Considered one of the most influential figures in martial arts history, Helio Gracie, the father of modern jiu-jitsu died at the age of 95 in 2009. He would be 102 years old if he were alive today. Andre Lazaroni, a state deputy in Rio de Janeiro, paid homage to Gracie by naming his birthday, Oct. 1, as Vale Tudo Day in the city. A ceremony was held at Tiradentes Palace, with many fighters in attendance, including Gracie’s top student, Joao Alberto Barreto.
MMA, UFC and BJJ: Those acronyms would not exist in their current forms if it were not for the perseverance of Helio and his older brother, Carlos Gracie.