When I was 16 years old, I found the opportunity to teach a Jiu-Jitsu class, and this experience led me to develop Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. I realized even though I knew the techniques theoretically, in actuality, the moves were much harder to execute. Due to my smaller size, I realized many of the jiu-jitsu moves required brute strength that my diminutive stature did not allow. I began adapting the moves for my particular physical attributes, and through trial and error learned to maximize leverage, thus minimizing the force that needed to be exerted to execute the move. From these experiments, Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, formally Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, was created. Using these new techniques, smaller and weaker opponents gained the capability to defend themselves and even defeat much larger opponents

I am Hélio Gracie the co-founder of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu also known as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). I am the only living 10th degree master of the discipline and am widely considered as one of the first sports heroes in Brazilian history. I am the father of the world-renowned fighters Rickson Gracie, Royler Gracie, Royce Gracie and Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) founder Rorion Gracie.
Today, I teaches οccasionally in Brazil and accompany my sons to fights.

10th degree master Red Belt
I am also a 6th dan in judo

I fought 17 fights including matches against the world wrestling champion, Wladek Zbyszko and a qualifying fight against the #2 jiu-jitsu fighter in the world, Kato, who Helio choked unconscious in 6 minutes.
I holds the record for the longest match in history for a battle against his former student, Waldemar Santana, which lasted an amazing 3 hours and 40 minutes!
I was, the first sports hero in Brazilian history, I also challenged boxing icons Primo Carnera, Joe Louis and Ezzard Charles. They all declined.

Outside of the ring, I was always looking for a challenge, I enjoyed breaking wild horses and bulls. In an event worthy of a Hollywood movie, I once jumped into shark infested waters in the Atlantic Ocean to save a man's life which earned me a medal of honor.
My relentless contribution to the perfection of jiu-jitsu techniques, my philosophy on life and my unique teaching methodology have been an example for my children and my students worldwide. These are the pillars on which the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy was built

Co-founder of "Gracie Jiu-Jitsu,". I am a master of the discipline and is widely considered as one of the first sports heroes in Brazilian history; I was also named by Black Belt Magazine's Man of the Year in 1997.