R.I.P. Grandmaster Helio Gracie

[Tangy]

It is with great regret to inform you that the founder of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, Grandmaster Helio Gracie has passed away. Team HK would like to show their respects by continuing to preserve the martial art that has changed so many lives around the world for the better. Below are two short articles highlighting just a few of his many accomplishments and the incredible legacy he left behind:



Grandmaster Helio Gracie Passes
Submitted by:Kid Peligro / Sr Editor
Posted on : 1/29/2009


It is with deep sadness that I have to announce that the Master of Masters, the founder of gracie Jiu-Jitsu Grandmaster Helio Gracie
has passed. The Grandmaster is survived by his wife Vera, sons Rorion, Relson, Rickson, Royler, Royce and Robin and daughters Rherika
and Ricci his grandkids and the Gracie family and a family of disciples all practitioners of the art he loved .

at this time I am at a loss of words as words are not enough to describe the greatness of this man who not only developed a martial art
but along with his family fought to spread the word of its efficiency to the 4 corners of the World. As a disciple, fan and someone who
has had the priviledge of sharing the wisdom of the Grandmaster I can only say that we will all miss him dearly and he will live in
spirit forever in all who practice and love this art.

A somber Royler put it perfectly: "He influenced all of us for the better, continues to affect and will continue to affect so many forever!"




Thursday, January 29, 2009
by Brian Knapp ([e-mail])

15977
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 40 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 before losing.

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.