2 days ago, Brazilian jiu-jitsu and MMA legend Ralph Gracie was sentenced to six months in prison for having assaulted Flavio Almeida back in December 2018.
Brazilian news outlet Tatame first reported that a United States court sentenced Ralph Gracie to six months in prison for the assault. Gracie also received three years of probation. He was also fined $50,000, and will have to attend anger-management classes19.
Ralph Gracie was quick to issue a statement on IG about his sentencing:
“In the Art of War, Sun Tzu wrote, “He will win who knows when to fight and when not to fight.”
As warriors, we must never forget this lesson. Unfortunately, this time, I chose to fight the wrong battle. Actions have consequences, and I must face them.
On Friday, I will report to jail on the shoulders of the generations of jiu-jitsu fighters before me. My body may be behind bars for a short time, but my mind will remain free.
I would like to thank Renzo (@renzograciebjj) and our jiu-jitsu family for their tremendous support. I am also very grateful to all of my students for standing with me. I wish I had handled this situation differently, because I strive to set an example for all of you. Nonetheless, you knew what is in my heart and stood by my side. With you next to me, I can never lose. And I love you for that.
I’ll be back with you soon.
Love.
Ralph”
The biggest controversy to hit the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu community in 2019 was the Ralph Gracie incident. For those that are unaware or don’t remember Ralph Gracie assaulted Flavio Almeida at the 2019 No-Gi World Championships.
It left a black eye on the Jiu Jitsu community and is still trying to be resolved in court. We’ll break down why the incident happened and everything that has happened up until this point.
