Rickson Gracie discussed his ongoing battle with Parkinson’s disease in a recent appearance on The ROL Radio Podcast…

Acknowledging that his physical condition continues to decline.

Reflecting on a recent training session with his brother Royler, Gracie was honest about where he stands physically:

Physically I feel like I’m fading away a little bit. So, I cannot keep up with him right now. He’s a monster.

The 66-year-old, widely regarded as one of the greatest practitioners in Jiu-Jitsu history, explained how his diagnosis has reshaped his sense of purpose within the sport:

With my physicalities fading away now with Parkinson, I start to think how I could accomplish my mission in terms of fulfill my purpose in Jiu-Jitsu which is to always be of service.

Rather than treating the diagnosis as a closing chapter, Gracie has put his energy into a new initiative called Rickson Gracie United (RGU), aimed at refocusing training on self-defense and personal empowerment:

At this point in my life, I feel like even though my physicality is fading away, even though I’m not intent to practice Jiu-Jitsu effectively anymore, I practice Jiu-Jitsu every day through my breathing, through my positiveness, through my gratitude, through my patience.

Throughout the conversation, Gracie remained notably positive, crediting that mindset to the same principles he’s spent decades teaching:

I woke up this morning happy to be alive, to be able to do this podcast with you, to be able to express myself. If I think about today my Parkinson’s is a setback is something I’m not happy about it.
But I’m not even thinking I just try to move the best way I can, exercise the best way I can.

Keep moving, keep thinking, keeping at service.

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