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/...e290126426.asp

in english vis a vis google translator: http://translate.google.com/translat...istory_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
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.