Helio Gracie

Helio Gracie (1913–2009) is considered one of the founding figures of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Frail as a child, Helio was unable to practice the physically demanding judo techniques taught by his older brother Carlos in the same way. Instead, he began adapting them, emphasizing leverage, timing, and technique over strength. This refinement became the foundation of what is now recognized as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Helio popularized BJJ in Brazil through public challenge matches, known as the “Gracie Challenge,” where he fought larger and stronger opponents to prove the effectiveness of his art. His philosophy stressed that smaller individuals could neutralize larger attackers through superior technique, a principle that remains at the heart of BJJ today.