Royce Gracies was born on December 12, 1966 in Brazil. He is the grandson of Carlos Gracie, one of the founders of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. At 17-years-old he was a blue belt in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu and moved to the United States of America with his brother, Rorion Gracie, to help teach Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Gracie is now a professional mixed martial arts fighter.
Royce Gracie has taught the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu style to a number of celebrities including Guy Ritchie and Nicolas Cage as well as martial arts legend Chuck Norris. He also has years experience training law enforcement officers and the members of the armed forces.
On December 15, 2007 Royce's brother Ryan was found dead in his prison cell in Rio de Janeiro. His cause of death was due to a combination of illegal and legally prescribed prescription drugs.
Career in MMA
Gracie began fighting and competing at the very young age of eight. His father, Helio Gracie a well known fighter and one of the originators of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu taught Gracie. At the age of 17, Gracie began teaching Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with his brother out of a garage, here in the United States. When Gracie was 18 he earned his black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He then started competing in the Ultimate Fighting Championship and PRIDE Fighting Championship, winning matches by submission over heavier opponents.
Royce Gracie Vital Stats
- Mahalo's Guide to Mixed Martial Arts
- UFC: Career Stats
- Height: 6'0"
- Weight: 176 Lbs.
- Rookie Year: 1993
Royce Gracie Timeline
Born: December 12, 1966
1974: Began competing at the age of 8
1984: Attained his blue belt
1985: Moved to California, Royce and Rorion (brother) taught Jiu-Jitsu out of their garage
1993: Began his career in the UFC
1994: First loss to Harold Howard
1995: Royce left the UFC
2000: Lost to renowned champion Kazushi Sakuraba when his brother threw in the towel
2003: One of the first to be inducted in the UFC Hall of Fame
2004: Royce won againist Chad Rowan
2006: Lost against Matt Hughes in his return to the UFC match
2007: Won rematch against Kazushi Sakuraba
2007: Tested positive for anabolic steroids and suspended until May 30, 2008
References
Fast Facts
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Date of Birth
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Place of Birth
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Father
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He is one of nine children; seven boysRoyce Gracie: Royce Gracie Biography
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Began competing in tournaments at 8 years oldRoyce Gracie: Royce Gracie Biography
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Began the [http
//www.gracieacademy.com/ Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy] in CaliforniaRoyce Gracie: Royce Gracie Biography
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He is the only man ever to have beaten 4 opponents in one nightRoyce Gracie: Royce Gracie Biography
