Career
Gracie is a 9th degree red belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, affording him the title of Grandmaster. He is the father of several children including, Renzo Gracie, Ralph Gracie, and the late Ryan Gracie. He is also the grandfather of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belts Kyra Gracie and Neiman Gracie.
Robson Gracie learned martial arts from his father Carlos Gracie.
In the 1950s, Robson competed in Vale Tudo competitions. His début mixed martial arts fight was against Artur Emidio in April 1957.
During the fight Gracie submitted his opponent, but refused to release him until the referee pulled them apart. Despite his small stature, incidents like this were to characterise Gracie"s professional life as a tenacious fighter.
In the 1960s, Gracie served as a bodyguard to Leonel Brizola, the brother-in-law of the then President of Brazil, João Goulart.
Robson Gracie was imprisoned and interrogated for 60 days before being released. Gracie currently lives and teaches in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil where he is the president of the Jiu-Jitsu Federation of Rio de Janeiro.
