Rickson Gracie is widely regarded as the greatest Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) practitioner of all time. The 9th-degree red belt (the highest level attainable) is simply the epitome of the word icon. But why? What stands the son of Grand Master Helio Gracie in such good stead?
Rickson had his first official success against Brazilian Vale Tudo legend Casemiro Nascimento Martins, aka “Zulu King”. Rickson was only 18 years old, and he was over 20 pounds lighter than his highly respected opponent. Nonetheless, the young Gracie managed to lock in a rear-naked choke and take the win which garnered National acclamation.
Martins would challenge Rickson to a rematch four years later at the 40,000 seater Maracanãzinho venue. The fight had stirred so much interest that the venue was nearly full to capacity with spectators getting the opportunity to watch Rickson come out on top once again via his sublime rear neck choke.
In this new interview with Joe Rogan, Rickson talks about how he was able to overcome his self-doubt and fear of fighting.
He was able to overcome this when he defeated Zulu.
