Grandmaster Robson Gracie, BJJ red belt and one of the most important figures in the history of Jiu-Jitsu, has passed away at the age of 88.
There is still no information about the cause of death, which occurred on April 28.
The Grandmaster’s granddaughter, Kyra Gracie, shared the news on social media:
Today Jiu-Jitsu says goodbye to Grandmaster Robson Gracie, patriarch of the Gracie Family and red belt.
I say goodbye to my eternally beloved grandfather who is one of the most important people in my life.
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Robson Gracie was born in Rio de Janeiro back in 1935, as a second son of Carlos Gracie. He began training early on and started his fighting career in the 1950s.
He helped pave the way to growth of Jiu-Jitsu, as well as of MMA, through his Vale-Tudo fights against the likes of Valdo Santana – who’s been the brother of Valdemar Santana, biggest rival of Robson’s uncle Helio Gracie.
Robson Gracie also became the president of the Jiu-Jitsu Federation of Rio de Janeiro in the 1980s, a position he managed for many years.
The grandmaster is survived by his sons and daughters; Charles, Renzo, Ralph, Robson Gracie Jr., Keila, and Flavia.
