Nobody puts perspective on the loss of a friend so well. Yesterday, after tracking down the companion on life’s journey, Dr. Pedro Valente said, “I think one of the greatest warriors just died, one of the greatest human beings I’ve ever known.”
And thus proceeded Master Helio Gracie, when he realized someone was in distress. “He threw himself off the ship into the ocean, on the shark-infested coast of Maranhao, to save a passenger who had fallen overboard. That earned him the first Esso Prize, which at the time was not a magazine report limited to bravery,” said Pedro Valente in a season’s greetings message published on GRACIEMAG.com on the 26th of December of last year.
In the fight world, Helio’s death continues to have repercussions:
“He was the main promoter of the gentle art not just in Brazil but in the world. Through his efforts Brazilians are recognized around the world, in the United States and in Japan mainly. His death represents the loss of the father of our art. Now what is left are all the reminders of everything he has taught us. He left us with a lesson of perseverance, of courage… we will feel Helio’s death a great deal. (Rogerio Minotouro)
“Grandmaster Helio Gracie was not just a marvelous man, but a father to all of us. He developed the most effective way to defend one’s self known to man so far, and because of his hard work and dedication of his life, Jiu-Jitsu is now practiced the world over. Helio Gracie’s legacy will not die with him, his achievements will be remembered for generations to come. He will always be remembered as a great warrior, a samurai, a man with honor and dignity who lived a marvelous life but who left one of the most wonderful presents of all times: Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. When we’re born we know we’re going to die, but his legacy is what we will remember forever. Grandmaster Helio Gracie, rest in peach and be sure your legacy will be remembered by many lives to come. (Pablo Popovitch)
“”His life was a perfect example of Jiu-Jitsu for all of us. A long life in the dojos and a mindful diet. He proved intelligence (technique) is superior, he will always live in Jiu-Jitsu history. Mestre Helio, rest in peace. Amen. (Eduardo Telles)
“When I opened the site and saw the news I was saddened, because all of us suffered a loss with this. I felt bad because I had always wanted to meet Jiu-Jitsu’s patriarch. I always kept up with his life through videos and books. I didn’t have the opportunity, but I’m grateful for everything he has done for Jiu-Jitsu. Thanks to him and the whole Gracie family, we can now make a living with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.” (Rubens Charles “Cobrinha”)
“We lost a jewel of our sport and an example of a human being. Goodbye to our master who along with brother Carlos Gracie spread our gentle art, now known as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), around Brazil and the world. I never had the opportunity to meet him but I would have liked to, if just because I’m new to the art but appreciate the story behind the evolution of our art. We lost a rare jewel of our sport and an example of living to be followed. I wish our master a marvelous trip and rest in peace.” (Lucas Lepri)
