# Master Helio Gracie

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## Overview

**Name:** Master Helio Gracie


## Bio

Master Helio Gracie, the youngest son of Gastao Gracie, overcame a frail constitution to become the foundational architect of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as a distinct combat system. Barred from sparring as a child due to his health, he studied the mechanics of the art from the sidelines before secretly training with his brothers, eventually becoming Carlos Gracie’s star pupil. At 18, he choked out boxer Antonio Portugal in under a minute for his first vale tudo bout, and after a 12-year hiatus, he returned at 38 to submit Bahia champion Landufo Caribé. His 1951 superfight against Masahiko Kimura, though a loss via the now-eponymous Kimura lock, cemented his legend; his final fight, a 3-hour-42-minute marathon loss to Waldemar Santana, remains the longest no-holds-barred bout on record. A 10th-degree red belt, he dedicated his later years to teaching the next generation of Gracies.
## Specialties

- Cross Choke.
## Achievements

- #1 ranked fighter in Vale-Tudo (NHB) for most of his competitive career.

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**Last Updated:** June 05, 2026

**Data Source:** bjj.space (https://bjj.space/people/master-helio-gracie)