In a recent podcast reflecting on the principles of true martial arts mastery, Rickson Gracie, a legendary figure in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, shed light on the tragic passing of world champion Leandro Lo. Gracie’s conversation, featured on the Order of Man podcast, focused on the importance of humility and emotional control in martial arts, contrasting it with physical skill alone. He drew attention to the dangers of ego-driven confrontations, using Lo’s heartbreaking story to illustrate the need for restraint and wisdom.
Leandro Lo, revered as one of the greatest Jiu-Jitsu champions with eight world titles, was fatally shot at a night club in São Paulo, Brazil, following a seemingly trivial dispute about a bottle. Gracie recounted the incident as a cautionary tale, explaining, “The champion is supposed to know more about martial arts — he’s too much of an athlete, but he’s not a martial artist.” In his view, true martial artistry involves the ability to deescalate and walk away from potentially dangerous situations.
“Winning without a fight is often the better choice,” Gracie said. “Sometimes, just apologizing can prevent a dangerous situation. A true martial artist has the wisdom to see potential danger and walk away.” According to Gracie, Lo’s inability to foresee the deadly escalation of a simple provocation highlighted the difference between physical prowess and deeper martial arts wisdom. “Sometimes, you have to fight to win, but sometimes, winning means walking away without fighting at all,” Gracie emphasized, underscoring the distinction between athletes and martial artists.
Rickson contrasted this approach with that of athletes who often seek validation through their physical prowess. “Athletes can get trapped in the need to prove they are better, stronger, faster. But that mentality can lead you to unnecessary confrontations,” he warned.
For Rickson, the essence of martial arts is about mastery of the self. “To be a martial artist is to have the capacity to avoid a fight, to keep your peace, and to be humble even when you know you could win a confrontation,” he said. Gracie concluded by urging martial artists to use their skills responsibly: “When you have power, you don’t need to show power. When you have confidence, you don’t need to prove anything.”
Gracie further warned of the perils of ego and overconfidence, pointing out that even the most skilled fighters can fall victim to violence when situations spiral out of control. “If the champion had chosen a peaceful way to handle the situation, things might have turned out differently. But big egos sometimes lead people to believe they’re invincible, which can lead to terrible consequences,” he said. His words serve as a sobering reminder of how a single decision, fueled by pride or emotion, can have devastating outcomes.
The tragic events surrounding Lo’s death continue to reverberate in Brazil and beyond. Lo was fatally shot by military police officer Henrique Otavio Oliveira Velozo after a confrontation at a pagoda concert. The incident sparked widespread grief and outrage, with mourners, including family and fellow martial artists, paying tribute to the beloved sports icon. At the time, Velozo claimed self-defense, with his attorney stating, “His action was legitimate. He was surrounded by six jiu-jitsu guys.” Currently, Velozo remains in preventive detention at the Romão Gomes Military Prison, with the case proceeding under judicial secrecy and no trial date set.
Gracie’s reflections on Lo’s death and his emphasis on restraint and humility come with a layer of complexity, as some aspects of his own past were marked by street fights rooted in ego and pride. In his autobiography Breathe, Rickson Gracie recounts episodes of intense personal rivalries. This evolution in his views, from a life shaped by competitive clashes to advocating for peace and wisdom, underscores the growth and complexities in his philosophy. While some may question the use of a tragic story to illustrate his point, Gracie’s message serves as a stark reminder of the thin line between confidence and overconfidence, and the sometimes fatal consequences of crossing it.
Sloth Jiu-Jitsu: you can be slow and unathletic and still kick butt in Jiu-Jitsu.
