Gracie Jiu-Jitsu is a martial art with a rich history, renowned for its effectiveness in self-defense.
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu gained worldwide recognition through the exploits of the Gracie family in numerous no-holds-barred vale tudo competitions, showcasing its effectiveness against larger opponents. Today, it’s a global phenomenon practiced by people of all ages and backgrounds.
When jiu-jitsu world champion Masahiko Kimura arrived in Brazil on tour, Helio saw an opportunity to test his techniques against the very best, and he challenged Kimura. To his surprise, the heavyweight champion declined, claiming that besides the almost eighty lb. weight difference, Helio was not ranked and was therefore an unworthy opponent.
Kimura then stated that Kato, the number two jiu-jitsu fighter in the world, who was almost forty lbs. heavier than Helio, could beat him just as easily. Helio seized that statement as an opportunity to get to Kimura. He offered to fight Kato in a qualifying match and ended-up actually fighting Kato twice.
In their first match, Helio fought with a broken rib he received during training one week prior. In spite of the serious risk and against doctor’s orders, Helio fought Kato to a draw. A month later, during the rematch, in front of an enthusiastic crowd, Helio choked Kato unconscious in six minutes.
This surprise victory put pressure on the great Kimura, who now had the responsibility of defending Japanese honor. This would be the first time ever that a title match or the Jiu-jitsu World Championship was staged outside of Japan.
The match took place at Maracana, the largest soccer stadium in the world. Among the screaming crowd, there was a mixed feeling of excitement and fear.
Prior to the fight, the Japanese giant was so confident of victory that he declared in local newspapers that if Helio could resist him for just three minutes, he should be considered the winner.
Helio knew that it would be impossible to defeat Kimura, given the size and strength difference, plus the fact that he was the current world champion.
However, he was curious to see how good his techniques would fare when compared to the best jiu-jitsu fighter Japan had ever produced. Aware of his younger brother’s mindset, Carlos made Helio promise that he would put his pride aside and tap out if the Japanese caught him in a good submission hold.
From the moment he stepped into the ring, Helio felt as if he was shoved inside a blender. Completely overwhelmed, the 140-pound Brazilian didn’t know which side was up. Kimura was as unstoppable as a freight train, doing anything and everything he wanted – except win.
Kimura finally secured one of his favorite holds, which although it did not cause any bones to break, prevented Helio from breathing. It consisted of having his feet crossed and his tree-trunk thighs squeezing Helio’s chest, while pulling on his collar or extra discomfort. Helio, unable to inhale, flashed back on the promise he had made to is brother: “Tap out if you get caught in a good submission hold.”
Technically, Helio knew it was not a “good” submission hold, but he couldn’t breathe, and that was making him reconsider. While debating if he should tap, the crowd became silent and the lights fade to black. Helio had lost consciousness.
That was when one of the most bizarre incidents in sports history took place.
Unaware that his opponent was unconscious, Kimura decided to try something else and jumped into the mount position, which allowed Helio to breathe again! The little big man, who had passed out with his eyes wide open, was awakened by a towering Kimura saying, “Good, very good!” while wiping the sweat off his brow. Amazingly, the fight had never stopped.
The match went on for thirteen minutes and eventually Kimura caught Helio in his famous “Kimura” lock. Carlos, fearing that Helio might not tap and would receive a serious injury, threw in the towel, forfeiting the match to the Japanese champion.
Kimura was so impressed with Hello’s performance that the day after the match, he went to the Gracie Academy in Rio to invite Helio to teach in Japan.
In honor of the Legendary Masahiko Kimura’s mastery, the technique formerly known as “Gyaku Ude Garami”is now recognized globally in Gracie Jiu Jitsu as the Kimura. This technique has gained iconic status for its versatility, efficiency, and rich history.
