On October 25, during the Brazilian electoral period, Robson Gracie (9th degree coral belt and son of Carlos Gracie sr) promoted the far-right candidate Jair Bolsonaro to the rank of BJJ black belt. Bolsonaro has never trained jiu-jitsu in his life.

Bolsonaro launched his presidential campaign in August 2018 and came in first place in the first round of the general election on 7 October 2018, with PT candidate Fernando Haddad coming in second place. The two candidates will face again on 28 October 2018.

Bolsonaro is known for his strong support of national conservatism and is a vocal opponent to same-sex marriage, feminism,  abortion, drug liberalization.  He is a  polarizing and controversial politician, his views and comments have drawn both praise and criticism in Brazil.

Boslonaro is very close the Gracie family and has supported their tournaments, like the Gracie Pro last year:

This is not the first time that Robson Gracie has given honorary black belts. On May 2nd 2017 and honorary black belt was awarded in Rio De Janeiro. It was given to a blue belt from China who had been integral in helping set up an IBJJF competition in China.

After a further prodding of the source it was revealed Robson Gracie had given the honorary black belt in MSE jiu jitsu in Rio to Cui GuoQing (崔国卿), CEO of Shanxi New Culture & Cultural Exchange Ltd. Co. (山西新文源文化交流有限公司), in recognition of his contribution to the promotion and development of BJJ in China. The promotion was personally awarded an honorary black belt by red belt master Robson Gracie, with red belt master Master Athyda issuing the black belt certificate.

China Open Canceled After Honorary Black Belt Scandal

Here is 5x BJJ world champion Bernardo Faria‘s new series, No Gi Pressure Passing. Building on the incredible success of his Pressure Passing instructionals in the Gi, this system will bring that same pressure to your No Gi game! Get it here!