Robson Gracie

Carlos Robson Gracie
Born 1935 (age 80–81)
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Residence Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Nationality Brazilian
Style Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Teacher(s) Carlos Gracie
Rank      9th Degree Red Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Children Renzo, Ralph, Ryan, Charles
Notable students Renzo Gracie, Ralph Gracie, Ryan Gracie
[1][2]

Carlos Robson Gracie (Portuguese pronunciation: [ˈʁɔbsõ ˈɡɾejsi]; born 1935; often referred to simply as Robson Gracie) is the 2nd son of Carlos Gracie, the founder of the first Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu school, which was later turned into "Gracie Jiu-Jitsu" by his younger brother Helio Gracie. He is a second generation member of the Gracie family.[2] Gracie is a 9th degree red belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, affording him the title of Grandmaster.[1] He is the father of several children including, Renzo Gracie, Charles Gracie, Ralph Gracie, Robson Gracie Jr. and the late Ryan Gracie.[3] He is also the grandfather of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belts Kyra Gracie and Neiman Gracie.[4]

Background

Robson Gracie learned martial arts from his father Carlos Gracie.[3] In the 1950s, Robson competed in Vale Tudo competitions. His début mixed martial arts fight was against Artur Emidio in April 1957. During the fight Gracie submitted his opponent, but refused to release him until the referee pulled them apart. Despite his small stature, incidents like this were to characterise Gracie's professional life as a tenacious fighter. In the 1960s, Gracie served as a bodyguard to Leonel Brizola, the brother-in-law of the then President of Brazil, João Goulart.[5] His political affiliations placed him under the scrutiny of the military regime, following the 1964 Brazilian coup d'état. His assistance to the marxist guerrilla organisation Ação Libertadora Nacional led to his arrest, and the arrest of several members of his family, by the Brazilian Secret Service. Gracie's wife, Vera Lucia, made representations to the Brazilian military government to release her husband which resulted in her own arrest; however, she was quickly released. Robson Gracie was imprisoned and interrogated for 60 days before being released.[5]

Gracie currently lives and teaches in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil where he is the president of the Jiu-Jitsu Federation of Rio de Janeiro.[3]

References

  1. 1 2 "Faixa Vermelha - 9º Grau/Grande Mestre". Retrieved 22 December 2014.
  2. 1 2 "The Gracie Family Tree". Retrieved 22 December 2014.
  3. 1 2 3 "Robson Gracie". Archived from the original on 26 October 2009. Retrieved 22 December 2014.
  4. ↑ Gracie Family Tree URL accessed on June 5, 2009
  5. 1 2 BJJ Heroes. "Robson Gracie". BJJ Heroes: the jiu jitsu encyclopedia. Retrieved 22 December 2014.

Further reading

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