ARTICLE TRANSLATION:
400 Undefeated Fights! Special Interview with Legendary Martial Artist Rickson Gracie
"Become a Modern Samurai who fights for their own happiness."
Q: What about the possibility of producing a new mixed martial arts event?
Mixed Martial Arts is an extremely neutral stage where people who have learned different disciplines of martial arts come together to fight. I feel that it's very important to establish a place for that, and I wouldn't mind if that became one of my goals.
However, if the philosophy behind martial arts isn't included in a place like that it has no meaning.
Under the current conditions, I don't believe there are too many parents who would be pushing their children to train to enter mixed martial arts events.
When my family began to promote Vale Tudo in the United States for the world to see, it was a tournament to test and measure the most efficient style of martial arts.
Nowadays its not so much about the best martial art, but a competition to see who is the strongest person. And on the surface of all this we tend to see a clashing of strength rather than a technical battle between the opponents.
If I was able to present and spread the Jiu-Jitsu and martial arts I believe across the world, undertaking a project like that doesn't sound like a bad idea.
Q: Are there any current martial artists you have your eyes on?
I'm not going to bring up any specific names, but there are plenty of technical and talented fighters in Japan.
Unfortunately, the current state of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) with shorter rounds and time limits and clearly defined weight classes, the physical fighters are the ones making an impact.
Therefore there's no guarantee that the more technical fighter will end up on top.
This is what I mean by technique. Waiting for a chance to attack when your opponent makes a mistake without wasting any strength. When there is a time limit, that becomes impossible.
Therefore as long as the rules stay the same it will be rare to see a sequence of delicate and technical moves. For Japanese fighters I think that would be to their disadvantage.
Q: Speaking of Japanese fighters, it seems to this day there are many fans who would like to see you and Kazushi Sakuraba in the ring.
I have no inclination to fight anyone right now.
If I were to look back at the times before I was retired..... As long as the circumstances were right, it would have been right to settle the score with Sakuraba, a guy who had beaten many Gracie Jiu-Jitsu fighters.
Up Next Part 4-E: "Regardless of age, sex, or occupation, everyone is fighting a daily battle of many problems, grief, or fears. I want them to win those battles."
Article Source:
http://diamond.jp/articles/-/9711?page=4
Translation by:
Eliot Kelly
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Monday, July 25, 2011
Rickson Gracie Article Translated: Part 4-C
ARTICLE TRANSLATION:
400 Undefeated Fights! Special Interview with Legendary Martial Artist Rickson Gracie. "Become a Modern Samurai and fight for your own happiness."
I would first like to spread Jiu-Jitsu to everyone as the art of self-defense and then would like to host tournaments in different countries.
Regardless of whether you are a competitor or not, I would like to initially spread Jiu-Jitsu to everyone in the form of something that would benefit your everyday life and contribute to your health and well being.
Q: Do you have the feeling that Jiu-Jitsu is being successfully spread around the world?
It's spreading at a very rapid pace. It's spreading so fast that I think it might be spreading at the fastest rate out of all the other martial arts.
Currently, Mixed Martial Artists need to be training in some form of Jiu-Jitsu. The presence of Jiu-Jitsu is becoming larger and larger.
Q: What does it mean when your students and Gracie Jiu-Jitsu participates in MMA match ups?
As a result of teaching, my students might choose to enter those events. However, I'm not training people to become, nor do I have an interest in training people to become Mixed Martial Artists.
As I said before, I think the current state of Mixed Martial Arts is only interested in the competition aspects and as a result, the good parts of martial arts has fallen off.
In the past, I've tried to display the strength an power of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu with my fights.
However, the goal of all martial arts should be to promote and nurture a better society. Just being excited and entertained by the shows and events are not enough.
That's why I don't train my students to have the ultimate goal of fighting at my dojo.
Up Next (Part 4-D): "There are a lot of fighters in Japan with talent and skill."
Article Source:
http://diamond.jp/articles/-/9711?page=3
Translation by:
Eliot Kelly
400 Undefeated Fights! Special Interview with Legendary Martial Artist Rickson Gracie. "Become a Modern Samurai and fight for your own happiness."
 |
| "I'm not training people to become, not do I have an interest in training people to become Mixed Martial Artists" |
Regardless of whether you are a competitor or not, I would like to initially spread Jiu-Jitsu to everyone in the form of something that would benefit your everyday life and contribute to your health and well being.
Q: Do you have the feeling that Jiu-Jitsu is being successfully spread around the world?
It's spreading at a very rapid pace. It's spreading so fast that I think it might be spreading at the fastest rate out of all the other martial arts.
Currently, Mixed Martial Artists need to be training in some form of Jiu-Jitsu. The presence of Jiu-Jitsu is becoming larger and larger.
Q: What does it mean when your students and Gracie Jiu-Jitsu participates in MMA match ups?
As a result of teaching, my students might choose to enter those events. However, I'm not training people to become, nor do I have an interest in training people to become Mixed Martial Artists.
As I said before, I think the current state of Mixed Martial Arts is only interested in the competition aspects and as a result, the good parts of martial arts has fallen off.
In the past, I've tried to display the strength an power of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu with my fights.
However, the goal of all martial arts should be to promote and nurture a better society. Just being excited and entertained by the shows and events are not enough.
That's why I don't train my students to have the ultimate goal of fighting at my dojo.
Up Next (Part 4-D): "There are a lot of fighters in Japan with talent and skill."
Article Source:
http://diamond.jp/articles/-/9711?page=3
Translation by:
Eliot Kelly
Eliot Kelly
"Learn, Share, Train, Adapt."
Friday, July 22, 2011
Rickson Gracie Article Translated: Part 4-B
ARTICLE TRANSLATION:
400 Undefeated Fights! Special Interview (Part 4) with Legendary Martial Artist Rickson Gracie
Q: Tell us about the new organization you established and named, the Jiu-Jitsu Federation of Japan.
It's an international organization with the purpose of broadening accurate Jiu-Jitsu knowledge. The organization also sponsors the "Rickson Gracie Cup International Tournament." This year, my son Kron is scheduled to compete in the tournament.
Right now, Jiu-Jitsu is continuing to develop at an international level. As Jiu-Jitsu gains the worlds interest, my cousin has organized a world championship that brings competitors from all over the globe. However, if you look at things objectively, you could say that the tournament hasn't quite become organized.
I didn't form a new federation with the intention of simply surrounding myself with other Jiu-Jitsu authorities.
I serve as the representative, but the purpose of the federation is to go around and promote Jiu-Jitsu tournaments regardless of affiliations. The purpose is to elevate the standards of all Jiu-Jitsu players regardless of where they got their black belt.
Q: So, even if they were your competitor you would welcome them?
Of course. To raise the value of an event, you need to host tournaments in places where television stations would become interested while gaining sponsorships. I'm always thinking about how the growth in our operations would lead to offering better services to tournament participants. However, it all boils down to being able to produce profits.
Starting with Japan, my plan is to hold the Rickson Cup in the United States, Brazil, and Europe.
It's a project where we anticipate growth, but I'm thinking if it brought in a hundred thousand dollars then seventy thousand of it would go back into project funds to pay for the staff and future development of this project.
Eventually I would like to implement uniforms for the referee, have a jumbo-tron, television sponsorship, a great event stadium, and a top of the line warm up area.
I plan to nurture an internationally renowned tournament where people say, "This is amazing! It's a tournament that really cares about the competitor. The facilities and services are perfect."
Up Next (Part 4C): "I have no interest in training people for Mixed Martial Arts"
Article Source:
http://diamond.jp/articles/-/9711?page=2
Translation by:
Eliot Kelly
400 Undefeated Fights! Special Interview (Part 4) with Legendary Martial Artist Rickson Gracie
Q: Tell us about the new organization you established and named, the Jiu-Jitsu Federation of Japan.
It's an international organization with the purpose of broadening accurate Jiu-Jitsu knowledge. The organization also sponsors the "Rickson Gracie Cup International Tournament." This year, my son Kron is scheduled to compete in the tournament.
 |
| "Starting with Japan, my plan is to hold the Rickson Cup in the United States, Brazil, and Europe." Photo by Takahiro Kohara |
I didn't form a new federation with the intention of simply surrounding myself with other Jiu-Jitsu authorities.
I serve as the representative, but the purpose of the federation is to go around and promote Jiu-Jitsu tournaments regardless of affiliations. The purpose is to elevate the standards of all Jiu-Jitsu players regardless of where they got their black belt.
Q: So, even if they were your competitor you would welcome them?
Of course. To raise the value of an event, you need to host tournaments in places where television stations would become interested while gaining sponsorships. I'm always thinking about how the growth in our operations would lead to offering better services to tournament participants. However, it all boils down to being able to produce profits.
Starting with Japan, my plan is to hold the Rickson Cup in the United States, Brazil, and Europe.
It's a project where we anticipate growth, but I'm thinking if it brought in a hundred thousand dollars then seventy thousand of it would go back into project funds to pay for the staff and future development of this project.
Eventually I would like to implement uniforms for the referee, have a jumbo-tron, television sponsorship, a great event stadium, and a top of the line warm up area.
I plan to nurture an internationally renowned tournament where people say, "This is amazing! It's a tournament that really cares about the competitor. The facilities and services are perfect."
Up Next (Part 4C): "I have no interest in training people for Mixed Martial Arts"
Article Source:
http://diamond.jp/articles/-/9711?page=2
Translation by:
Eliot Kelly
Eliot Kelly
"Learn, Share, Train, Adapt"
Friday, June 17, 2011
Rickson Gracie Article Translated: Part 4-A
ARTICLE TRANSLATION:
400 Undefeated Fights! Special Interview(Part 4) with Legendary Martial Artist Rickson Gracie
"Become a 'Modern Samurai' that Fights for your own Joy"
I don't have any intentions of being in any more professional fights.
My life as a Combat Martial Artist has come to an end, but my days are much more exciting then they have ever been. I also have plenty of goals and objectives in mind.
I plan on living another 50 years or so (laughs). So, I hope to be noticed from here on out as well.
Q: What do you mean by "days that are much more exciting?"
Let's just say that I live a life prioritizing what I love most.
First of all, that means seeing if there is something I can do to help others. Striving to be involved in an activity where I can be a good example to countless number of people.
It also means living my own lifestyle. I feel that it's important to create my own lifestyle to do good work and be a positive influence towards other people.
The focal point of that activity is "Jiu-Jitsu."
From now on, I also want to expand aspects of Jiu-Jitsu as a self-defence in addition to competition and sport Jiu-Jitsu. I feel as though I am getting just as much joy and maybe even more from Jiu-Jitsu as I did when I was a competitor.
Article Source:
http://diamond.jp/articles/-/9711
Translation by:
Eliot Kelly
400 Undefeated Fights! Special Interview(Part 4) with Legendary Martial Artist Rickson Gracie
"Become a 'Modern Samurai' that Fights for your own Joy"
Q: Are you ever going to step in the ring again?
 |
Rickson Gracie (Pronounced Hick-son) Born: November, 21 1959. Nationality: Brazil. Jiu-Jitsu Practitioner. Known as Prodigal master of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu after leaving a mark in history though MMA. Established the JJFJ (Jiu-Jitsu Federation of Japan) and serves as the President. Photo by Takahiro Kohara |
My life as a Combat Martial Artist has come to an end, but my days are much more exciting then they have ever been. I also have plenty of goals and objectives in mind.
I plan on living another 50 years or so (laughs). So, I hope to be noticed from here on out as well.
Q: What do you mean by "days that are much more exciting?"
Let's just say that I live a life prioritizing what I love most.
First of all, that means seeing if there is something I can do to help others. Striving to be involved in an activity where I can be a good example to countless number of people.
It also means living my own lifestyle. I feel that it's important to create my own lifestyle to do good work and be a positive influence towards other people.
The focal point of that activity is "Jiu-Jitsu."
From now on, I also want to expand aspects of Jiu-Jitsu as a self-defence in addition to competition and sport Jiu-Jitsu. I feel as though I am getting just as much joy and maybe even more from Jiu-Jitsu as I did when I was a competitor.
Article Source:
http://diamond.jp/articles/-/9711
Translation by:
Eliot Kelly
Eliot Kelly
"Learn, Share, Train, Adapt"
Rickson Gracie Article Translated: Part 3-G
ARTICLE TRANSLATION:
400 Undefeated Fights! Special Interview (Part 3) with Legendary Martial Artist: Rickson Gracie
"Reasons for Retirement"
Q: What's the main factor that brought you to victory in the fight?
When it comes down to it, visualization and the will to win is what really helped me.
I was very satisfied that I was able to accurately follow through not only mentally but also physically while maintaining the principles I believed in.
I continuously visualized a scene where I would take on heavy damage and somehow over come. I would think up multiple scenarios and countless number of bad situations. However, there was no guarantee for that situation to take place, and I wouldn't know if that visualization would be helpful until the actual fight.
In the fight with Funaki, my visualization came to reality and proved the strength of my will. That fight just happened to be my last fight.
Q: Was this the toughest fight in your MMA career?
No, I don't think so. The Funaki fight was definitely a tough one and it had great significance in that it reaffirmed my ability to maintain a calm state of mind. The fight confirmed that even under such painful physical conditions, I could maintain an unflinching mind and spirit.
The most difficult fight of my career was, and I go into the details in my book, my debut fight as a Combat Martial Artist. The fight against Zulu, when I was 19 years old.
At the time I only weighed 72 kilo-grams (roughly 158 lbs), and my opponent had a much larger build of 98 kilo-grams (roughly 215 lbs). The weight difference was so great that I had no energy lift when I went back to my corner after the first round.
I didn't want to go back into the ring. But my father (Helio) forced me back into the ring and the fight continued. Surprisingly, I ended up winning.
That's where I realized that the fears and insecurities you carry with you is one of the main reasons why people are unable to give it 100%. I realized after all this that your enemy is for the most part you, yourself.
Q: Do you feel that visualizing is what set you apart from Funaki?
Is visualization important or technique important. Well, both are very important and without one the other doesn't really come to fruition.
Technique based on visualization, and visualization based on technique. The best would be to have both well balanced.
Funaki is an exceptional fighter, and I'm sure he was well prepared for the fight. It was an honor to be able to fight him. Although he retired once after his loss to me, I was glad to hear that he is actively back in the world of professional wrestling. I wish him the best of luck.
Article Source:
http://diamond.jp/articles/-/9643?page=7
Translation by:
Eliot Kelly
Eliot Kelly
"Learn, Share, Train, Adapt"
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Rickson Gracie Article Translated: Part 3-F
ARTICLE TRANSLATION:
400 Undefeated Fights! Special Interview (Part 3) with Legendary Martial Artist: Rickson Gracie
"Reasons for Retirement"
I calmly approached Funaki and he must have had tunnel vision. Or maybe he was just underestimating me. As a result, I was able to catch him off guard on my next attack.
How could someone, who looked like they were completely defeated, spring on an attack with all the confidence in the world? That's why Funaki was caught off guard and I was able to win.
What's certain is that there was not a single ounce of doubt in my mind, I had no doubt that victory was a possibility, I simply wasn't going to give up.
Regardless of the fact that I was injured, I never thought to myself, "Oh no, I've got myself in trouble."
My unwavering will, my attitude towards winning, and my belief in my potential couldn't be damaged by anyone. The training I had been doing all my life was finally validated at that moment.
The Toughest Win of the 400 Streak
Q: Having said that, you were pretty cornered weren't you?
It was the first time in my life where I felt like there was close to nothing I could do while being on the mat. I had never experienced such serious damage, and never had to brace myself while thinking, "here comes another attack!"
However, I had the confidence to know that I would be prepared if that became a reality.
And I feel very happy the result was that I won the fight. I endured some heavy pressure and pain while instinctively doing what I had to do in a very critical circumstance. I am very satisfied with the steps I took to handle that situation.
Up Next (3G):
In the end, visualization and a strong will proved to be really helpful.
Article Source:
http://diamond.jp/articles/-/9643?page=6
Translation by:
Eliot Kelly
400 Undefeated Fights! Special Interview (Part 3) with Legendary Martial Artist: Rickson Gracie
"Reasons for Retirement"
I calmly approached Funaki and he must have had tunnel vision. Or maybe he was just underestimating me. As a result, I was able to catch him off guard on my next attack.
How could someone, who looked like they were completely defeated, spring on an attack with all the confidence in the world? That's why Funaki was caught off guard and I was able to win.
What's certain is that there was not a single ounce of doubt in my mind, I had no doubt that victory was a possibility, I simply wasn't going to give up.
Regardless of the fact that I was injured, I never thought to myself, "Oh no, I've got myself in trouble."
My unwavering will, my attitude towards winning, and my belief in my potential couldn't be damaged by anyone. The training I had been doing all my life was finally validated at that moment.
Q: Having said that, you were pretty cornered weren't you?
It was the first time in my life where I felt like there was close to nothing I could do while being on the mat. I had never experienced such serious damage, and never had to brace myself while thinking, "here comes another attack!"
However, I had the confidence to know that I would be prepared if that became a reality.
And I feel very happy the result was that I won the fight. I endured some heavy pressure and pain while instinctively doing what I had to do in a very critical circumstance. I am very satisfied with the steps I took to handle that situation.
Up Next (3G):
In the end, visualization and a strong will proved to be really helpful.
Article Source:
http://diamond.jp/articles/-/9643?page=6
Translation by:
Eliot Kelly
Eliot Kelly
"Learn, Share, Train, Adapt"
Monday, June 13, 2011
Question about using a Gi
We had a question from one of our readers today...
- Diego
Hi Diego,
Great question. I recommend training with the gi just because it forces you to learn some of the essential techniques to escape from different holds and attacks. The gi really tightens things up and makes it much more difficult to muscle out of things or slip & slide your way out of a hold.
You will also notice that using the gi gives you many more options to grip onto your partner. Consequently you can slow the pace down more than you could without using a gi. Having to slow the pace of a practice roll down forces you to practice your technique. Since we are here to improve our health & fitness while learning self-defense techniques, it only makes sense to force yourself to learn the technique.
You will also notice that using the gi gives you many more options to grip onto your partner. Consequently you can slow the pace down more than you could without using a gi. Having to slow the pace of a practice roll down forces you to practice your technique. Since we are here to improve our health & fitness while learning self-defense techniques, it only makes sense to force yourself to learn the technique.
I would like people who train at our school to learn both styles and feel comfortable doing both. I feel they should understand the benefits of both styles and not feel like one is better than the other. Having said all that, if you have no interest in training with the gi then don't. The important thing is that you are having fun and enjoying the workouts!
www.edhbjj.com
"What's the point if your not having fun?"
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