Ryron Gracie (Gracie Academy)
Ryron Gracie is Helio Gracie‘s grandson and the eldest son of Rorion Gracie, being part of the third generation of jiu jitsu’s most illustrious family, the Gracies. A recognizable figure within the jiu jitsu community, Ryron Gracie became also a familiar face amongst MMA fans after a series of web episodes named “The Gracie Breakdown” Where Ryron and his brother Rener Gracie go over techniques utilized in UFC events. Ryron Gracie is also an instructor at the Gracie Academy.
Ryron Gracie Jiu Jitsu
Full Name: Ryron Gracie
Nickname: N/A
Lineage: Mitsuyo Maeda > Carlos Gracie > Helio Gracie >Ryron Gracie
Main Achievements:
- Gracie Worlds Champion (2012)
- Gracie International Open Champion (2003)
- United Gracie Champion (2001)
Favourite Technique: N/A
Weight Division: Peso Médio (82kg/181lbs)
Team/Association: Gracie Academy
Ryron Gracie Biography
Ryron Gracie was born on December 1st, 1981, being Rorion Gracie’s firstborn son. Ryron was raised on the mats of the Torrence academy, beginning his training as a toddler. Ryron also started teaching Gracie jiu jitsu from a very young age, and by the age of 12 he was already coaching children under his father’s guidance. At that same age, Ryron was involved in the historical first UFC event, a competition created partly by his dad. Ryron had the chore of cleaning the mats after each bout. Having a 12 year old clean blood off the mats was not taken lightly by the crowd, thus forcing Rorion to replace him with an adult after that first event.
Even though he taught classes regularly at the Torrence academy when growing up, Ryron Gracie still managed to compete regularly in jiu jitsu, including against his own cousin, Crosley Gracie, in 2001 as a brown belt, a fight that lasted 90 minutes and ended with Crosley giving up due to a knee injury. Ryron Gracie earned his black belt in 2003 from the hands of his grandfather, Grand Master Helio Gracie, after his victory at the Gracie International Open.
In 2004, a challenge was issued to Ryron, to fight a former student of his father, the controversial Marc Laimon, a fighter who had been very vocal about Rorion’s lack of knowledge regarding the evolution of BJJ, and about his lack of commitment towards his students. Ryron Gracie accepted the challenge against Laimon at the American promotion Grapplers Quest, but on the day of the fight, the Gracie contingent decided to change the rules of the super-match. Marc Laimon complained, but the fight proceeded with Laimon winning by one takedown and two guard passes.
A great centre of controversy regarding Ryron, brother Rener and father Rorion Gracie was the release of the Gracie University, an online program that provides instruction and rank in Gracie Jiu Jitsu. The fact that rank could be given through the web cause major uproar amongst jiu jitsu practitioners, competitors and coaches around the world who did not believe in long distance teaching. Though the project continued being severely frowned upon by many, the Gracie University module prospered and progressed as a business with students from well over 100 counties.
Ryron and his brother Rener became known amongst MMA enthusiasts through a series of YouTube videos called: The Gracie Breakdown. In these videos, the Gracie brothers break down techniques used on the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and Strikeforce in some of the promotions most important fights.
Ryron Gracie 1st Match at the Gracie Worlds (2012)
Ryron Gracie vs Cassio Werneck
So this Ryron is considered a "bjj hero" for cleaning the mats of the first UFC? Or losing a match to Marc Laimon? Or was it that the only significant vicotries of Ryron were in "Gracie" international events? Don't get me wrong, I'm sure Ryron is a good black belt, but I'm not certain what it is (other than his lineage) that would constitute his addition to a list of icons.
Last night he proved he could hang with the worlds best BJJ competitors.
Well, not really. He proved he is hard to tap I guess.
He was taken down easily, his guard was passed at will, he showed absolutely nothing from his back (no guard, halfguard any guard). People were cheering submission escapes like he was winning the fight. He was demolished as expected. Nothing taken from the guy, good of him to stick his neck out there, but I would hardly call that a success.
Modern BJJ > Gracie Jiu Jitsu after seeing that
I'd argue for his semi-"iconic" status based partly on the popular Gracie Breakdown videos and partly on him being the de facto figurehead of modern GJJ.
@ Chris: You make a good point. Looks like we will get the chance to see Ryron Gracie take on André Galvão in a gi match at the 1st Metamoris Pro Cup in San Diego on October 14, 2012. Despite the event being put on by Ralek Gracie and the Gracie brothers having already decided on the rules when they invited/challenged André Galvão, I think it will be a good opportunity to see Ryron in a match with one of the best.
The above is probably fair, but to give Ryron credit, don’t forget he beat Jeff Monson: who is a former ADCC and world BJJ no-gi champion.
Here’s an old post about it from Bullshido:
” Although all the matches were exiting the most impressive one was the one between Ryron GRACIE (199lbs) and Jeff MONSON (235lbs). GRACIE won after hour and ten minutes.”
Read more at http://www.bullshido.net/forums/showthread.php?t=…
I just did an interview with Ryron this morning about why he is competing again. It will be released on podcast just before the fight on Oct 14th. If you are interested it will be on my blog <a href="http://www.intothefire.org.uk” target=”_blank”> <a href="http://www.intothefire.org.uk” target=”_blank”>www.intothefire.org.uk
Credit given where credit is due. Ryron stepped up in a new event, representing his family, himself and his particular brand of Gracie Jiu jitsu and did remarkably well. Respect.
Dear Admin,
IMHO Ryron Gracie's bio here deserves to be written more positively. After all, there is more to BJJ than just an athlete's competitive accomplishments.
Cheers!
the fight against Andre proved that Ryron is legit. You try to hang with a world champion and not get tapped! They usually are able to find a way to set you up and tap you. Ryron showed that he was able to neutralize a stronger opponent.
Ryron only showed that he knew how to lay on his back and not get tapped. Supposedly this is considered survival, however Andre was not even throwing strikes, which would have put Ryron's laughable guard even more at risk. He did not "neutralize" anything, as stated above, he was taken down, passed and attacked AT WILL. Not to mention his condescending attitude.
I don't think referring to strikes makes sense in a jiu jitsu match in the gi. If Ryron was able to survive bad spots with a player the caliber of Galvão's putting 100% pressure then such a player would surely be able to capitalize/escape from those same positions should André create the space necessary to deliver a strike. Besides, I believe the longer the match went on, the more Ryron began to have the advantage over a gassed Galvão. Rematch between the two, no time limit would be fantastic. Wallid vs. Royce style =).
I SEE ALOT of bias towards Ryron and the Gracie Family! MUCH Respect to them, No Doubt, but I agree with alot of those saying he just "layed and prayed!" OF COURSE just laying there the attacker will get tired and he could POSSIBLY get a tap on his opponent, but we can't say that with a definite answer, it's a "what if" statement… IF you think he would have found ways to escape and guard if there was strikes, have him do MMA… Have there be a match that you can't just lay and pray or you get DQ'd!
Those that can DO. Those that wish TALK. With the exception of a few of you, I'd like to see one of you couch-potatoes roll with Ryron…or Andre…or Roger…or any of them. Go back to your UFC video games and GracieMags, and leave the jits to those that do jits. To all of those that DO….much respect.
i believe he followed the strategies he's trying to teach. Galvao was clearly stronger so he had to wait to tire him out. u guys saying he has no results so he isn't good are idiots. he's an amazing teacher and a great guy.