It is with great sadness that GRACIEMAG.com announces the passing of Grandmaster Helio Gracie. At 95 years of age, the great icon and one of those most responsible for Jiu-Jitsu’s success in Brazil and the world died this morning, at Beneficencia Portuguesa Hospital, in Petropolis, mountain region of Rio de Janeiro.
“I created a flag from the sport’s dignity. I oversee the name of my family with affection, steady nerves and blood,” said the Professor, as his last worlds.
The Master will be buried this Thursday afternoon, at 5 pm, at the Chapel of the Petropolis municipal cemetery.
Helio Gracie’s last public appearance occurred in December of last year, during a belt-promotion ceremony held by Gracie Humaita at the Guanabara Yacht Club.
In October, Helio Gracie celebrated his 95th birthday at the Gracie Humaita academy, in Rio de Janeiro. Click here to see how the party went.
In one of his most famous interviews, published in the special 100th issue of GRACIEMAG, the professor had declared: “I’ve already told my sons that when I die I want there to be a party. No drinking, no debauchery.”
All workers at Gracie Publishing, the company responsible for GRACIEMAG, NOCAUTE and GRACIEMAG.com are in mourning and express their condolences and sadness to the bereaved family, his wife Vera, sons Rorion, Relson, Rickson, Rolker, Royler, Royce, Rherica, Robin and Ricci.
Check out past articles addressing the grandmaster's life and the repercussions of his death around the world:
Robson Gracie’s speech
Friend Valente’s farewell message
Helio Gracie definitive interview
The Grandmaster's farewell
Black belts remember Helio
Helio farewell party in Torrance
Tribute to Helio touches Miami
FAREWELL TO THE MASTER
PRE-ORDER NOW!
On a calm morning at the end of January, the world awoke to the news Grandmaster Helio Gracie had parted this world, at 95 years of age. So GRACIEMAG accompanied the farewell ceremony and put together a special issue about the works of this pioneer of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, who dedicated his entire life of courage, genius, science and wisdom to giving back to the martial art that shot him to superhero-level fame in the early 20th century.
Pre-order now or subscribe and receive this can't-miss issue.
