Ralph Gracie, born on May 25, 1971, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, is a retired Brazilian professional mixed martial artist and jiu-jitsu black belt.
Like most members of the Gracie family, he started practicing Brazilian jiu-jitsu from a young age, training extensively with his uncle Carlos Gracie Jr., who awarded him his black belt when Gracie was twenty-one.
The Ralph Gracie Legacy
The first Ralph Gracie Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy was founded in 1996 to serve the needs of students all over the San Francisco California area.
Gracie owns eight academies in Northern California (Berkeley, Richmond, Dublin, Sacramento, Santa Clara, San Francisco, San Jose, and Vacaville) and two in Southern California (Anaheim and Chino Hills); with the largest being the San Francisco Academy.
In 2016, Ralph Gracie Florida opened its doors in East Central Florida. Since its opening, the Martial Arts School in Port Orange has helped an impressive number of students in Volusia County change the way they feel about learning.
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Ralph Gracie Florida: A Community Focused on Growth
Located at 3830 S Nova Rd Ste B3 in Port Orange, FL 32127, Ralph Gracie Florida offers Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes, providing a family-friendly environment that promotes respect and camaraderie among students of all ages and skill levels.
Established in 2016, the academy has made a significant impact in Volusia County, using innovative teaching methods to help students improve both physically and mentally. With options for Gi and No-Gi classes, Ralph Gracie Florida welcomes everyone from complete beginners to experienced black belts.
The academy aims to foster a supportive community where individuals can take charge of their own learning and personal development through the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
The academy's coaches and instructors have cultivated an atmosphere of camaraderie, respect, and genuine friendship. Whether you are a complete beginner or a black belt, the academy welcomes everyone looking to better themselves.
Ralph Gracie's Career Highlights
Gracie's 1995 American debut was featured in the short-lived Battlecade Extreme Fighting events. Ralph Gracie won fights versus Makoto Muraoka, Steve Nelson, and Ali Mihoubi, the longest of which lasted a minute and thirty-four seconds.
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Gracie taught former UFC welterweight and lightweight champion, B.J. Penn, when he first came to California from Hawaii.
Controversies
On 15 December 2018, Gracie assaulted 5-time World Champion Flavio Almeida, Gracie Barra’s North America Executive Director, elbowing him in the face on the sidelines of the 2018 World No-Gi Championships in Anaheim.
According to prosecutors, after Almeida was knocked unconscious to the ground, Gracie, and one of his student Lincoln Pereira, continued to kick him in the head. Gracie fled to Brazil after the assault and a warrant from the Orange County District Attorney's office was issued for his arrest in April 2019.
Gracie failed to appear to four consecutive court appearances.
Key Details of the Assault Case:
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| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Assault | December 15, 2018 |
| Location | 2018 World No-Gi Championships in Anaheim |
| Victim | Flavio Almeida, Gracie Barra’s North America Executive Director |
| Accusations | Assault, fleeing to Brazil |
| Outcome | Gracie was sentenced to jail and later released early. |