On January 13, Royler Gracie was decorated with the red-and-black belt.
This month’s issue, we document the first moves the fighter took with the new distinction fastened around his waist.
That got me thinking about the month’s cover story, “55 pieces of advice – All Jiu-Jitsu practitioners, regardless of belt color, need to hear from their master someday”. At one point in the article, you will come across the following lesson:
“Persistence is a precious virtue. When the pressure’s on, the injuries crop up, the fatigue starts setting in – Jiu-Jitsu puts you to the test every day. The easiest route to take is to give up, but it’s persistence that separates common mortals from Jiu-Jitsu practitioners. Persist! Only those who love a good challenge continue, those who have learnt life’s greatest lesson: how to persevere despite the hardships.”
Royler is an excellent example of persistence and overcoming hurdles.
Slight of frame compared to most of the fighters of his generation, the Gracie never shrunk away because of it. With plenty of technique, an enviable gas tank and courage to spare, Royler made up for the difference in size, challenging fighters bigger and sturdier than him. Nor did age hold him back any. Last year, at 45, he had his MMA-career farewell, taking on a 33-year-old opponent. He’s something of a “defier,” as they say.
He’s won plenty, lost too; but it never crossed his mind to abandon Jiu-Jitsu, a martial art he loves with a passion. Now focused entirely on his role of teacher, he continues to progress and perfect himself…
Read the complete Editorial and much more in this months’ GRACIEMAG!
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