Legendary UFC champion Royce Gracie joins The Deen Show to share the origins of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, the story of how his father Helio Gracie revolutionized martial arts, and why the gentle art of submission is about defeating opponents with technique and kindness rather than brute force and violence.
How Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Changed the World
It all started when Royce’s father, Helio Gracie, was too small to perform the jiu-jitsu techniques his uncles had learned from the Japanese. So he adapted them, adding leverage so a smaller person could defend against someone bigger and stronger. The Gracies then proved their art by issuing open challenges in Brazil, fighting with no rules, no weight divisions, no time limits, and no gloves. When Royce brought this concept to America through the UFC, he defeated all opponents across multiple tournaments, often three to four fights in a single night, without breaking a sweat.
“I was 180 pounds fighting guys who were 250, 270, 280. Professional fighters at the top of their game. And I submitted them with technique, with a choke, with an arm lock. They would quit and I would get out with a clean face. It is not a violent art; it is a self-defense art, as gentle as possible.” — Royce Gracie
Lessons Beyond the Mat
- Royce Gracie has never smoked, never drank alcohol, and follows the Gracie diet, which is more about food combinations than restrictions
- Martial arts teaches humility, discipline, and respect, values that align perfectly with Islamic teachings
- The Gracie Academy was open for anyone to challenge, proving the effectiveness of jiu-jitsu in real combat
- Royce travels the world conducting seminars, from Kuwait to Dubai to Australia, sharing the art his father created
Beat with Kindness
“It is not a violent art. It is a self-defense art. As gentle as possible. Beat with kindness.” — Royce Gracie on the philosophy of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu
Whether on the mat or in life, the principles remain the same: technique over brute force, humility over arrogance, and discipline over desire. Learn Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, train your body, and never forget that the strongest person is the one who controls themselves. Visit roycegracie.com to learn more.
