Father Of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Passes Away

Credit: GracieMag.com Hélio Gracie, the father of Royce and Rickson Gracie, and the founder of Gracie Jiu Jitsus, passed away yesterday morning in his sleep. He had been admitted to the hospital a few days earlier with stomach problems. He was 95 years old.

Many UFC fans only know Hélio Gracie by name, or as the man who was often ringside for Royce's fights. He is also credited with innovating their brand of Jiu Jitsu which is now practiced the world over.

Gracie had many fights with pro wrestlers and boxer during the 1930s and 40s, including a shoot in 1934 of 3 rounds of 10 minutes each with then World Champion, Wladek Zbyszko.

For many years he was billed as undefeated, but Hélio Gracie did have two very well-known losses during the 1950s when Vale Tudo fights were mainstream news. His most famous loss was against judo master and future pro wrestler Masahiko Kimura Kimura finished Gracie with the same arm lock that is still used today, simply known as the Kimura.

Some of Master Gracie's favourite expressions, really summed up the way he lived for nearly a century:

“He who fears not life has no fear of death.”

“You cannot teach virtue, nor can you teach genius”

“A good master learns with the lessons he teaches.”

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