Relson Gracie

Relson Gracie (born March 28, 1953, Rio de Janeiro) is the second oldest son of Grandmaster Helio Gracie and one of the most colorful and uncompromising figures in the history of Brazilian jiu-jitsu. He began training at just two years old and entered his first competition at age six, growing up as the family's self-described "tough kid" who preferred surfing and street life to schoolwork. Relson became notorious in Rio de Janeiro for his street-fighting exploits, reportedly engaging in over 100 real confrontations that cemented his reputation as a fearless and unpredictable fighter. His father Helio, recognizing that school was a lost cause, channeled Relson's energy entirely into jiu-jitsu. The strategy paid off: Relson won the Brazilian National Championship and held the title for an extraordinary 22 consecutive years, retiring from competition undefeated. In 1975, Relson became a founding member of the Gracie Ilha academy at the Ilha Clube Jardim Guanabara, opened after an approach from senator Artur Vigio. His specialization in street-applicable self-defense and vale tudo earned him the role of preparing his younger brother Royce Gracie for the early UFC events -- a pivotal contribution to the fights that introduced BJJ to the world. In 1985, Relson moved to the United States, initially teaching at the Esalen Institute in Monterey, California. In 1988, he relocated to Honolulu, Hawaii, where he introduced Gracie Jiu-Jitsu to the islands. Starting with a single student and teaching out of his garage in 1989, he slowly built a following in a state that had never heard of BJJ. In 1996, he founded his official academy on Waialae Avenue in Honolulu. By 1997, his students -- including Kendall Goo and Kelly Matsukawa -- were competing at the World Championship, a source of immense pride for Relson. He has since established 12 schools across Hawaii and over 50 affiliated academies worldwide, promoting 53 students to black belt in the USA. Relson's teaching philosophy has always emphasized the original, self-defense-oriented jiu-jitsu of his father Helio -- practical techniques for real confrontations rather than sport-specific guard play. This old-school approach has made him a revered figure among practitioners who value BJJ's martial roots. In 2013, Relson was promoted to 9th-degree red belt by his brother Rorion Gracie, one of the highest ranks ever awarded in BJJ. He remains active as a teacher and ambassador of his father's art. References: Wikipedia (Gracie family, Royce Gracie); BJJ Heroes; Elite Sports; Simon BJJ; Balance Studios; BJJ.Tips; Relson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu official; MidWeek Hawaii.