Relson Gracie has declared his intention to pursue legal action against individuals who he believes are inappropriately using his father Helio Gracie‘s name, particularly in relation to self defense instruction.
“I am here to supervise. Do you want to have the authority to put Helio Gracie’s name on self defense? You’re going to be sued now.”
Relson, one of Helio Gracie‘s sons and a respected figure in the Jiu-Jitsu world, appears particularly concerned about practitioners claiming expertise in Helio Gracie‘s self defense techniques without proper training or authorization.
“Some are already using Helio Gracie’s name and will be sued. Don’t use Helio Gracie’s name if you didn’t train with him. Don’t be unethical, don’t deceive your students.”
The Gracie family name carries immense weight in martial arts circles, with Helio Gracie widely recognized as one of the primary developers of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. His self-defense system has been taught and practiced worldwide, but according to Relson, many current instructors are teaching incorrect techniques.
“There are plenty of unethical instructors out there who offer self defense with just two or three positions.”
Relson claimed. He challenged these instructors to demonstrate effectiveness against multiple attacks, using colorful language to describe various assault scenarios.
Perhaps most surprisingly, Relson suggested that even members of his own family are not immune to his scrutiny.
“Even my family members talk about self defense, but it’s all wrong there. Several of my family members wouldn’t pass the Helio Gracie course.”
For practitioners and schools currently using the Helio Gracie name in their marketing or teaching, Relson‘s warning is clear:
“I will supervise you, because I said whoever doesn’t know Helio Gracie’s (self) defense doesn’t know Jiu-Jitsu.”
