Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is undoubtedly one of the most iconic combat sports globally. BJJ’s popularity has coincided with the growth of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) and the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). It’s a martial art that focuses on ground-based combat that takes advantage of angles, pressure, and timing to achieve non-violent submission of opponents. This is adherence to Jiu Jitsu, which means gentle (Ju) art (Justu).
While there are many BJJ practitioners in the world, the legends of the game deserve a shoutout for their contribution to the sport. This article looks at some legendary BJJ practitioners and where they are now. Keep reading for more.
Royce Gracie
Royce was born in Brazil, Rio de Janeiro, on December 12, 1966. He is a member of the Gracie jiu-jitsu family and holds the 7th-degree BJJ coral belt under Rickson Gracie. Royce’s exceptional skills in submission grappling were pivotal in popularizing Gracie jiu-jitsu and revolutionizing MMA.
Royce achieved significant milestones throughout his illustrious career, such as the UFC1, UFC2, and UFC 4 tournaments in 1993 and 1994. If you wager on MAA events, you must have heard the name “Royce Gracie” as you did more research on art. Speaking of wagering, it would help to use the best gambling website for the best wagering experience. His love for the game inspired him to remain active in the sport even after retirement.
Where is Royce Gracie Now?
The legendary Brazilian retired professional MMA artist is actively involved in spreading the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu techniques globally. He conducts training and seminars around the world and continues to maintain a diligent training regimen that includes cross-training, running, and meditation.
Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza
Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza is popularly known as “Jacare”. He is a renowned former Brazilian MMA artist and submission grappler. Jacare enjoyed a successful career that saw him get the 4th-degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
He competed for UFC from 2013 to 2021, demonstrating his exceptional grappling skills and versatility in the octagon. His achievements include being an eight-time World Jiu-Jitsu Champion, winning gold medals in the Openweight class in 2003, 2004, and 2005.
Additionally, he is a two-time Blackbelt World Champion, ADCC Submission Fighting World Champion, Brazilian National Champion, and European Open Champion. His achievements earned him a place in the ADCC Hall of Fame.
Where is Jacare Now?
Jacare runs his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy in Ocoee, Florida, where he trains BJJ. Besides that, he continues to be a prominent figure in the MAA community, sharing his expertise and helping budding fighters develop their skills.
Final Thoughts
BJJ’s popularity is growing every day, thanks to the diligence of these legends. Their work behind the scenes in their training camps is helping equip emerging talents with the necessary skills to succeed in the sport. Who’s your favorite BJJ legend? Do you know where they are?
