Few names in martial arts history echo with as much reverence as Roger Gracie. The grandson of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu's founder and the son of a legendary coral belt, Roger was born into a dynasty. However, his story would be defined not merely by inheritance but by the relentless pursuit of perfection. A 10-time IBJJF World Champion, an ADCC Hall of Famer, and famously never submitted in nearly two decades of elite competition, Roger's journey is a masterclass in discipline, legacy, and the timeless power of simplicity.
A Lineage of Legends
Roger Gracie Gomes was born on September 26, 1981, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, into what could only be described as martial arts royalty. His mother, Reila Gracie, is the daughter of Carlos Gracie Sr., the founder of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. His father, Maurício Motta Gomes, is a black belt under Rolls Gracie who later earned the rare distinction of the prestigious 8th-degree coral belt in 2017.
With that kind of pedigree, most would expect Jiu-Jitsu to be second nature to Roger from day one. Indeed, like many Gracies, he began training young, but interest didn't immediately blossom, and as a child, Roger didn't show much enthusiasm for training. Though surrounded by greatness, the drive to follow in those footsteps did not come right away.
The Turning Point
The spark that ignited Roger's passion for Jiu Jitsu came during a formative visit with his uncle, Rilion Gracie, in South Brazil. Surrounded by his dedicated cousins and immersed in daily training, Roger's perspective shifted. Something inside him clicked – he returned to Rio with a new fire in his belly and a single-minded focus: to become the greatest ever to wear the Gi. From that point forward, Roger was unstoppable, and under the mentorship of icons like Carlos Gracie Jr. and Renzo Gracie, his game advanced with every roll.
From Brazil to the UK
As Roger progressed through the ranks, his mother, Reila Gracie, decided to send him to London, where his father, Maurício, was running a Gracie Barra academy. This move proved pivotal – not just for Roger's development, but for the expansion of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Europe.
Training under his father's watchful eye in a new environment helped sharpen his focus and deepen his commitment to the art. It was in London that Roger began to realise his full potential – not only as a competitor but also as a future ambassador of the sport.
In 2004, Maurício and Roger founded the Roger Gracie Academy in West London. What began as a single school soon blossomed into a respected international network, with many affiliates in the UK, as well as all across Europe and beyond – each one carrying the Gracie name and Roger’s ethos of excellence.
The Rise of a Legend
2004 also marked another milestone: Roger earned his black belt from Carlos Gracie Jr. What followed was not just success – it was dominance.
Roger made his mark early, winning his first IBJJF black belt World Championship in 2004. Then, in 2005, he stunned the grappling world at the ADCC World Championships, winning both his weight and absolute divisions by submitting all nine opponents – a performance widely regarded as one of the most dominant in ADCC history. He continued his momentum by capturing his first IBJJF Absolute title in 2007, further solidifying his dominance in the Gi.
Then came 2009, a year that cemented his legacy. At the IBJJF World Championships, Roger once again submitted all eight opponents once again – this time in the Gi. No points, no advantages, no escapes. Just clinical, crushing control. Guard pass. Mount. Collar choke. Over and over again.
Roger would go on to win 10 World titles at black belt, three of them in the absolute division (2007, 2009, 2010), and become the only athlete to win two gold medals (weight and absolute) with a 100% submission rate in both ADCC and IBJJF events at that time.
The Defining Encounter
Among all his accolades, one moment stood above the rest in Roger’s eyes: his final match against Marcus “Buchecha” Almeida at Gracie Pro 2017.
Their first encounter, at Metamoris 1 in 2012, ended in a thrilling draw – an instant classic filled with sweeps, scrambles, and near submissions. However, 2017 was different. Buchecha, now a 13-time World Champion, was the sport's reigning king. Roger, long retired from Gi competition, returned for one last chapter.
In front of a roaring crowd in Rio, Roger executed his game to perfection: a takedown, positional control, back take, and a flawless collar choke. He submitted Buchecha – ending his career just as he had lived it: on top, unshakable, undeniable.
Never Submitted
Over nearly 20 years of elite competition, Roger was never once submitted in black belt competition, an astonishing feat unmatched at this level. His losses, as rare as they were, came only by points or decision. His control over his opponents, both physical and psychological, was absolute.
MMA and the Expansion of His Legacy
Like many others in the Gracie family, Roger also competed in the world of Mixed Martial Arts, debuting in 2006. In his first professional bout, he submitted UFC veteran Ron Waterman with a flawless armbar – an outcome no one had achieved before.
He later faced – and submitted – legends like Yuki Kondo and Kevin Randleman. He concluded his MMA career in 2016 with a dominant performance in ONE FC, finishing Michal Pasternak via an arm triangle choke. His final record stood at a highly respectable 8 wins and 2 losses, most of his wins by submission – true to his roots.
Recognition and Reverence
In recognition of his monumental impact on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Roger Gracie became the first person inducted into the ADCC Hall of Fame in 2021. He is also a celebrated member of the IBJJF Hall of Fame, underscoring his status as one of the sport's greatest figures.
A Fifth-Degree Milestone
On July 25, 2022, on his father’s birthday, Roger was awarded his fifth-degree black belt by Maurício. In an emotional moment, student and teacher stood side by side –symbols of legacy, perseverance, and generational mastery.
The Art of Simplicity
What made Roger different wasn’t flashy technique or experimental styles. It was an absolute mastery of the fundamentals of Jiu Jitsu. He did the basics better than anyone in the world – so well, in fact, that his opponents, despite knowing what was coming, could not stop it.
His approach was terrifying in its simplicity – takedown, guard pass, mount, choke. As John Danaher once said, “Roger Gracie doesn’t win with moves. He wins with positions.”
The Greatest of All Time
In an age of rapidly evolving techniques, viral moves, and social media flash, Roger Gracie stood alone – a figure of timeless skill, quiet confidence, and unshakable control. He didn’t need tricks. He didn’t need to surprise. He just needed a grip.
Because once Roger had a grip, it was already too late.
Roger’s Achievements at a Glance
10x IBJJF Black Belt World Champion (3x Absolute)
ADCC 2005 Champion (Double Gold, 100% submission rate)
Never submitted in competition
8-2 MMA Record
Inducted into ADCC and IBJJF Hall of Fame
Co-founder of the Roger Gracie Academy
Article header image used courtesy of Jiu Jitsu Style Magazine
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