Rolls Gracie was a prominent member of the Gracie family known for their founding of Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) and considered by some the family’s best ever fighter. He was teacher of Rickson Gracie, Carlos Gracie Jr., Royler Gracie, Rigan Machado and Romero “Jacare” Cavalcanti.Rolls Gracie tragically died in a hang gliding accident in 1982, and after that, Rickson Gracie took over as the family champion.

Rolls Gracie was a pioneer and a visionary in his approach to BJJ. Helio Gracie raised him as his own son (although Rolls was actually the son of Helio’s brother Carlos Gracie Sr.)

Royce Gracie said it well “there is an era before and another one after Rolls” talking about the evolution of Jiu-Jitsu.

Rickson has recently talked about his training with Rolls on the Joe Rogan podcast. He described the first time that he tapped Rolls in training with a choke and that it was an amazing feeling. He also talked about the immense respect he had for his cousin/brother and said that if he would have met Rolls in the final of a tournament, they would not have fought because of Rickson’s respect for the hierarchy.

This episode of the Grappling Central Podcast is a tribute to the memory of Master Rolls Gracie, the family champion from the 70’s to the early 80’s.  Multiple guests give insight to how Rolls was as a person, a competitor and a teacher. We also learn the impact he had not only on Jiu-Jitsu, but on all of grappling.  Featuring stories told by Marcio Stambowsky, Royler Gracie, Romero “Jacare” Cavalcanti, Mauricio Gomes, Renzo Gracie and Bob Anderson.

Check out this great episode: