RIP Helio Gracie

In one of my few non-financial or non-technology related posts, I just wanted to post a blog in honor of Helio Gracie, who passed away in Rio last night. Why is this important--in light of the fact that he didn't teach many of my classes, as he was more of an honorary professor at his son Rorion's Gracie Academy in Torrance, CA? Or the fact that I didn't know him well, but was taking classes with his famous sons Rorion and Royce far more often?

Simply put, the 95-year-old was a pioneer in every sense. As one of the original founders of the Brazilian jujitsu (BJJ) clan, he developed a unique fighting style which helped narrow the gap for the weak, small, and non-violent, enabling his students and followers to not only defend themselves, but also neutralize an aggressive opponent. At 120-140 pounds, he would regularly defeat the world's toughest men in the world, in a no-holds-barred challenge fight, with no rules, no gloves, and no regrets.

He often defeated opponents twice his size, in a then-unconventional fighting style that would leave opponents gasping for air, or pleading for mercy (by tapping out and declaring a loss). For 80 years, this fighting style was unknown to the rest of the world, until son Rorion raised the exposure on these underground cage fights with the creation of the Ultimate Fighting Championships, now a legitimate, multi-billion-dollar industry. Younger son Royce won 3 of the first 4 round-robin competitions, wearing down opponents despite disadvantages in weight and strength.

But as a true contrarian, Royce and the rest of the family clan continually beat their opponents, using BJJ's expert use of leverage and technique. David really could defeat Goliath--consistently. At the time, the world was shocked that these skinny Brazilian guys could subdued world-class athletes into submission. 16 years later, BJJ is now a staple of any mixed martial arts fighter, thanks to Helio Gracie, and by extension, his sons' teachings. BJJ was no longer a fringe martial art in the endless debate of which art was more effective than another--let's settle it in the ring or cage, and let the results speak for themselves. Well, BJJ spoke, and BJJ won the debate.

But Helio's impact to me is even more meaningful than learning the perfect armbar or rear naked choke. He represents the little guy who persevered into a world-beater, despite obvious disadvantages in size and strength, against a backdrop of ridicule and skepticism. He conquered the best fighters in the world at their own game.

Today, financial markets, societies and even the sovereignty of countries is at risk. If huge money centers have collapsed, what chance does the little investor have in securing his/her financial future? If the game is rigged to benefit the Goliaths--and even some of the Goliaths are bleeding, how is the David supposed to survive?

Helio Gracie has taught me a valuable lesson, and that's to approach life with vigor, independent thought, benevolence, and a thirst for learning and teaching--traits my own later father taught me also. Most importantly, he resonated with my refusal to accept conventional wisdom as truth.

If some deem you "too weak, too small, too dumb, too poor, too unskilled", do not accept that is truth--define your own path. Even if the bully outweighs you by 50 pounds, is stronger, quicker, and faster than you, you can still defend yourself and even teach him a lesson--if you have the patience and determination to learn and work to counteract his aggression. But the most important lesson of all is to somehow allow your defeated opponent to channel his aggression in a positive manner. But protect yourself at all cost. That applies in the real world of self-defense.

In the fun world of sparring, it teaches you that no matter how good you think you are, there is always someone better than you. Better to be humble in that instance. Respect your sparring partners; they could well be your best lifelong friends, and there is honor in tapping out, as well as tapping out your sparring partners. It's not so much an admission of victory or defeat, it is a show of respect for the other person.

In a tournament setting, when all eyes on you and your opponent, animal spirits take over--the fight or flight response. In that environment, there is only one option. And that's when the mind has to calm the body down, blocking out fears of injury, reinforcing strategies and endless hours of training. You tell yourself, despite attempts to moderate hyperventilation, "hey, stick to the game plan, you're prepared mentally and physically, believe in yourself, just go out and do what you do. By the way, have fun while you're at it."

Helio--thank you showing me the little guy can win if he sets his heart and mind to it. Thank you for setting me down the path of self-reliance and self-belief. Rest in peace.

Greg