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Rickson Gracie

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Gordon Ryan Guard Passing Instructional

Rickson Gracie is regarded by many Brazilian jiu jitsu figures such as Ricardo Arona, Demian Maia, Paulo Filho and many others as the Greatest BJJ practitioner of all time, being also the son of Grand Master Helio Gracie – co founder of Gracie Jiu Jitsu. Through several Vale-Tudo (No Holds Barred) fights in his native Brazil and in Japan during the 1980 and 1990 decades, Rickson Gracie helped put his family’s grappling trade on the map as a legitimate and well known fighting style. Rickson Gracie also became a star in the MMA community after the release of the fantastic documentary “Choke”.

Rickson Gracie Jiu Jitsu

Full Name: Rickson Gracie

Nickname: “Urso”/Bear, though this is not used, Pedro Sauer (a Rickson Gracie black belt) stated on more then one occasion that Rickson’s father, Helio Gracie, used to call him the bear when training due to his strength and overwhelming fighting style.

Lineage: Mitsuyo Maeda > Carlos Gracie > Helio Gracie > Rickson Gracie

Main Achievements (BJJ/ MMA/ Grappling):

  • Unbeaten in BJJ Competition
  • Unbeaten in NHB
  • Unbeaten in MMA 11-0

Common myth is that Rickson’s record is of 400-0.That is including all competitions (BJJ, Judo, Sambo and MMA and closed doors No-Holds-Barred fights) in which he was involved. However that record can be disputed since there is at least one loss recorded in sport Sambo (by points – throw) against Ron Tripp.

Favourite Position/Technique: Mata Leao

Weight Division: Peso Medio (82kg-181lbs)

Association/Team: Gracie Jiu Jitsu

Rickson Gracie Biography

Rickson Gracie was born in November 20, 1958 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Rickson is one of the 9 sons of Jiu Jitsu Grandmaster Helio Gracie (in order: Rorion, Relson, Rickson, Rolker, Royler, Royce, Rerika, Robin, Ricci), spending most of his youth on the mats. Seeing Rickson’s potential from an early age, Helio prepared his son and raised him to be the next family representative in the fighting world, following his predecessors paths, people like his father, his cousin Carlson (the family representative in the 1950’s and 1960’s) and his other cousin Rolls (in the 1970’s). Always considering himself of being a Gracie Jiu Jitsu practitioner and not a MMA fighter, he took pride on the fact that he did not cross train in other martial arts in order to compete against the best.

In 1980 Waldemar Santana, the man who had defeated Rickson’s father on a historic no holds barred event, Helio and Waldermar regained contact years later and had a good relationship. One day Santana asked if the Gracie’s had anyone in their class that could challenge Rei Zulu (Santana’s student). Zulu was a huge fighter with incredible athletic ability and was undefeated in his NHB record. No one else wanted to fight him in Brazil and Waldemar who was also Zulu’s promoter was finding it very hard to find matches for his fighter.

Rolls Gracie, the family’s main figure at the time, jumped on the chance of fighting Zulu, but Helio had his own son in mind for the contest. Rickson was 18 years old at the time and weighed around 20kg less then Zulu, but he accepted his dad’s decision. The fight took place in Brasilia, under Rei Zulu’s home crowd and to add to the adversity, Rickson did not feel 100%. Carlos Gracie, a firm believer in spiritualism and Aura, asked Rickson not to fight as he didn’t feel this was his fight to win, remaining truthful to his father Rickson did not quit. The fight was long and hard, but Rickson finished it with a Mata Leao (RNC). Rickson later said he felt dizzy the whole fight, dizziness which was attributed to the change of air in Brasilia (much dryer then the Rio de Janeiro air he was used to).

Rickson’s second fight was four years later and again against Rei Zulu (Zulu King), Rickson had no quarrel with “Zulu” but after some harsh words from the man of Brasilia the fight was agreed, this time at the Maracanãzinho, a venue that held up to 40,000 seats (which filled up completely for the fight). The battle was a tremendous war and again Rickson was victorious by choke.

One of Rickson’s passions since the late 1980s was Yoga, an art he learnt from his friend Orlando Cani, the predecessor of Ginástica Natural. His breathing techniques were made famous in the documentary “Choke” regarding a Japanese Martial Arts event (VT Japan) where Rickson was the main attraction.

In 1994 Rickson was invited to compete in Japan, seeing an excellent way to promote his family’s legacy outside Brazil and with a good cash prize in sight, he accepted. The 8 men tournament was named “Vale Tudo Japan 1994” and Rickson Gracie was a success, submitting all of his opponents in one night. He continued making a career of fighting in Japan winning several more fights (all by submission) and keeping his record unblemished. This great victory for Rickson made some Japanese fighters feel like their country and martial arts tradition had been dishonored. Japanese pro wrestler Nobuhiko Takada was one of those fighters, who made a public challenge to Rickson. Rickson chose to ignore the challenge which only added fuel to the Japanese angst. Japanese fighter Yoji Anjo (a student of Takada) decided to travel to California (where Rickson was based) and claim the pride of his people back, bringing plenty of media apparatus with him. He knocked on Rickson Gracie Academy’s door unannounced to challenge the Gracie who had to be called from his home. Rickson showed up and accepted the challenge. Though the intentions of Anjo and his entourage were to lure Rickson to fight in a Japanese promotion, the Gracie refused and said the fight was to be done there and now behind closed doors and without the media (filmed only by one of his students). As Yoji reluctantly accepted the terms, Rickson said his most famous quote:

If we fight for money, I’ll stop hitting you when you ask me to. If we fight for honor, I’ll stop hitting you when I feel like it.

Yoji Anjo being assisted instants after the fight with Rickson

Yoji Anjo being assisted instants after the fight with Rickson

The fight was a one sided affair and although Rickson had the chance to submit Yoji quick, he chose to make a statement of the Japanese, giving him a severe beating. The footage of the fight was kept by the Gracie family and has never been made public.

Rickson Gracie’s last fight was meant to be against the man who had defeated every Gracie family member he had battled, Kasushi Sakuraba was his name but he was also known as ‘The Gracie Hunter’. Rickson agreed to fight against Sakuraba but tragedy struck the Gracie clan as Rickson’s own son, Rockson Gracie, passed away tragically. Rickson was devastated after this and stopped training altogether for an extended period. He never competed again, but he restarted training and teaching, especially to carry on the family tradition and make his other son, Kron a Gracie super star in the grappling world (mission accomplished).

On July 2014 Rickson showed up as the face of a new Jiu Jitsu organization, the Jiu Jitsu Global Federation (site), an organization set to restore Jiu Jitsu back to it’s fighting roots and away from the sport specific aspect it has taken in recent years. Three years later (July 2017) he was awarded his red belt by that same organisation.

Please note: The grappling record displayed below is a working progress based on information taken from magazines, books and video footage of Rickson Gracie competing in the adult black belt division, and is not his complete grappling record.

Rickson Gracie Grappling Record

10 WINS
  • BY POINTS
    0 (0%)
  • BY ADVANTAGES
    0 (0%)
  • BY SUBMISSION
    10 (100%)
  • BY DECISION
    0 (0%)
  • BY PENALTIES
    0 (0%)
  • BY DQ
    0 (0%)

10 SUBMISSIONS WINS

#214eb8
Armbar
40
4
#86e620
Choke
30
3
#5AD3D1
Bread cutter
10
1
#d1212a
Mounted X choke
10
1
#fad11b
Exhaustion
10
1
10
(100%) SUBMISSIONS
0 LOSSES
  • BY POINTS
    0 (0%)
  • BY ADVANTAGES
    0 (0%)
  • BY SUBMISSION
    0 (0%)
  • BY DECISION
    0 (0%)
  • BY PENALTIES
    0 (0%)
  • BY DQ
    0 (0%)

0 SUBMISSION LOSSES

Rickson Gracie Fight History

ID Opponent W/L Method Competition Weight Stage Year
25Sergio PenhaSergio PenhaWArmbarAABB86KGNA1981
26Sergio PenhaSergio PenhaWChokeAABBABSSF1981
33Otavio PeixotinhoOtavio PeixotinhoWArmbarLINJJIABSF1984
36UnknownWArmbarCopa Company86KGF1984
41UnknownWChokeVansport Cup86KGF1985
44UnknownWBread cutterLightning BoltABSNA1986
45UnknownWMounted X chokeLightning BoltABSNA1986
46Rigan MachadoRigan MachadoWExhaustionIII Copa CompanyABSF1986
50Murilo SaWArmbarCopa CantaoNANA1987
65Rigan MachadoRigan MachadoWChokeNAABSSPF1995

Rickson Gracie vs Peixotinho

Rickson Gracie vs Rigan Machado

Rickson v Zulu 2nd Fight

 

Roberto Jimenez BJJ Attacking The Back

57 Comments

  • Ask Rickson says:

    He has been submitted, just to chicken to admit it.. Rickson Gracie is the biggest liar and fraud in the martial arts, no exaggeration. A real man would have admitted his defeat and disclosed all of his fights.

    • darb says:

      then how come no one has come forward and said they beat him

      • Tor-son-arm says:

        Because Rickson Gracie is a Prima donna, you dare mess with someone who has a Vixen attitude and they will try to arrogant try hurt you or your family.

        • Joceyln Jenner says:

          Because it hasn’t happened, you numb nut b*stard. “try to arrogant try hurt” the f**k kind of english is that? STAY IN SCHOOL PUNK.

      • Mike says:

        Rickson is the best period he’s not a bullshit artist. The point about rolls throwing him around well he should he was bigger,older and way more experienced. Rolls was great and rip who knows what would have happened had he not passed but in the mean time rickson became a beast and beat everyone in front of him. Let’s be real no one disputes him not because there afraid but because he’s a bad mother *** and people know it’s true

    • Rickson states that he was unaware that being thrown by Uchimata an landing on both shoulders would result in a loss. Which is actually a legitimate reason. When you are fighting Sambo, you don't, generally, lose just by being thrown. The fight lasted just 47 seconds, if you believe that Rickson was defeated in 47 seconds, you are mental, he lost and no one disputes the fact, not even Rickson, but he denies being aware of the rules. Which is, admittedly, rather a weak excuse.

    • Victor says:

      What do you know!!!! Who are you to claim such a thing? Did you defeated him? From the way you talk I can tell that you never fought in your life, you must be one of the pink belt fighters watching UFC and self proclaimed fight analysts hahah…

  • Rickson never submitted says:

    Who submitted him as a blackbelt? No one has ever come forward. Fabio Gurgel, one of the greatest jiu-jitsu competitors of all time, says Rickson was the best. You’re just another hater.

  • Tartaruga says:

    Have you seem any top competitor saying something against Rickson ? Fabio Gurgel the official leader of Alliance , probably the strongest bjj team today, sad a few years ago Rickson was two steps away of any other practitioner in the whole world.
    Anyone who have ever learned how to do an armbar and a rear naked choke deserves all respect to the Gracie family!

  • ShaiL says:

    Idiots can safely poke a caged Lion with a stick, they will always have something to say about the Lion, without knowing that he is the Supreme King of the Jungle. Would they ever fight him in the cage or let him out? When an Elephant passes by a street, dogs always bark, that's all they can do. Rickson Gracie is the Greatest fighter that ever Lived since Bruce Lee. Rickson Gracie- The Invincible King of Mixed Martial Arts.

  • Ask Rickson says:

    In the early 90's I challenged Rickson Gracie to fight the toughest guy in prison, in Hawaii. Rickson said that he was knocked out by the SECOND toughest guy, because the first guy was shot by the guards.

  • Mike Ballenger says:

    Rerika and Ricci
    Are Helio's daughters not sons… just clarifying.

  • Fernando Silva says:

    I will not say he's a fraud, but I can say he's a liar. He's record is not real, his father – Grandmaster Helio Gracie – says it's fake, when asked about Rickson's record he said something like "It's ridiculous, if I would count the rolls during practice like he does I would have over a thousand wins". His cousin – Grandmaster Carlson Gracie – said in a TV interview even as black belts his brother Rolls would do whatever he wanted with Rickson on the mat, throwing him like a dummy around the tatami, he also said that sometimes during practice he had to say things like "Rolls, calm down, you know the old man (talking about their uncle Grandmaster Helio) don't like when you do that to Rickson". So yeah, his record is pretty much fake, he counted the "wins" during practice as a fight and just ignored the losses, he even ignored an official loss saying he didn't know the rules… He's a liar, his record is fake and you have to be an idiot to believe in it.

    I'm not saying he's not a jiu-jitsu legend, he's one of the most important guys in the history of BJJ and his skills are just amazing. My Master here in Brasil had the opportunity to roll with him and he – who have been a black belt for almost 20 years – said that he felt like a white belt during his first months of training, he said that just by changing the grip on the collar or moving a foot a few inches he would throw him off balance.

    I do recognize Rickson's skills, but I do not recognize his record.

    • Rocky S says:

      fcukin Bull…. Rolls was Ricksons elder cousin and a great BJJ practioner, who trained Rickson since he was very young and shaped him into the warrior he became, as always Coaches can throw their young wards like dummies with much mastery. Rickson Gracie, like Rome was not built in a day. It wasn't Carlson who fought Rei Zulu or other greatest fighters of Rickson's era. It was the unsupassable Rickson in all Sweat and Blood. Jealousy & theories of sore losers cannot override facts. Here's the complete list of all his fights & his rivals, go ask them- http://kakutogaijinforum.yuku.com/topic/1353#.T6h

    • Reasonable says:

      Rickson would acknowledge Rolls' skills. Everyone outside of the influence of commercial GJJ knows that Carlson and Rolls brought the art from the hybrid Judo of Carlos and Helio and turned it into the BJJ that works in NHB matches. Carlson and Rolls trained Rickson to be their champ, and he was. Obviously, his record is silly as he is known to have lost matches, but my black belt instructor said that among all the Gracies he's trained with, Rickson was the most calm, most focused, most fun and easily the most talented.

    • Matt says:

      I guess it's a good thing Rickson's record couldn't give two shits about whether you recognize it or not.

  • RicksonFixedFGracie says:

    Theres no such thing as "Talent" in grappling. You are either knowledgeable of techniques or you simply do not know techniques. I do not believe that Rickson is any more knowledgeable than any other blackbelt in BJJ if they have retained the same techniques in their mind. Rickson is different than everyone else is because he is Helio's son. Relson Gracie told me that the Gracies have "Fixed all their fights so that they would win." I believe that Rickson Gracie enjoys this man on man worship that he gets by telling people that he is "Undefeated." I'll let the cat out of the bag right now. Rickson Gracie has been defeated and the FBI has the videos of these fights. (OF Rickson Gracie being choked out and tapping)

    • Reno says:

      FBI huh? Please do tell why the FBI showed you these videos? Also, where are these videos for the rest of the world to see?

      • bjjheroes says:

        It's all a conspiracy, the FBI wanted to hide the fact that Rickson could be defeated so the aliens could not find out that our earthly champion could be defeated. Rickson is the only thing that is keeping the aliens at bay.

        • RicksonFixedFGracie says:

          bjjheroes you've taken your Rickson Gracie worship to another level! I on the other hand am serious. And Reno no, Rickson showed me this video. The video has the technique breaking Rickson Gracie's arm, made him pee his GI, then he started tapping. This is why i'll never have an idol, Rickson is just some guy saying hes "undefeated" because he likes the attention. This is why hes so popular, he lies for the man on man worship. You cant say things like "The FBI has this video" and it not be true.

          This video may come out and I hope it does. All these Gracie worshipers will probably cry and say "OMG noooo, Rickson! Youre still undefeated in my heart!"

          OMG! LoL What kind of man gets people to worship lies? A man is only as good as his word.

    • Matt says:

      Relson told you that… and the FBI has videos… wtf are admins doing letting this crap get posted? I've lost a lot of respect for this site after seeing this page.

    • Gene lormand says:

      You are a liar, and you insult a legend, a man with impeccable honor, and the greatest fighter to ever live. If you had any conscience at all you would be ashamed of yourself. We all know you would cower in the presence in this great man who dwarfs you with his incredible moral strength. Trust me every BJJ legend that exists knows Rickson by far is the best. He is in a class by himself.

  • sohael says:

    i only worship Allah , having said that, every man deserves credit for his achievements and instead of arguing about the achievements of others, it would be more productive for us to try and achieve ourselves.

  • Team F&V says:

    Rickson has lost more than once.these came by way of the one and only Renato Laranja-27x Mundial champion-100x favela gi and no gi champion.

  • RGWNCBBYKH says:

    Has it crossed anyone's mind that Rickson Gracie is not undefeated and is lying to a lot of people?

  • Doombag says:

    Rickson Gracie is an amazing martial artist. I have had the pleasure to roll with a Relson Gracie black belt who is one of only 52 black belts ever awarded by Relson at this time (the Gracies only give black belts when the recipient is deemed an expert). These guys are true martial artists in that they respect the spirit of Budo and I have always found them to be gracious and accommodating. But they will not hesitate to accept a challenge to the chagrin of “traditional” martial artists who claim they only use their skills when attacked during a life or death struggle – and that they will only then unleash their torrent of deadly skills. Give me a break. Go ask Rickson (or Relson) for a friendly lesson and they are happy to oblige. There is no need to be angry or overly aggressive. Just see what you think when they sit down on the mat and calmly wait. The first time I rolled with the Relson black belt he arm barred me in all of 4 seconds. I tried again and got triangle choked. Soon thereafter he would protect both sides of his neck with his hands and I could do nothing. I left knowing he was only playing and we both knew that I was of no match to him. Now I know I am pretty good at grappling as I can usually over power most people. But this was Ridiculous. I am devoting myself to continue learning GJJ. I encourage everyone here that thinks they know enough to bash this art to ask themselves one question? How would I do against a real GJJ black belt? If u have never had a friendly “roll” with one then you cannot answer. Therefore if u want an answer then go ask for a free lesson. This is the only way to find out. Good luck. And I know Rickson did not really have 400 fights but I have yet to ever hear of anyone that could beat him – and that is a fact. Oh yeah, the braggarts and nuances of being a young bad ass in martial arts first family and lo Rickson succumb to exaggerate – especially when it was not necessary. Ursa and The Shark will show you the way – just ask them and your eyes will behold the light.

  • Sean says:

    Word is out that not only has Mario Sperry defeated Rickson Gracie, but also Jason Mayhem Miller. If this is true Rickson Gracie is a liar and his reputation should reflect that he is indeed a liar.

  • spencer says:

    I'm a pro mma fighter and have fought in the ufc and have had many rounds of rolling with the best in the world and have listened to the ones who have rolled with him and have been to his gym many years ago and i can tell you he is the BEST! The only people who say he is not are the ones who have never rolled with him. It's my dream to get a chance to train with him. Spencer

    • Adc says:

      There is no such thing as "the best" as you say, there is only people who are knowledgeable of all the techniques that are out and people who are not knowledgeable of all the techniques that are out. Therefore it would be a battle of "i'm more knowledgeable of techniques than you!" which is childish. This is a childish argument. There is no "the best."

      • Matt says:

        WTF are you even talking about. When two men face off against each other and one wins, he's better than the other man. You don't get to lose and then say you know more techniques and therefore you're still better than the guy that beat you… I kinda feel sorry for you so I'm being nice, but are you on social security for some type of mental disability?

  • John says:

    Who cares about records, His Jiujitsu is very unique that’s what I like. does any one know if he is still teaching?

  • Sean says:

    The funny thing about Ricksons "record" is that it was a myth started by his brother Rorion during his GJJ propaganda stage and after having a falling out with his brother then used their father to dispute it to make Rickson look bad.

  • Brendan says:

    Rickson’s film Choke is the best BJJ/MMA documentary I’ve ever seen. Well worth a watch if you haven’t seen it.

    I don’t think I’ve ever read a quote by any BJJ black belt who has said that Rickson was not the best.

  • Steve says:

    Rickson has been tapped up during training as a black belt. He tapped to one of his own black belts the poor guy payed the price as for the next few years Rickson would call him first to spar and spank him hard. People dont come out you might tap him once in a 100 rolls.

  • jay jay says:

    I was reading some old threads on the underground about an old student of Ricksons called Mark Eccard, he was called john Danaher before Danaher in one thread what happened to him. He was considered ricksons best American student.

  • Jeferson says:

    Rickson Gracie was a good Jiu Jitsu fighter but has many better than him, I’m not a fan of this guy but I respect a lot like a JiuJitsu fighter.

  • ahmad says:

    Hi there,I believe rickson Gracie is not comparable aside of present bjj practitioner, because he walk as like as a octopus and find his savingway at last, but others walk as like as deer and finally would be eaten.

  • jay jay says:

    How many of carlsons students has he competed against?

  • Spencer fisher says:

    Rickson gracie is the best plain and simple. For any of you idiots that doubt that don’t know shit. I fought for the UFC 17X and I’ve spent time with many world champions and they all say the same so I took two classes from him and I can say without a doubt that he is the best!

    Spencer

    • bob says:

      you never fought for ufc17x hahahaha. i cant believe you would even try to lie about something like that

      • mark robertson says:

        you are right bob, Mr. Spencer Fisher fought in the ufc sanctioned bouts 18 times and its amazing he is even on here!!! Thanks for the great fights!!!

  • CB3 says:

    I am confused. EVERYONE who does a simple search can see that Rickson turned down the red belt so unless that’s changed as of this writing, wtf is going on here?

  • Spencer says:

    I just came back across this thread and I’ve been around the world training with several different world champions and no one I’ve ever met has been anywhere close to being on his level. Still the best.

  • mark robertson says:

    Why does it matter if you believe he lost or not? Just to see what films there are of him is amazing and an honor. Why the fascination with an undefeated record? What he did back then will probably never be done again. I met him once at his academy on wilshire. He was one of the nicest guys I ever met. He seemed so genuine. Haha I joined his academy just on the hopes to shake his hand someday. It was like meeting Babe Ruth. What is wrong with having heros? Its wonderful to see his son in the UFC but he has nothing to prove he is already a legend in BJJ. I dont think anyone who has ever been knocked out or choked out would ever hate on a legend like the great Rickson Gracie. Its like fire, once your burned by it no one needs to explain it to you, you just know……..

  • mark robertson says:

    you are right bob, Mr. Spencer Fisher fought in the ufc sanctioned bouts 18 times and its amazing he is even on here!!! Thanks for the great fights!!!

  • Daniel Webster says:

    They did there is even a film of it he has been beaten

  • jay jay says:

    Apparently he had an 8 minute match with a carlson student named Buchau,this is longest match i guess

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