RIP MASTER HELIO GRACIE

RIP MASTER HELIO GRACIE

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By Ron 'The Yacman' Yacovetti

In today's electronic news medium, news travels faster than ever. And these days, the news seems to be favoring the depressing and unfortunate side more than ever. The world of combat sports, namely MMA which continues to thrive in such hard times, was dealt a major loss as well today.

News from Brazil told of the passing of a Jiu-jitsu legend...Master Helio Gracie. (October 1, 1913 – January 29, 2009)

Helio Gracie was the architect of a force MMA now knows as Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, or also as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). And in addition to that, Master Helio was the only living 10th degree master of the discipline, considered by most to be one of the first sports icons in Brazilian history.

His list of accolades is as impressive as it it long, including being named Black Belt Magazine's Man of the Year in 1997. He was the father of the world-renowned fighters Rickson Gracie, Royler Gracie, Royce Gracie, Relson Gracie, and one of the men who brought us The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), none other than Rorion Gracie.

In many of my efforts to cover MMA and its roots, I was lucky enough to go cover the opening of the new Gracie Academy right here in Southern California.

During that grand opening event, as if purposely saving the best for last (and it was purely circumstantial but the right way to end the day) I was able to get one on one plus one time (interpreter necessary) with Helio Gracie.

And while this man and his body of work dwarf many of us in terms of significance in MMA or combat sports, he was gracious, open and very welcoming to the idea of talking to me and doing this interview. I thanked him sincerely and repeatedly, understanding how much of an honor it is to have such an opportunity.

I've never forgotten it and his death doesn't make it any more or less important to me. It's simply sad to see him pass away.

Here is our time one on one:

YACMAN