Helio Gracie, who has always been much ahead of his time, constantly imparted in us, his disciples, lessons of democracy (true equality) and bravery. Even though he was perceived to be the opposite by many "idiots of objectivity" in relation to the modern and false concept of political correctness. Let me exemplify:
1) Helio, who had challenged the entire world, weighing only 130 pounds with his brilliant Jiu-Jitsu, in the midst of the 1950's, in the height of a dark period of world racism, motivated only by honor and manhood, fought and lost, without training, cold, sick, at 43 years of age an unprecedented and epic fight, lasting 3hrs and 40 min, with no breaks, to his student Waldemar Santana, a very muscular 26-year-old black man who had challenged him only a couple of days before, due to the influence of one of his envious foes. Helio never allowed anyone to label his adversary, who had defeated him, by the color of his skin, condemning such behavior as an act of cowardice; a man should not be measured by the color of his skin but by his morals and his courage.
2) In the 40's, Helio jumped from a cruise ship into the shark-infested waters off the coast of Bahia to save a passenger who had fallen in the water. For his amazing display of bravery, he was awarded a medal of honor by the Brazilian government.
Helio Gracie teaches, has taught and will always teach, all those who want to follow him, to overcome challenges without choosing them, without fearing them and without hating them.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO MY OLDEST AND DEAREST FRIEND
Pedro Valente Sr.
