Robson Gracie Jr.

Carlos Robson Gracie Sr. (1935–2023) was a prominent Brazilian martial artist and the second son of BJJ founder Carlos Gracie. He achieved the rank of 9th-degree red belt under his uncle Hélio Gracie, earning him the title of Grandmaster.

Martial Arts & Competitive Career
Tenacious Reputation: Robson trained directly under both his father and his uncle. He competed in Vale Tudo (no-holds-barred) competitions during the 1950s.

MMA Debut: In his debut mixed martial arts fight against Artur Emidio in April 1957, Gracie successfully submitted his opponent but notoriously refused to let go until the referee physically separated them—a fierce trait that defined his fighting style despite his smaller stature.

Leadership: He lived and taught in Rio de Janeiro, where he served as the president of the Jiu-Jitsu Federation of Rio de Janeiro.

Political Affiliations & Imprisonment
Bodyguard Duty: In the 1960s, Gracie worked as a bodyguard for Leonel Brizola, the brother-in-law of Brazil’s then-President João Goulart.

Arrest by Secret Service: Following the 1964 military coup, his political ties and assistance to the Marxist guerrilla group Ação Libertadora Nacional made him a target. He and several family members were arrested by the Brazilian Secret Service. His wife, Vera Lucia, was also briefly detained after protesting his arrest to the military government.

Honorary Black Belt Controversy: Decades later, in October 2018, he sparked conversation by awarding an honorary BJJ black belt to future Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, who had never actually trained in the martial art.

Death, Family, and Honors
Passing: Robson Gracie passed away in Rio de Janeiro on April 28, 2023, at the age of 88. To honor his contributions, the city announced later that year that a public landmark would be named after him.

Famous Lineage: He left behind a powerful martial arts legacy; he was the instructor to legendary fighters Renzo, Ralph, and Ryan Gracie, and the grandfather of champions Kyra and Neiman Gracie.

Upcoming Documentary: His family’s impact is set to be explored in an upcoming ESPN Films documentary series executive produced by filmmaker Guy Ritchie.