Last Tuesday (4th of August), it was confirmed that the Carlson Gracie Academy , in Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro, which has existed for four decades and was responsible for building one of the most successful teams in the history of Jiu-Jitsu, is forced to close its doors. Now there is even more sad news. The City Hall has banned the installation of a statue in honor of the eldest son of Carlos Gracie.
The statues of two other figures were also rejected: Carlos and Helio. The three masters were supposed to have statues erected in their honor on Tonelero street in Copacabana, one block away from the Carlson Gracie Academy.
According to information provided by “O Globo“, despite pressure from the Jiu-Jitsu community, the installation of a statue in honor of Carlson Gracie in Copacabana, was rejected by the Department of Conservation Hall.
Helio Gracie bust at the Gracie Museum in California (Gracie Academy)
The news angered one of Carlson’s black belts, Mauricio Carneiro, aka DJ Saddam.
Saddam, who is one of the project founders, said that the decision insults the honor of Carlson.
Saddam, formed at Carlson’s made statement on his Instagram account:
“After six years of struggle, the City slams the door in the face of Jiu-Jitsu. We will remember that next year, in the elections. Carlson lives! Viva Carlson! “
