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Robson Gracie: BJJ Red Belt & Remembering A Legend

Robson Gracie: BJJ Red Belt & Remembering A Legend You’ve probably heard the news that we lost the legendary Master Robson Gracie. The Gracie family broke the news…

You’ve probably heard the news that we lost the legendary Master Robson Gracie. The Gracie family broke the news that their beloved Robson passed away last Friday at the age of 88.

Birth Name:	Carlos Robson Gracie Sr.
Date of Birth:	16 January 1935
Died:	28 April 2023 (aged 88)
Place of Birth:	Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Residence:	Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Style:	Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Teacher(s):	Carlos Gracie, Helio Gracie
Rank:	9th deg. BJJ red belt
Notable relatives:	Kyra Gracie, Neiman Gracie (grandchildren)
Notable students:	Renzo Gracie, Ralph Gracie, Ryan Gracie

Robson Gracie’s Life in the Gracie Family

Carlos Robson Gracie was the second oldest son of Carlos Gracie Sr. Being the son of the co-creator of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu meant that Robson was to learn and teach his family’s martial arts.

Robson spent the majority of his life practicing and teaching Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. He shared the mats with some of the original BJJ red belts.

This includes Masters Carlson Gracie, Carley Gracie, and friends Joao Alberto Barreto and Helio Vigio. He grew up fighting and later taught some of the greatest jiu-jitsu fighters ever.

Robson Gracie in Vale Tudo

Like many in his family, Robson would compete in Vale Tudo matches during the 1950s and 1960s. One of Robson’s famous wins came against Artur Emidio in April 1957.

Master Robson dominated the fight and was fierce as the ref had to pull him off of Emidio after securing a rear naked choke.

In one incident, twenty-two martial artists from a rival school stormed the Gracie Academy, demanding a fight. The two sides began organizing a fight before one of city’s top news stations showed up.

Journalists convinced the two sides to have their fight in a ring and televised for all of Rio de Janeiro to see.

The fight was set for 20 days later, and Robson was scheduled to face Valdo Santana- the brother of Brazilian Vale Tudo legend Valdemar Santana.

During this time, Robson wasn’t training and was smaller than Valdo. Despite not being in shape, Robson defended the family and fought.

Master Robson sustained damage that made him bleed, but he never quit. During his fight, Robson ate a hard strike that knocked out one of his molars.

Despite losing a tooth and sustaining damage, Robson never quit and nearly won the about at points. He showed his legendary fighting spirit, which he passed down to his sons, who became future world champions.

Robson’s Torture & Arrest

During the 1960s, Robson worked as a bodyguard for Leonel Brizola—the brother-in-law of former president of Brazil Joao Goulart.

On April 1st, 1964, a military coup removed Joao Goulart as president. Anyone within Goulart’s government or family was placed in prison.

Unfortunately, Robson Gracie was also arrested by the Brazilian military. They claimed that Robson had ties to the socialist militia called Acao Libertadora Nacional’(ALN).

Brazilian military police arrive at the home of his brother Rolls Gracie, where he was visiting. The military police arrested everyone in the home, which included Rolls, Robson, and his wife, Vera Lucia.

Rolls was released, but the police kept Robson and Lucia to continue interrogating and torture.. His father, Carlos Sr, attempted to get his son released, but was unable.

Rose(Robson’s sister) would enter the DOPS headquarters to demand their release but was also imprisoned. Soon after, She was quickly released along with Vera, but Robson remained imprisoned.

His imprisonment lasted for sixty days, and was told by the government police that he would die. In preparation for his possible death, Robson wrote a message on the soles of his shoes.

“Carlos Robson Gracie, unjustly killed by the army.”

Fortunately, after sixty days of incarceration, Robson Gracie was released.

Robson Creates the FJJER

During the early 1980s, Robson created the Jiu-Jitsu Federation of Rio de Janeiro(FJJER). For over 40 years, Robson was the president of the federation, who promoted numerous BJJ tournaments with Rio de Janeiro.

Robson worked within local Rio de Janeiro governments for much of his life. He served as the superintendent of sports in Rio de Janeiro.

While Robson was the superintendent of sports, he oversaw some of Rickson Gracie’s famous Valet Tudo matches.

Robson: BJJ Red Belt

After six decades of teaching and practicing his family’s martial art, Robson was promoted to a 9th-degree BJJ red belt. Robson practiced Gracie Jiu-Jitsu for over nine decades until his passing.

Robson Gracie’s Children Robson Gracie’s Grandchildren?

During his life, Master Robson raised seven children. Charles, Renzo, Keila, Ralph, Flavia, Robson Gracie Jr, and Ryan Gracie.

His sons Renzo, Ralph, and Ryan Gracie became internationally recognized fighters who represented their family in numerous fights. Robson’s children were also some of the wildest personalities of the Gracie clan.

The stories of fights and training involving his sons are far too many to list.

Robson Gracie’s Famous Grandchildren?

Robson Gracie is also the Grandfather of numerous grandchildren. Two of the most famous are Kyra and Neiman Gracie.

Kyra Gracie is a multiple-time BJJ world champion and is the family’s first female champion. She is also married to Brazilian actor Malvino Salvador and the mother of a son and daughter.

The Passing of Robson Gracie

On April 29th, 2023, Robson’s granddaughter, Kyra Gracie, announced on Twitter the passing of her grandfather, Master Carlos Robson Gracie Sr. He was 88, and no cause of death was announced.

Frequently Asked Questions About Master Robson Gracie

When was Robson Gracie Born?

Master Robson Gracie was born on January 27th, 1935 in Rio de Janeiro- a city that he called home throughout his life.

Who was Robson Gracie’s Father?

Robson was the second oldest son of BJJ co-creator Carlos Gracie Sr.

What was Master Robson’s Nickname?

Robson’s family and friends called him “Nanico,” which means small or short in English.

What Academy Did Robson Gracie Teach & Train In?

Master Robson Gracie spent his life representing Gracie Jiu-Jitsu and teaching primarily in the family academy.

What Was Robson Known For?

Despite his size, Gracie was known for having the heart of a lion and never gave up in a fight.

What Rank Did Master Robson Hold?

Master Robson was a 9th-degree BJJ red belt.

Who Are Robson Gracie’s Children?

In total, Robson Gracie had seven children.

Robson Gracie Jr.
Charles Gracie
Keila Gracie
Flavia Gracie
Renzo Gracie
Ralph Gracie
Ryan Gracie

Who Are Robson Gracie’s Famous Grandchildren?

Gracie is also the grandfather of BJJ world champion Kyra Gracie and MMA Fighter Neiman Gracie. Kyra was the family’s first female world champion, and Neiman is a No-Gi world champion and MMA fighter.

What BJJ Federation was Master Robson President of?

Master Gracie was the president of the Jiu-Jitsu Federation of Rio de Janeiro(FJJER). He was also the superintendent of Sports for the state of Rio de Janeiro.

Master Robson Gracie: A Legend Remembered

Master Robson Gracie is one of the most influential BJJ practitioners ever. Not only for Nanico’s ability and heart but also for the children he raised, who became jiu-jitsu legends.

Robson beautifully represented his family’s martial art and helped it become globally practiced. Thanks for everything, Master Robson. Gone, but never will be forgotten.

J’den Cox: Amateur Wrestling Champion

J’den Cox believes he is one of the most underrated amateur wrestlers ever. It’s hard to argue J’den’s point…

J’den Cox believes he is one of the most underrated amateur wrestlers ever. It’s hard to argue J’den’s point as the 2x world champion has quietly built quite a legacy for himself.

DOB: March 3rd, 1995
Hometown: Columbia, Missouri
College: University of Missouri
Wrestling Style: Freestyle
Weight Class: 190, 203, 214 lb(86, 92, 97 kg)
Championships: 2x World Freestyle Champion, 2x Pan American Champion, 3x NCCA National Champion, 4x MAC Conference Champion, Olympic Bronze Medalist

Here is a short J’den Cox and how he became one of the best amateur wrestlers on the planet. We detailed everything from his collegiate career, international success, and how Cox became a champion.

J’den Cox’s Entry Into Wrestling

J’dren Cox grew up in Columbia, Missouri, and has been competing in wrestling since he was four. Wrestling has always been part of J’den’s life since he grew up in a family of wrestlers.

During his childhood, Cox would compete in both Greco-Roman and freestyle wrestling. He would win numerous regional and national competitions while competing in both styles.

During much of his childhood and into his international career, Cox learned under coach Mike Eierman. The father of champion wrestler Jay Eierman.

While wrestling in high school, Cox wore the same headgear that his brothers wore before him. This headgear belonged to their uncle Phil Arnold, who was a 2x Missouri state wrestling champion.

During his freshman year of high school, Cox lost three matches but still won the Missouri state wrestling title.

These were the only three losses of Cox’s high school career, as he won three more state titles. Not only winning three titles but going unbeaten and becoming the first wrestler to win state titles in four divisions.

J’aden Cox’s Collegiate Career

J’aden’s legendary high school career earned him a full scholarship to the University of Missouri. During his freshman year in college, Cox would pick up where he left off in high school.

Cox was already the best wrestler on the team and won the MAC Conference and NCAA National titles at eighteen. There was no doubt that J’den was one of the best 197 lb amateur wrestlers in the world.

During his sophomore year, Cox came up short of his 2nd national title but won his 2nd MAC Conference title. When J’den’s junior year came around, he took back his throne by winning his 2nd national title.

In his senior year, Cox continued to make history as he won his 4th straight MAC title and his 3rd national title.

This success made J’den Cox one of history’s most successful American college wrestlers.

J’den’s Olympic Debut

During J’den Cox’s sophomore year, he earned a US Olympic wrestling team spot. While in his junior year of college, Cox made his Olympic debut at the Rio Games in 2016.

Before the 2016 Olympics, Cox would earn gold at the 2016 World Cup. J’den defeated his first three opponents at the Olympics before losing to Selim Yasar in the semifinals.

Cox went on to earn bronze after Cuban wrestler Reineris Salas quit after giving up a takedown to J’den.

J’den’s 2017 Run

After finishing his collegiate career in 2017 with another national title, Cox competed internationally for the rest of the year.

But his first major competition was defending his spot on team USA against Olympic gold medalist Dave Taylor. The two competed in a best-of-three series, where Taylor won the first match, but Cox won the last two.

He followed this impressive performance by earning a bronze medal at the World Championship in Paris.

2018 US Open Champion

In 2018, J’den made his debut at the 2019 US Open Championship. En route to winning gold at the event, Cox shut out all four of his opponents and scored 2 technical falls.

Freestyle World Wrestling Champion(2018-2019)

2018 seemed to be the beginning of the J’den Cox era. After placing 3rd at the 2017 World Championship, J’den returned to shock the world. He battled four of the toughest wrestlers in the world to win his first world title at 92 kilos.

A year later, Cox won the Pan American title, leading to his attempt to repeat as world freestyle champion. This was one of the most dominant performances of J’den’s career. The Missouri native won his second world title without giving up a single point.

2019 Yasar Dogu Tournament Champion

Before winning his second world title, Cox finally won the illustrious Yasar Dagu wrestling tournament. In his debut at the Yasar Dogu, Cox lost his first match.

However, Cox was determined going into his second attempt and dominated the competition. It was a vintage J’den Cox performance, where he scored technical falls on all four opponents.

Pan American Champion(2019 & 2022)

Between winning world titles, J’den Cox would earn gold at the 2019 Pan-American Championship. Cox swept Diego Ramirez and Jaime Espinal in the tournament to earn his first Pan-American title.

Cox returned to the tournament three years later to win his second title. En route to winning this title, J’den once again swept his competition without getting scored on.

Kyle Snyder vs. J’den Cox Super Match

Kyle Snyder is easily J’den Cox’s biggest rival. The two champions have been battling each other for titles and spots on the US team for years.

The first time the two met was at the 2011 Junior National Championship. Cox beat Snyder in the Greco-Roman finals, but Snyder beat him in the freestyle bracket.

Four years later, in 2015, Snyder gave Cox the first loss of his junior year. Kyle also beat J’den in the US Senior Nationals event that year. However, J’den did beat Kyle Dake to earn his spot on the 2016 Olympic team.

In 2022, RUDIS+ set up an event of wrestling super matches. The promotion set up a best-of-three match between the two rivals.

This time, Snyder would come out on top by winning the first two matches. Every time these two compete, the wrestling world watches.

The Techniques of J’den Cox

J’den Cox is a master tactician who is never out of place. He is one of the best at timing and setting up his techniques.

Whenever J’den attacks, it is always explosive, and he never stops until his opponent is on the mat. His tenacity and high-level technical skills is why J’den is a 2x world champion.

The Training of J’den Cox

To be a multi-time world champion, you must train like a champion, which is exactly how J’den Cox trains. Whether in the wrestling or weight room, J’den goes all out in training.

He is an elite athlete with an incredible work ethic. This incredible work ethic and athleticism have made Cox one of the world’s best wrestlers.

J’den’s Personal Life

In J’den Cox’s personal life, he is hearing impaired, having lost most of the hearing in his left ear. He began losing his hearing in college, which led him to learn sign language.

J’den constantly posts videos of him signing to his hearing-impaired fans online. His sponsor, Nike, even put a graphic of the sign for Cox on the wrestling champion’s wrestling shoes.

J’den Cox: Future BJJ Athlete?

BJJ athletes have been training with the 2x world champion for the last few years. One of the most notable jiu-jitsu athletes who has spent time training with J’den Cox is the GOAT Gordan Ryan.

This work with jiu-jitsu athletes led Cox to produce instructionals for BJJ Fanatics and Fanatic Wrestling. They are among the highest rated and most bough instructionals on both websites.

As for if J’den will ever transition to BJJ competition, the wrestling champion is still focused on winning wrestling titles.

The Legacy of J’den Cox

At 26 years old, J’den Cox has nearly done it all in amateur wrestling. He’s won multiple world and Pan-American titles while being among the most decorated collegiate wrestlers ever.

The only title that J’den is missing is an Olympic gold medal. He will look to climb that mountain as he prepares for the 2024 Olympics.

Jordan Burroughs: Wrestling World Champion

When you list all of the great modern wrestlers, Jordan Burroughs is always one of the first mentioned. Burroughs…

When you list all of the great modern wrestlers, Jordan Burroughs is always one of the first mentioned. Burroughs has had one of the most successful amateur wrestling careers with over 30 major championships to his name.

Birth Name:	Jordan Ernest Burroughs
Date of Birth:	July 8th, 1988
Place of Birth:	Camden, New Jersey, U.S.
Hometown:	Camden, New Jersey
College:	University of Nebraska
Wrestling Style:	Freestyle
Coaches:	Mark Manning, Brandon Slay
Height:	5 ft 9 in (175 cm)
Weight:	174 Ib (79 kg)
Weight Class:	163 lbs(74 kg)
Championships:	6x World Champion, 1x Olympic Champion, 6x Pan American Champion, 4x US Open Champion, 3x Pan American Games Champion, 2x NCAA National Champion

DOB: July 8th, 1988
Hometown: Camden, New Jersey
College: University of Nebraska
Wrestling Style: Freestyle
Weight Class:163 lbs(74 kg)
Championships: 6x World Champion, 1x Olympic Champion, 6x Pan American Champion, 4x US Open Champion, 3x Pan American Games Champion, 2x NCAA National Champion

Here’s a short bio on the career of amateur wrestling GOAT Jordan Burroughs. Detailing his illustrious wrestling career of one of the best athletes in freestyle wrestling history.

Jordan Burroughs Start in Wrestling

Jordan Burroughs is a New Jersey native, who spent his childhood growing up within the state. From an early age, Jordan showed that he was a natural athlete.

Going into high school, he was a three-sport athlete who excelled at American football, running, and wrestling. Burroughs initially wanted to be a wide receiver in the NFL but decided to focus on wrestling while in high school.

Jordan would win district and state wrestling titles every year of his high school wrestling career. In his senior year in 2006, Burroughs won the national title.

He ended his high school wrestling career with a record of 115-20.

Jordon Burroughs’ Collegiate Wrestling Career

Jordan’s impressive high school wrestling career earned him a scholarship from the University of Nebraska. Going into his college freshman year, Jordan was the 52nd-ranked wrestller in his division.

His freshman year would end with a disappointing record of 15-13 on the season. This bad year motivated Burroughs to come back stronger the next year.

Jordan showed significant improvements in his sophomore year. Not only winning the Big 12 Championship but also breaking the single-season takedown record with 98 dual takedowns.

Burrough’s 2008-09 junior year would be when he finally won the big one in collegiate wrestling. That year, Jordan won the Big 12 Championships and his first national title.

Going into his senior year, Burroughs was ranked as the best 74-kilo freestyle wrestler in the country. He continued to prove that he was the best wrestler in the nation as he became a two-time NCAA national champion.

Jordan’s First World Championship

Fresh off of winning his 2nd NCAA title, Jordan would take his shot at international competition. The 2x college champion went to Istanbul for the 2011 World Freestyle Wrestling Championship.

Burroughs proved he was the best in the world by dominating all 5 of his opponents to earn his first world title.

Jordan Burroughs: 2012 Olympic Gold Medalist

A year after winning his first world title, Jordan made his Olympic debut at the 2012 Games in London. Being the reigning freestyle world champion, Jordan was the heavy favorite coming into the event.

Boroughs didn’t disappoint as the world champ was one again dominant in his Olympic debut. Jordan shut out 3 of his 5 opponents to win Olympic gold.

Jordan’s World Championship Wins(2013, 2015)

After focusing on the Olympics in 2012, Jordan Burroughs returned to the 2013 World Freestyle Championship. That year’s event took place in Budapest, Hungary in front of 20,000 spectators.

In usual Jordan fashion, he swept all five of his opponents to win his second world title.

The 2x world champ came up short for his 3rd world title in 2014. Having to settle for a bronze medal after losing to Russian wrestler Denis Tsargush in the quarterfinals.

2015 showed a rejuvenated Jordan Burroughs, who was ready to reclaim his 3rd title. It was another vintage Burroughs performance as he swept the 74 kilo division again.

Jordan’s World Championship Wins(2017, 2021, 2022)

Jordan would take a long time away from wrestling after a disappointing finish at the 2016 Olympics. Once Jordan cleared his head, he returned in shape and ready for competition in 2017.

The next three years would be some of the more difficult years of Jordan’s career. He would get close to winning major titles, but would get shocked in the semifinals and finals.

When 2021 came around, many experts believed Jordan’s prime was winding down. Burroughs would quickly prove his doubters wrong as he came in 2021 in vintage form.

He earned his fifth freestyle world title and entered his name into the history books. However, after 5 world titles, Burroughs was still not satisfied.

The wrestling legend returned in 2022 to win his historical 6th freestyle world title.

Burroughs’ Other Major Wrestling Accolades

Along with winning six world titles and one Olympic gold medal, Jordan Burroughs has won every other major wrestling title. Not only one, but multiple times

6x World Cup Champion
6x Pan American Champion
4x US Open Champion
3x Pan American Games Champion
3x Yasar Dagu Tournament Champion
2x NCAA National Champion
3x Big 12 Champion

The Kyle Dake vs. Jordan Burrough’s Rivalry

Throughout the long career of Jordan Burroughs, he has faced some of the best wrestlers ever. But easily the most notable rivalry of his career has come against Olympic champion Kyle Dake.

For over the decade, the two American wrestlers have battled each other in numerous tournaments. Many of the time it was fighting over a spot on the US Olympic team.

The first meeting between the two took place at the 2013 US World Team Trials. Burroughs faced Dake in 2 best of five matches to earn a spot on the US men’s freestyle team.

Jordan easily beat Dake in the first round, but the two went to war in the final match, which Burroughs also won.

Two years later, the two met again in the finals of the 2015 US Team Trials. Once again, Jordan took both matches against Dake to earn his spot.

Kyle Dake finally got a win at the 2017 US Team Trials, but dropped the last two matches to lose the series. Dake finally got the better of Burroughs and won their series of matches at the 2020 US Team Trials.

These two wrestling champions do not like each other and let it be known whenever they see one another. Their rivalry is one of the great in history, which is still ongoing.

The Signature Moves of Jordan Burroughs

Jordan is known for having one of the most unstoppable double-leg takedowns in wrestling. He is always able to stay in position and set up explosive double legs.

Burroughs’ ability to use his fast footwork a level change to get under his opponents and drive for his double. This has made Jordan’s double-leg takedown one of the hardest to defend in the sport today.

The Training of Jordan Burroughs

What makes Jordan Burroughs a champion is his dedication. Even though wrestling season only makes up part of the year, Jordan stays in shape.

He never stops training and is never out of shape. Everything he does, from wrestling to conditioning training, is done at a high intensity.

All of his workouts revolve around Jordan, creating explosiveness and never getting tired. This type of training is why Burroughs is one of the most successful wrestlers ever.

Jordan Burroughs to MMA?

During Jordan’s reign of dominance in wrestling, he was frequently asked if he would ever transition to MMA. Burroughs finally answered this question for the fans on an episode of the JRE podcast.

Jordan stated that he never had any intentions to transfer to MMA. He stated that wrestling is his passion and something he will hopefully continue to do at an elite level. Don’t expect the 35-year-old wrestling champion to switch over to MMA any time soon.

The Legacy of Jordan Burroughs

Regarding the legacy of Jordan Burroughs, the wrestling legend has already cemented it. Burroughs is one of the most decorated athletes in amateur wrestling history.

Even in his 30s, Jordan Burroughs still proves he’s one of the best wrestlers in history. Don’t be surprised to see Jordan add more accolades to his already legendary career.

Rorion Gracie: Red Belt & Gracie Jiu-Jitsu US Founder

Master Rorion Gracie is one of the most influential figures who helped the growth of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Not only…

Master Rorion Gracie is one of the most influential figures who helped the growth of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Not only was he responsible for spreading Gracie Jiu-Jitsu across North America, but also co-created the UFC.

Here’s a short bio of Master Rorion Gracie’s life and how helped shape modern-day martial arts. Starting with his life growing up in the Gracie family and how he helped grow the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu brand.

Birth Name:	Rorion Gracie
Date of Birth:	January 10, 1952
Place of Birth:	Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Residence:	Torrance, California
Style:	Gracie Jiu-Jitsu
Teacher:	Hélio Gracie
Rank:	9th deg. BJJ red belt
Spouse:	Silvia Gracie
Notable students:	Rener Gracie, Ralek Gracie, Chuck Norris, John McCarthy, Ed O’Neill, Michael Clarke Duncan, Eve Torres, Javier Vazquez, Tito Ortiz
Website:	roriongracie.com

Rorion’s Early Life Growing Up with the Gracie Family

Rorion Gracie is the oldest son of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu co-creator Helio Gracie. The oldest Gracie son spent his childhood on the mats, learning from his father.

When Rorion was eighteen, he traveled to the US for an extended vacation. He spent most of 1969 soaking up the sun in southern California, a place that would play a special role in Rorion’s life later.

Rorion Travels to The US

During the early 1970s, Rorion studied law at the Federal Rio de Janeiro University. When Rorion wasn’t studying law, he was on the mats of his father’s gym teaching jiu-jitsu.

After earning his law degree, Rorion moved to California in 1978. He dreamed of opening the first Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy in the US and sharing his family’s martial art.

While living in southern California, Rorion worked on different film and television sets as an extra. At the same time, Rorion offered private jiu-jitsu lessons at his home.

He laid down mats and invited anyone and everyone to come learn Gracie Jiu-JItsu. In 1985, seven years after the eldest Gracie left Brazil, his younger brother Royce joined him in California.

Along with Royce, Rickson Gracie also moved to California to teach with his brothers.

Rorion Gracie’s Work on Lethal Weapon

One of Rorion’s biggest successes outside of jiu-jitsu came in 1987. He received a huge opportunity to work as a fight choreographer and consultant for the hit action film Lethal Weapon.

Rorion Gracie and his brothers taught private lessons to the movie cast. This led actor Mel Gibson to fall in love with grappling and become a lifetime practitioner.

The depiction of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu in the film gained a lot of publicity for Rorion, which led to more students.

The Gracie Jiu-Jitsu in Action Self-Defense Instructional

In 1988, Rorion Gracie produced and released a self-defense instructional video called “Gracie in Action.” This video was not only a self-defense instructional video but also showed the techniques used in real fights.

During this period, gymstorming was common within the martial arts world. On occasion, the Gracie brothers received challenges by people wanting to test the legitimacy of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu.

Many of these challenges would result in Vale Tudo rules fights taking place in the gym, which were recorded. Every time the Gracie brothers or their students were challenged, they would win.

The Gracie in Action instructional was a huge success for Rorion and helped him get closer to his dream.

Gracie Academy in Torrance, CA, Opens

In 1989, Rorion would realize his dream of opening the first Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy in the US. The first Gracie Jiu-Jitsu school was opened in Torrance, California, which is still there today.

Rorion, Rickson, Royce, and Royler would all work day and night to grow their family’s first American academy.

The opening of the jiu-jitsu school was followed by the release of another instructional produced by Rorion. He called this video “The Basics of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu.”

While gaining more attention from this video, Rorion continued working on the Lethal Weapon Franchise.

The Creation of the Ultimate Fighting Championship

For years, Rorion Gracie worked on bringing his family’s martial art to an audience of millions. His idea was to organize a Vale Tudo, a no-holds-barred style of fighting tournament, to promote Gracie Jiu-Jitsu to the world.

Of course, it was hard for Rorion to find backers for his idea. Many companies that he approached didn’t want their brand connected to violence.

That was until Rorion made a connection with businessman and promoter Art Davie. Art loved the idea and partnered with Rorion to realize this dream.

Rorion and Art then got in contact with Bob Meyrowitz, who was the head of a pay-per-view platform. The three businessmen struck a deal and began organizing their no-holds-barred event.

They would call their event the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).

Issues Leading Into The UFC

The three businessmen were met with numerous problems, while organizing the first UFC. No state commission wanted to touch this event, nor did most states want to host it.

Finally, they were allowed to rent a venue in Colorado called the McNichols Sports Arena. This would be the home of the very first UFC event.

But Rorion Gracie himself faced another problem leading into the event. He had trouble choosing a representative from the family to fight.

Royce Gracie, who ended up representing Gracie Jiu-Jitsu was actually not the family’s first choice. It was actually supposed to be Rickson Gracie, who was supposed to represent the family.

Unfortunately, there were some issues between Rorion and Rickson. One of the biggest issues was when Rorion discovered Rickson teaching his students privately.

These events led to Rickson being taken out and putting young brother Royce into the tournament.

This choice would actually benefit the family as the undersized Royce dominated his bigger opponents using jiu-jitsu.

When Royce won the first UFC tournament, it helped further the global expansion of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. The event also created what would become the biggest MMA promotion in the world.

Rorion Gracie’s Patent Attempt

Being a lawyer, Rorion Gracie is a very legal-minded person. He likes to have legal ownership of things he believes belong to his family.

Rorion caused bitter tension within his family when he attempted to patent Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. This patent attempt made it illegal for any other member of the Gracie family to open a school with Gracie in the name.

Many of Rorion’s family were offended by this attempt of legally control the Gracie name. His cousin and long-time rival Carley Gracie took Rorion to court over this issue.

The litigation took years and cost both sides lots of money, but Carley won the lawsuit. Carley’s win allowed any member of the Gracie family to use the name for their jiu-jitsu school.

Rorion Gracie’s Promotion to BJJ Red Belt

Rorion Gracie is one of the eldest Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instructors in the world. After sixty years of practicing his family’s martial art, Rorion was promoted to 9th degree BJJ red belt.

He would go on to promote his brothers Relson Gracie and Rickson Gracie years later.

The Best Selling Author

Along with being a jiu-jitsu instructor and lawyer, Rorion is also a best-selling author. In 2010, Rorion wrote a book called The Gracie Diet.

The Gracie Diet is a diet guide of the Gracie family, which was developed by Helio Gracie. Rorion organized all of the details of his father’s dietary guidelines into a book.

This book became a best-seller and added another success in Rorion’s life.

Rorion’s Children

Rorion Gracie still co-runs the Gracie Academy in Torrance but has passed most of the responsibilities to his sons Rener and Ralek. Both of whom are world-renowned Gracie Jiu-JItsu instructors and practitioners.

Commonly Asked Questions

When Was Rorion Gracie Born?

Rorion Gracie was born on January 10th, 1952, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Who is Rorion’s Father?

Rorion’s father is Helio Gracie, the co-creator of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu.

What Gym Did Rorion Co-Found?

Master Rorion co-founded the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Torrance, California in 1989.

What Other Jobs Has Rorion Had?

On top of being a world-renowned jiu-jitsu instructor, Master Rorion is also a successful lawyer and businessman.

Who Are Rorion’s Sons?

Rorion has two sons, which are Rener Gracie and Ralek Gracie.

What Rank Does Rorion Hold?

Rorion Gracie is a 9th-degree BJJ red belt. The highest degree a jiu-jitsu practitioner can earn.

The Legacy of Rorion Gracie

Master Rorion Gracie is one of the most influential martial artists in modern history. He is responsible for helping bring jiu-jitsu to the US and for co-creating the UFC.

Without Rorion, the UFC would not exist, jiu-jitsu would be less practiced, and modern MMA may not have formed. Everyone who loves MMA or BJJ owe a thank you to Rorion Gracie.

Muay Thai Stance: Everything Explained

Something that goes unnoticed in Muay Thai is the stance. The Muay Thai stance is an extremely important part of the fighting style, which must be routinely practiced. Here is a breakdown of how to properly stand in a Muay Thai stance. Read below to learn the important tips for holding a Muay Thai stance […]

Something that goes unnoticed in Muay Thai is the stance. The Muay Thai stance is an extremely important part of the fighting style, which must be routinely practiced.

Here is a breakdown of how to properly stand in a Muay Thai stance. Read below to learn the important tips for holding a Muay Thai stance and the benefits of developing a good one.

Is There a Muay Thai Stance?

To the untrained eye, there doesn’t look like much of a Muay Thai stance in Thai boxing. The stance in Muay Thai is unique to the martial art/sport and enables the patented strikes.

The Benefits of a Good Muay Thai Stance

A good Muay Thai stance is everything in Thai boxing. Here are the benefits of holding a good Muay Thai stance.

Do All Muay Thai Styles Use the Same Stance?

All Thai boxing styles mostly use the same Muay Thai stance. They may differ on the preferred striking methods, but there’s nothing really different about the fighting stance.

How to Stand

You will continuously drill your Muay Thai stance when developing your Thai boxing skills. Here is how you stand in a proper Muay Thai stance.

Feet Placement

In proper Muay Thai, your feet are placed at or slightly smaller than shoulder-width apart. Your lead foot will be placed slightly ahead of your back foot.

Light Feet

You must keep your feet light to have a good Muay Thai stance. If you train with heavy feet, your movement will be slowed and telegraphed. That’s why you must stay light on your feet while practicing Thai boxing.

Heels Up

A way to stay light on your feet is to try and remember to keep your heels off the mat. Not tip-toeing, but your heels are slightly up with your weight on the soles of your feet.

How to Move in a Muay Thai Stance

Moving in a Muay Thai stance is simple but requires training. Here’s a basic guide for moving in a Muay Thai stance

Move Forward: Your lead foot steps for, and your back foot follows. Try to keep your feet light and try not to drag your back foot.
Move Backward: To move backward, your back foot moves first, and your front foot follows. The tips for moving your foot also pertain to moving your back foot.
Move Left: Your left foot moves first, followed by your right foot. Keep space between your feet; don’t let them touch or cross.
Move Right: Your right foot moves first, followed by your right foot. The tip for moving your left foot also goes for your right.
Turn: Turn your lead food in the direction you want, then turn your body with your back foot following behind. The same rules for not dragging your feet also apply to turning.
Side Shuffle: To shuffle out of danger in a Muay Thai stance, stand square and shuffle in the direction you wish. Don’t let your feet touch or cross.

How to Practice Your Muay Thai Stance

There are ways you can practice and improve your Muay Thai stance. Here are ways you can practice your Muay Thai stance.

Shadowboxing

The classic way of practicing and improving your Muay Thai stance is by doing rounds of shadow boxing. Visualizing that you’re in a fight as you move and perform different techniques.

To improve your stance, you can do rounds of Muay Thai shadow boxing focusing on your movement with no punches. Just moving around the ring or mat, focusing on properly moving in a fight.

Footwork Drills

You can do numerous types of footwork drills to improve your footwork in your Muay Thai stance. They can be as simple as drilling out to step forward to connect all of the movements together. Watch the video above for some of the best Muay Thai footwork drills.

Hybrid Shadowboxing/Footwork Drills

Trainers often blend together shadowboxing and footwork drills to improve the stances of their fighters. They might instruct their students to focus on a certain movement during shadowboxing rounds.

How Do I Choose My Muay Thai Stance?

For new Muay Thai students, you choose your Muay Thai stance by what hand you write with. Right-handed students make their backfoot their right and vice-versa if they’re southpaws.

As you gain more experience, you may choose how you stand depending your best attacks. If you’re left-handed but have a good right kick, you may choose to stand in a conventional Muay Thai stance.

The Benefits

A good stance is everything in Thai boxing. It allows you to move fluidly and react faster. Everything from your strikes, movement, and defense will improve from having a good Muay Thai stance.

Important Tips to Rember

The Muay Thai stance is everything in Muay Thai. Here are the important tips and details to remember.

Feet Placement: In a Muay Thai stance, keep your feet around should-width a part or less.
Keep Space Between Feet: Keep space between your feet in a Muay Thai stance. This will enable you to be balanced and move faster.
Don’t Stand Flat-Footed: Never stand flat-footed in a Muay Thai stance. Always keep light feet to react quicker.
Heels Up: Try not to keep your heels off the mat to enable you to move and react quickly.
How To Move: Remember the basics of moving in a Muay Thai stance. Move your lead foot first to move forward, and move your back foot to move backward. Also, turn your lead foot in the direction you want to turn.
Knees Bent: Keep a slight bend in your knees in Muay Thai stance and try not to stand straight up.
Don’t Cross Feet: Never let your feet touch or cross while in your stance. You’ll be unbalanced and easy to hit.

Bostin Loyd: Bodybuilding’s Wildest Personality

Bostin Loyd is one of the most controversial figures in the history of bodybuilding. He was one of the first bodybuilders to be open about his steroid use and created a massive online following. Here’s a summary of the crazy life of bodybuilder Bostin Loyd. We’ll review his bodybuilding career, steroid use, social media following, […]

Bostin Loyd is one of the most controversial figures in the history of bodybuilding. He was one of the first bodybuilders to be open about his steroid use and created a massive online following.

Here’s a summary of the crazy life of bodybuilder Bostin Loyd. We’ll review his bodybuilding career, steroid use, social media following, and untimely death.

Boston Loyd’s Early Life

Bostin Loyd was the only son of his parents and was introduced to bodybuilding from an early age. His father was a bodybuilder and taught physical education, while his mother was a physical therapy aide.

Loyd learned early about the importance of fitness from watching his parents. He took an interest in his father’s workouts and wanted to train alongside him.

Bostin Loyd’s Early Bodybuilding Career

When Bostin was fourteen, he started training to become a bodybuilder. Throughout his teen years, Bostin would train and enter different amateur shows in California.

When he entered his 20s, Loyd began winning contests and earned his pro card when he was twenty-one. His first big win was at the NPC Contra Costa Title in Haward, California 2013.

For the next nine years until his death, Bostin Loyd frequently competed in various bodybuilding competitions.

Bostin Loyd’s Online Following

After becoming a pro bodybuilder, Boston met his fiance and started his company, Team3CC. Loyd also got into social media and began building his brand on all of the social media websites.

He began calling himself Big Daddy and documenting his life. Loyd went viral after he began openly posting videos of his steroid cycles.

From then on, Loyd’s videos gained millions of views and got more followers. Boston became known for being one of the most controversial figures in the bodybuilding and fitness communities.

Loyd never apologized for his steroid use and never told his followers never to use him. Being a heat magnet enabled Bostin to succeed from his online platform following.

Bostin Loyd Vocal On Steroid Use

Bostin Loyd was one of the first bodybuilders to be open about his steroid use. To put it plainly, Loyd was a human petri dish.

He has more than likely used every steroid, peptide, HGH, or testosterone-boosting drug in existence. He is not taking the recommended cycle dosage, but inhumane levels in his hunt to get bigger.

Many in the bodybuilding community were upset with Loyd, but many appreciated him telling the truth. Throughout Bostin’s stint in bodybuilding and as a YouTube personality.

Bostin Loyd’s Kidney Failure

In 2020, Boston was rushed to the hospital, where it was revealed that he had stage 5 kidney failure. The cause of this kidney failure was due to a new peptide Loyd had recently been taking.

The peptide that was the primary cause of his kidney failure is called FTTP or adipotide. This peptide was designed to kill fat cells, which intrigued Loyd to help get a more cut look.

Unfortunately for Bostin, using this peptide over time, along with other substances, led to his kidney failure. Loyd talked about having no regrets about using the peptide in an Instagram post that has been deleted since his death.

He admitted he made a mistake but learned from it and was adjusting his intake.

The Death of Bostin Loyd

On February 25th. 2022, Bostin Loyd was returning from a workout. The bodybuilder and YouTube personality passed upon returning home and was rushed to a nearby hospital.

After attempting CPR, the medic confirmed that Bostin Loyd was pronounced dead. This death shocked the bodybuilding and YouTube fitness communities.

Many assumed the cause of death, but the autopsy later revealed his cause. It was revealed that Loyd died from an aortic dissection.

Bostin had stage 5 kidney failure two years before, but the aortic dissection ended up killing him. An aortic dissection is when the main artery to the heart separates and causes internal bleeding and likely death.

More surprising to bodybuilding fans was that Loyd’s death was due to a genetic condition. Despite being a vocal user of steroids and performance-enhancing drugs., they did not kill him.

Boston Loyd on Deaths in Bodybuilding

Right before his death, Boston Loyd made an appearance on the RxMuscle podcast with Dave Palumbo. He mused about how he transformed as a person and bodybuilder since he started lifting.

When Loyd first started bodybuilding, he thought that success in the sport was 100% from steroids. This led to him taking numerous substances without realizing the dangers of using so many drugs.

He didn’t come to find out that bodybuilding was mostly about training and diet, with steroid use being only a few preferred choices.

Loyd also went on to talk about why bodybuilders die young. His claim was that steroid use wasn’t killing bodybuilders but their use of various performance-enhancing substances and illicit drugs.

Many bodybuilders who died young were mixing various drugs in their bodies until their systems went out. Not to mention, the heavy use of diuretics in prep for competitions also led to many deaths.

Bostin believes that the responsibility lies on multiple parties. The bodybuilders themselves, their coaches, and the sport as a whole created this dangerous scenario.

Many in the bodybuilding community agreed with Loyd, which made his death sadder. He grew as a person, but the damage was done.

The Legacy of Bostin Loyd

While one can criticize Bostin Loyd’s use of performance-enhancing substances, he can never be called a liar. Bostin always told the truth and gave his honest opinion on the sport of bodybuilding.

He loved improving his physique and helping his friends and clients with their fitness goals. Loyd was also a family man with a long-time partner and their beloved son. His honesty was a breath of fresh air in bodybuilding, and he possibly helped improve the sport.