Grandmaster Helio Gracie on ranch in Itapava in 2004 / Photo: Gustavo Aragão

This month of March, more specifically on the 16th, World Sleep Day is celebrated, and while you yawn in salute to this off-the-wall creation, GRACIEMAG.com pays tribute to a master of the art of putting opponents to sleep, choke king Helio Gracie. “The best Jiu-Jitsu attack there is is sleep. There isn’t a roughneck out there who can withstand it. Anyone who doesn’t tap out to a choke, with or without the gi, goes to sleep,” he would often preach.

DEFEND THE NECK TO KEEP SAFE

In this video, Helio Gracie teaches a few vital Jiu-Jitsu lessons, things no blue belt can go without knowing. Defend yourself from the sleeper hold and counter, with Professor Helio Gracie.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1_bYbvjGfYc