It seems like it was yesterday, but twenty years ago we went to Japan to witness the first Pride event. Rickson and Renzo Gracie represented Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for an audience of over 40,000 people. Check out this historic photo gallery below.
During his fight against Akira Shoji, Renzo Gracie went for an arm-in guillotine choke but wasn’t able to submit his Japanese opponent. Watch him remembering this moment as the turning point to improve what would become known as his most feared submission hold.
Renzo Gracie and Mauricio Gomes after training at Gracie Japan, in October of 1997.
Rickson Gracie in the locker room after his victory at Pride 1. Photo: Luca Atalla
Rickson Gracie is raised by Renzo and his crew inside the ring, after submitting Nobuhiko Takada.
The Tokyo Dome arena packed for Pride 1, on October 11, 1997.
Rickson enters the ring for his fight against Nobuhiko Takada, the main event of Pride 1.
Renzo Gracie takes Akira Shoji’s back during Pride 1.
Renzo Gracie takes Akira Shoji’s back during Pride 1.
The arm-in guillotine. This move was perfected by Renzo Gracie because of this scene. He reflected on why he couldn’t submit his opponent and made it better for the next event.
Renzo Gracie takes Akira Shoji’s back during Pride 1.
Renzo heads to his locker room after his fight at Pride 1. Photo: Luca Atalla
Renzo Gracie trains with Sergio Ignacio at the hotel.
Want to learn what is right and wrong when applying the arm-in guillotine? Watch Renzo Gracie teaching all the details.
