Relson Gracie
Brazilian Gracie jiu-jitsu master, son of Hélio Gracie, national champion of Brazil for 22 straight years and organizer of the first BJJ tournament outside Brazil (Honolulu, 1992).
Quick Facts
United StatesBiography
Relson Gracie is a Brazilian Gracie jiu-jitsu master. He was born on 28 March 1953 in Rio de Janeiro as the second-oldest son of Hélio Gracie. He is a brother of Rorion and Rickson Gracie.
He was taught by his father, Hélio. He began training at 2, competing at 10, and received his black belt at 18. He was national champion of Brazil in jiu-jitsu for 22 consecutive years. He reached 9th degree red belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
In 1975 he opened his first academy at the Ilha Clube Jardim Guanabara, and in 1978 he taught at the Gracie academy in the Flamengo district of Rio de Janeiro. In 1985 he moved to Monterey, California, where he taught at the Esalen Institute, and in June 1988 he moved to Honolulu, Hawaii, where he has lived ever since. He trained American security forces, including the army, the FBI, the DEA and the Secret Service.
In 1992 he organized the first Brazilian jiu-jitsu tournament outside Brazil in Honolulu. In 1997 the Hawaii team under his leadership won a division at the world championship.
Teachers, students and family
Associated Martial Arts
Organisations
- Academia na Ilha Clube Jardim GuanabaraFounder · 1975
Achievements and honours
- National Championships1st place