October 1, 2013, at the Newport Beachside Hotel in Sunny Isles Beach, Florida, 300 plus jiu jitsu students in white komonos celebrated the 100th birthday of Grand Master Helio Gracie. Sadly, as many know, Grand Master Helio Gracie passed away in 2009; however, the memory of Helio, his teachings, and practice of Jiu Jitsu lives on.
The birthday celebration began with awards presented by the City of North Miami Beach which proclaimed October 1st as Helio Gracie Day. There was another award, presented by a state congressman, a purple belt. All in all, very good propaganda for jiu jitsu and good representation in government.
Right after the awards was held a special event, the Helio Gracie Challenge, a self-defense techniques contest. This special event featured five contestants whom were the winners from previous years. In the end, Roberto Flesishmann won.
Pedro Valente gave an excellent speech on Helio’s ring fights from 1932 to 1936. Ten fights from the best fighters from the United States, Japan, and Poland. Impressive was Helio’s tremendous courage to fight incredible opponents. In post fight interviews with Helio’s opponents, they praised his superior defense.
After the speech was a video presentation by the Valente Brothers, Pedro, Gui, and Joaqium. In the video, they told stories of their experiences with Helio at his home and on the mats.
Finally, a slide presentation of Helio’s amazing life. The presentation ended with the last time he was seen alive by Pedro. In his door step, smiling. a hand wave of good-bye.
journeyjjbluebelt 