In 2021, Rickson Gracie released an essential book detailing the history and evolution of Gracie jiu jitsu from the 1920s to the present. The book chronicles Rickson Gracie’s personal life and development in jiu jitsu. Rickson Gracie is the third eldest son of Hélio Gracie. He is often regarded as the most skilled fighter among Hélio Gracie’s sons, which include Rorion, Relson, Royce, Rolker, and Royler Gracie.

Rickson narrates a seamless story, starting with the Gracie family’s immigration from Scotland to Brazil in the 1800s. He establishes a firm foundation for the enduring warrior spirit that the Gracie men have displayed across many generations. Gracie shares captivating details about his uncle, Carlos Gracie, who initially learned Japanese jūjitsu from Mitsuyo Maeda in the early 1900s, and how Carlos’ younger brother, Hélio, further developed Carlos’ knowledge into what we now know as Gracie jiu jitsu.

The book guides us through the emotional nuances of Rickson’s initial professional bout against Rei Zulu in 1980, continuing through his series of victories in professional fights in Japan during the 1990s. It uncovers some of the family conflicts that emerged among the Gracie brothers and cousins as their martial art expanded throughout Brazil and eventually into the United States. Gracie shares some candid truths about both his family and himself.

Breathe delves into the tension in Rickson’s relationships with his father and his brother Rorion as the UFC was established, with Rickson opting to fight in Japan instead of the UFC. Additionally, there are several theories regarding Rorion’s decision to select Royce over Rickson to compete in the UFC. Rickson admits that Rorion and Royce have different interpretations of some of these events compared to his own.

The book offers unique insights and details about the history of Gracie jiu jitsu and Rickson Gracie’s life that are unavailable elsewhere. I’ve listened to the audiobook in its entirety at least four times and plan to listen again. I highly recommend this book to any Gracie jiu jitsu enthusiast.

——————————————

Lakewood Jiu Jitsu Academy is a Lakewood, Colorado based martial arts school committed to educating and training students in traditional Japanese jūjitsu, as well as Gracie jiu jitsu as it was intended to be learned by Grandmaster Hélio Gracie- for self-defense. We believe accurate portrayal of the historical evolution of jiu jitsu is vital in order for jiu jitsu to maintain its connection to the principles upon which it is based.