Brothers Ryan and Renzo Gracie. GRACIEMAG archives

BJJ can help the introverted among us get to know new people, strengthen ties and cultivate friendships. Renzo Gracie, notorious for his good mood, has an endless list of friends — but the value of a good enemy is not lost on him.

To the New York-based teacher, there’s no bigger motivator than a great rival to make you better and keep you on your toes, ready to face adversity as soon as it appears.

“A true enemy, the most loyal enemy my brother Ryan Gracie had, is called Jorge Patino ‘Macaco’,” Renzo told blogger Olivar Leite in an interview that went viral this month. “They fought many times. Whenever they saw each other, they’d brawl. And it was the reason Ryan kept himself in fighting shape. If Ryan became what he became, Macaco helped a lot. He had to be sharp, and that’s what makes you great. I wish I had more people like that in my life.”

Hatred and respect went hand in hand between Ryan, who died in 2007, and Macaco. “Have you ever heard Macaco say a bad thing about him?” Renzo said. “Ever heard him put Ryan down after his death, or gloat? But that’s because he belongs to BJJ, he is of the BJJ banner. People sometimes are puzzled by the love I have for Macaco. I am thankful to him.”

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Renzo wrapped up with an anecdote from his own personal life. “To this day I help out a teacher who used to say fighting would take me to prison or to the cemetery,” he said. “To this day, when I write a book, I send her a copy and a card: ‘As soon as your book gets written, please send me a copy.’ You may think that’s mean, but one time she needed to have knee surgery, and through a friend I sent her the money to have it. I want her to keep thinking bad things about me. I need enemies — I got all the friends I need!”

Gabriel will try for another win at the International. Photo: Carlos Ozório

Gabriel Willcox is a marked man at gentle art tournaments the world over. He’s a regular visitor to the winners’ stands and among his main titles he boasts wins at the Brazilian Nationals and the Brazilian Team Nationals. Nevertheless, there’s one title that garnered the black belt the most kudos: the International Masters and Seniors.

“It’s funny. Ever since blue belt I’ve made it onto the winners’ stand at several important tournaments, but the International was the one most talked about,” he says.

In 2006, representing Carlson Gracie Team, the featherweight won at weight and open weight, overcoming the much heavier Jorge Patino Macaco in the open class semifinal.

“That match got me the most attention, I was even featured in GRACIEMAG. Everyone thought I’d lose because of the weight difference. But I fought really well and beat Macaco, who’s a great fighter. I think if was the first time a featherweight won both his weight group and the absolute as a black belt in the event. I remember how Barbosinha repeated the feat a year later, but in the senior division. It’s proof of how in Jiu-Jitsu technique can overcome strength,” he asserts.

This year Willcox is following the lead of a lot of other masters. He’s going to compete at both the International and the Rio Open, the adult event held simultaneously.

“I’m not going to miss the chance to compete against the guys in the adult tournament. I think I can still muster up the strength to fight with the kids for a few years yet!” he says in finishing.

Want to compete at the International and Rio Open? Find out more here.

Charles ready for new challenges in the UFC. Photo: publicity

With 15 wins in his 15-fight MMA career, Charles “the Bronx” Oliveira is the latest Brazilian addition to the UFC lightweight division. Through coaches Jorge Patino Macaco and Ericson Cardozo, the fighter signed a four-fight contract with the event. He is set to debut in July, against an opponent yet to be determined.

“I’m happy, but I know now I have a lot more work to do. Ericson is already setting up my training routine here in Brazil and, closer to the fight, I’ll head to the United States to train with Macaco,” says Charles.

“We’re working hard the whole time here in Brazil and over in the United States Macaco takes care of our interests.  Charles has 15 wins under his belt and will now embark on a new stage in his career. We thank God for this opportunity,” says coach Ericson Cardozo.