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At the age of 17, Helio (pronounced Eh'leeo) first
stepped into the ring in Brazil to face a boxer named
Antonio Portugal. Helio won in 30 seconds.
Helio was the first Jiu-Jitsu master in the western
world to fight a Japanese Jiu-Jitsu master: Namiki in
1932. This was the first time he wore a gi during a
fight. The fight ended in a draw, giving Helio his first
credit as a Jiu-Jitsu master in Japan.
Another amazing performance of Helio was his brilliant
fight against Kato, world Jiu-Jitsu vice-champion, at
Maracana Stadium which seats 120,000 people. The fight
ended in a draw and Helio asked for a rematch. The
second match, held in Ibirapuera Stadium in Sao Paulo,
was a very technical fight. Helio defeated Kato with a
choke hold. His victory brought glory to Brazil and
international recognition to Helio.
Upon defeating Kato, a challenge match was set between
Helio and the world Japanese champion, Masahiko Kimura,
probably the best fighter that Japan has ever produced.
This historical match took place in 1951 and was held in
the Maracana Stadium. At this time, Helio was 42 years
old and weighed 63kg, and his opponent Kimura was 10
years younger than Helio and weighed 100kg. The 40kg
lighter Helio lost after his brother Carlos threw in the
towel.
Throughout his life Helio has had the opportunity to
fight many great fighters including two other well known
Japanese Jiu-Jitsu masters Ono and Massagoishi.
Helio holds the world record for the longest fight ever:
three hours and forty minutes non-stop, with his student
Valdemar Santana.
Helio also challenged boxing greats Primo Carnera and
Ezzard Charles, as well as world champion Joe Louis to
matches to compare styles. They all declined.
An example of courage and determination, Helio became a
national hero in Brazil. After a lifetime of Jiu-Jitsu,
today at 89, he still teaches the art and has the same
determination to live Jiu-Jitsu as his lifestyle. He is
recognized as the creator of what is today known as
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu.
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