Helio Gracie, the founder of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, passed away in his sleep early this morning in Itaipava, Rio de Janeiro after being hospitalized due to stomach problems a few days prior. He is survived by wife Vera, daughters Ricci and Rerika, and sons Rickson Gracie, Royler Gracie, Relson Gracie, UFC founder Rorion Gracie and its first ever champion Royce Gracie. Our prayers go out to the entire Gracie family.
A pioneer in the world of mixed martial arts, Helio was the youngest child of Cesalina and Gastao Gracie. He first learned traditional jiu-jitsu from his brother Carlos. Due to his smaller size and stature, it was difficult for Helio to execute many of the moves that required brute strength, therefore, he began to adapt the moves and through trial and error, he learned how to maximize leverage while minimizing the force needed to execute the moves. Through these experiments, Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, formally known as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, was born.