?

Rakaa: I guess the only way to answer that is to say that Gracie Jiu Jitsu (which many people refer to as Brazilian Jiu Jitsu) has benefited me on the mat, in the same way that learning to swim has benefited me in the water. I do love and appreciate all of the new styles and flavors of Jiu Jitsu. But I feel honored to train at the source with the best.

Rakaa: I'm blessed to have been welcomed into their family, and I can definitely feel the support. On a practical level, studying the art is an educational experience. It's a battle-tested martial art and science, a great workout, and a necessary stress reliever. I trained yesterday and all I can think about is training tomorrow. This weekend we will celebrate Grand Master Helio Gracie's life, and I feel more focused and excited than ever to train. This is my passion and my discipline, and I'm a person that needs both. I'll rep Gracie JiuJitsu forever.

AllHipHop.com: Herb, where were you when you learned about the passing of Helio?

Herb Dean: I gotta text message sent to my phone. My first thought was- I was sad. Helio means a lot to all of us [in the MMA and martial arts communities]. This all [this modern age of martial arts] comes from Helio.

AllHipHop.com: If you had to try and explain to someone who does not know anything about Helio Gracie explain what he contributed to martial arts?

AllHipHop.com: Helio changed not just the world of martial arts. He changed the world. How to live life, everything. Martial arts was in kind of a sad state before Helio came. Theres a lot of people taking the arts further and further into a land of fantasy. Helio brought it back. That started this whole movement of mixed martial arts. It changed what everybody thought about martial arts. It got people who were teaching fantasy world stuff to stop doing it. Besides that he gave us an example to live as a martial artist with honor. Family first. He surrounded himself with his family. He lived all his life doing the things he loved. He was a shining example of a man.

Adisa Banjoko is CEO of the Hip-Hop Chess Federation. For more information visit www.hiphopchess.blogspot.com.

[diego]

A true legend. I'm sorry I never had the opportunity to meet him.

I just read the list of how many kids he had and all one can say what a lucky guy to establish such a legacy :) RIP and RIP to I think his grandson who had an overdose at a young age a few years ago...sadface

I wonder if at 95 Helio Gracie had anything to say about martial health practices?...my buddy died from luechemia sp at the age of 18...props to 95 years of age!.

[Hardwork108]

I wonder if at 95 Helio Gracie had anything to say about martial health practices?...

I read somewhere that he had a special diet and took it easy when it came to sex.