Crezio Chavez

Crézio Chavez (born Crézio Azevedo de Souza) is a 9th-degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu red belt. He was a prominent competitor for the Gracie Academy during the 1950s Vale Tudo boom and went on to become the pioneer who introduced Jiu-Jitsu to the Petrópolis region.

Nicknames & Training Lifestyle
The Nicknames: He was nicknamed “Cabritinho” (Little Goat) by Helio Gracie due to his fast and highly technical style on the mats. He was also known as “Fuzileiro” because of his service in the Marine Corps.

Living at the Academy: After falling in love with the martial art, Chavez spent a long and fruitful 12-year period living directly inside the Gracie Academy alongside his masters, Carlos and Helio Gracie.

The Television & Vale Tudo Era
Blazing Fast Debut: Seeing his immense potential, the Gracies pushed him into Vale Tudo (no-holds-barred) competition. He made his debut at just 17 years old, securing a victory in a mere 57 seconds.

“Heróis dos Ringues”: As the sport’s popularity soared, Chavez became a core cast member on Heróis dos Ringues (Ring Heroes), a major televised fighting show broadcast across Brazil by TV Continental.

The Co-Main Event: While Carlson Gracie and Joao Alberto Barreto were the main attractions of the show, Chavez regularly served as the co-main event, fighting representatives from Capoeira, Boxing, and Luta Livre. He ultimately retired from competition completely undefeated.

Teaching Legacy
Spreading BJJ to Petrópolis: Chavez graduated as an instructor at age 22 under Carlos and Helio. Shortly after, he married and moved to his wife’s hometown of Petrópolis, where he opened the region’s very first Jiu-Jitsu academy in 1959.

A Lifelong Coach: Though he retired early from fighting, Chavez spent decades building his teaching legacy. He continued to actively coach students well past his 80th birthday. His son, Crézio Sousa, also grew up to become a prominent fighter for the Carlson Gracie Academy in the 1980s and 1990s.