Renzo Gracie recently revealed a memory from his youth in Brazil – when he faced a life-threatening situation.
The entire ordeal began with an incident in a nightclub, where Renzo stood up for a woman being mistreated by a mob boss’s son:
There were seven guys. And luckily I had the Machados and they were on the next room.
So she called them as I’m fighting the seven guys, and then I could fight the guy alone.
But this guy was the son of a very bad mob guy, you know, and I beat him up bad.
Mobsters, seeking retribution for the beaten son, then targeted Renzo at his home.
So, for six months, Renzo would climb onto his rooftop with a rifle every night, firing warning shots to ward off hitmen who were sent by the mobsters to attack him.
He emphasized that his intention was never to kill, but merely to protect himself from harm.
This standoff continued until Renzo’s father successfully negotiated with the mob boss, clarifying the misunderstanding and putting an end to the assassination attempts.
However, the threat to Gracie’s life led his father to advise him to leave Brazil temporarily for his safety.
Listen to the entire podcast episode below, for the full story:
Sloth Jiu-Jitsu: The Ultimate Guide for Calmly Beating Bigger, Younger Opponents
💥 What if slowing down was the fastest way to win?
💭 Tired of Getting Smashed by Younger, Stronger Grapplers?
It’s not your age. It’s your strategy.
If you’re a passionate grappler over 35 who’s sick of getting outpaced, outmuscled, or out-cardio’d by opponents half your age — this 120 page e-book was made for you.
🔓 Unlock the Power of Sloth Jiu-Jitsu:
Build Sustainable Strength—Without Wrecking Your Joints, Energy, or Jiu-Jitsu
Tired of waking up sore and burnt out after lifting? Sloth Strength is a proven blueprint for grapplers over 35 who want to get stronger—without the pain, burnout, or injuries.
Developed from 25 years on the mats, this no-burnout approach is made specifically for BJJ athletes in their 30s, 40s, and beyond.
