The Force is Strong with Amanda Lucas

Fight Chix chats with Amanda Lucas, MMA Fighter and daughter of Star Wars, George Lucas.

Not everyone in MMA will make the connection that you are in fact the daughter of Star Wars creater George Lucus…how did you get into MMA and what does your dad think of your career choice?

I got into MMA completely by accident. My fiancee wanted to train jiu-jitsu and muay thai, so I went to the gym with him. When I first started I had no intention of actually fighting, I just wanted to get in shape. I never ever thought I would fall in love with the sport.
My dad is supportive of my choosing to fight. I think he worries that I will get hurt, but he is always eager to watch videos of my competitions. He says he is not ready to actually watch me fight in person. I am completely fine with that. I am not ready to have all the extra attention that would probably come from his actually being there.

Who do you currently train with and who have you trained with in the past?

I am a total gym rat. I started jiu-jitsu under Jake Shields. Eventually I came across Lana Stefanac at one of the gym’s I was going to. I instantly connected with her as a person and especially as a teacher. Her style of grappling is something I learn very well. I train with Gilbert Melendez for most of my MMA and wrestling. I do strength and condtioning at Diablo Barbell, boxing with Tareq Azim and Muay Thai with Ganyao at Fairtex.

Do you have any role models, in MMA or in life in general?

I look up to, and have amazing respect for all my trainers, coaches and my training partners. They have all taught me so much and helped me grow as a person and as a fighter. I also have to say my parents and my fiancee, Jason. All three of them have had such an amazing inpact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without their love and support.

Do you have any advice for female fighters coming up?

I would tell any up and coming female fighters to be well rounded. I think its vital for anybody who wants to fight MMA to train all aspects of fighting. Stand-up, ground, wrestling, cardio and eating well.

Can you tell us about the fight you have coming up—who are you fighting? What promotion is it for?

I am fighting on November 7 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, for Freestyle Cage Fighting. I am fighting a girl named Christine Gaither. It is her pro debut.

You where part of the US Team that went to New Zealand—you got a fair amount of mainstream press from the event—even a battle photo in People magazine—how was the experience?

New Zealand was a great experience. I think everyone thought it would be a quiet fight with very little, if any, press about me. I was shocked the next day when Jason looked on the internet and saw it was everywhere. I am not a stranger to the press, but usually it has to do with my dad, not me. It was the first time that has ever happened. Fortunately, almost everything that was written was positive, despite the fact that I lost the fight.

What is your day to day life like? Most female fighters have to teach or hold down a fulltime job—do you have a little more freedom with the Lucas name behind you? From what I have heard you don’t ask for any special treatment ever–which is admirable, but to get that competitive edge I could see where focusing on just fighting would be ideal!

I am extremely lucky. I am able to train full time. I am a wife (almost) and a fighter. I could not do what I do without the help and support of my mother. She makes it 100% possible for me to do what I love.
So, a typical day for me consists of getting Jason off to school, then heading to the gym for the first round of training. I usually squeeze in some cardio before I come home to eat, shower and have maybe 30 minutes of down time. Then its back to another gym for some other sort of training or sparring. Then I come home and make dinner. I do this 5 days a week and once on Saturday. After the fight, my schdule will calm down a bit, so I can have a break and rest my body. But I am never out of training for long.

Do you have any pre-fight rituals?

I don’t know if I have any pre-fight rituals. This will only be my second fight. When I compete in grappling tournaments I have learned how to just breath and stay calm, so I am hoping that will carry over to the cage.

Who is your favorite Star War character?

Probably Princess Leah. And I went through a huge Jar Jar phase when we were shooting Episode 1.

After seeing Gina Carano vs Cyborg—-what did you think of the fight and what do you think the fight’s impact had on women’s MMA?

I was at the Cyborg vs. Carano fight. The whole place was chanting Gina’s name. I think it was the first time Gina was put against someone really, really good. I think Gina is a good fighter, but there are so many amazing women that have so many more fights and wins, that you never hear about. Cyborg is a beast. I mean that in a good way.

What are some of your goals in MMA?

My goals in MMA are to keep fighting, and improving. I want to grow as a fighter. I also want to keep dropping down in weight classes. I would eventually like to fight at 155 lbs. I would love to win a title belt, and maybe fight for a large promotion.
Jacob Nuesser is a contributor to MMAmaddess.com and co-owner of Fight Chix Apparel

The Better Half, of Jeff Curran

Written by Jacob Nuesser
Oct 7 2009

Sarah Curran in Fight Chix Face Off Tee

An inside look into the family life of Jeff Curran told by his wife, Sarah.

 

Sarah, tell us a little about your background and when and where you met Jeff?

First off, thank you so much for this opportunity. It is a so nice to be able to tell you a little about Jeff  from a different vantage point.  I lived my whole life in a small town about 15 miles from where Jeff grew up in a little house with lots of love. We had a similar upbringing in that sense. I spent most of my life as a, for lack of a better word, nerd. I loved school, my trombone and badminton. Feel free to laugh. I have a Master’s Degree in Education and was a first grade teacher for 7 years before becoming a stay-at-home mom. I met Jeff 12 years ago at a local diner, where I was a waitress. I remember thinking, what happened to this guy’s ears?!?!   He left me a generous tip, his phone number and a note that said, “It’s all up to you to call me” on a brochure from his first Martial Arts School, All Range Martial Arts. I suppose the phone number was so that I could call and thank him for the large tip he left me! When I didn’t call him, he called me and asked me why I didn’t call him. So much for leaving it up to me! I am so thankful every day that he took the initiative to call me. Long story short, he lured me in with his wit, charm and cute little hiney.  Before our first date, which was at the movies, he had just competed in Extreme Challenge to become a professional fighter. When he told me what he did for a living I had know idea what he was talking about. He must have had the urge to show me right then and there as he got down on the floor and showed me some jiu-jitsu moves on the lobby floor at the movies! Then, we went home and he had me sit and watch UFC 1 with him.  After watching Royce win, Jeff gave me a 2-hour speech on jiu-jitsu and the Gracie family and his passion for the art. I had no idea what hit me!! Haha!  After that, it was fights at little shows almost every single weekend for Jeff or someone on his team.  We would travel for hours to get to a fight that Jeff took on a 4-hour notice.  He was always like that….he just wanted to fight, no matter who or where. He was, and still is, an amazing fighter to watch.   Flash forward to 2009,  we have been together for 12 years now and have been married for 5 with two of the most beautiful and happy little boys in the world.

Sarah and Jeff Curran in the Cage

 
Great fighters often have great support behind the scene. As the wife to a great fighter I am sure you head up the support system for Jeff, can you tell us what kinds of things you do for him when he is getting ready for a fight?

Jeff is such a level-headed and mentally solid individual, but I like to think that I help him be the fighter that he is somewhat. Basically, I just cook him tons of fish, chicken, broccoli and asparagus and find really creative hiding places for the ice cream (I catch him searching for it late at night!) I actually have to hide our son’s gummy vitamins as he has been known to snack on those when the craving really strikes! Sleep is so important for training as well, and it seems to be dwindling more and more with each child we have!!! I let Jeff find a nice quiet place to sleep at night, far far away from any baby monitors or licking doggy tongues, so that he can get the rest he needs. Also, we just try to give Daddy space around here when he needs it. He loves playing with his little dudes, but he has mentioned that the mental switch that he has to go through close to fight time is difficult. He is training to take someone’s head off during the day and then he has to play hide-and-seek with Ty and talk baby talk to Jacob when he gets home.  I assume that switch would be difficult to make. He just needs a little transition time when he gets home. Lastly, and probably most importantly, I like to think that I am Jeff’s number one fan. Even Jeff, being the amazing fighter that he is, needs a little encouragement and support now and then. Oh, and he also models all of his fight shorts for me the week before his fight and I tell him which ones look best.  This is very important to him.

 

Jeff and the boys

When Jeff is entering the cage, what is going through your head? 

Oh, crap…followed closely by…Just don’t let him get hurt, just don’t let him get hurt, just don’t let him get hurt.

I know a fighter's schedule can be hectic---with Jeff it is probably worse since he runs one of top schools in the midwest, promotes the XFO, and is teaching, training and fighting---so when do you all have free time and what do you enjoy doing?

Jeff’s plate is not only full, it is overflowing…he needs at least 3 plates. He has been trying to trim the fat lately so that he can focus on having more time with our boys and his fight career, but he has the type of personality that thrives on keeping busy.  Since Jeff is so busy during the week, family time tends to be relaxing and carefree. We like being outside together…bike rides, walks, parks, going to see Ty’s favorite stuffed deer at a nature preserve, etc. At night, Daddy and our eldest son, Ty, usually can be found having a dance party to Ty’s favorite song, Boom Boom Pow. They have a special underwear dance and Daddy teaches Ty less-than-appropriate dance moves, namely “The Michael Jackson crotch grab.”  Mommy doesn’t understand. Boys will be boys…

Do you train in MMA or BJJ at all?

Funny you should ask! I have received boxing gloves as a Valentine’s Day present from Jeff and two gis-one for my birthday and one for Christmas. I used the boxing gloves for about 5 years in Thaiboxing class before we had our first son, but those have been put on the shelf for now. I really enjoyed Thaiboxing and was actually becoming decent, so I hope to get back to it soon. My first gi was given away to someone who needed it at Jeff’s school and my second gi is waiting anxiously in my closet upstairs, all crisp and white. Jeff swears that he will teach me one day, but hasn’t yet. I think he enjoys having the edge on me I could be a black belt if I would have started training when I met him! As for MMA, I think I’ll let that be Jeff’s thing.

The Currans had a busy last few weeks…Jeff competed in ADCC and then came back for the ADA Walk. Can you tell us about how each event went?
Yes, Jeff was lucky enough to have been invited to ADCC, an honor that is probably one of the highlights of his life. He faced a tough competitor and did well, but unfortunately did not place. He had a wonderful experience just being in Spain and hopes to return to ADCC in 2011.  Jiu-jitsu is Jeff’s heart and sould and he hopes to focus more of his attention competing in jiu-jitsu tournaments down the road when things die down a bit. He competed in NAGA this year as well and his team placed first, so he hopes to be involved in that next year as well. The ADA walk was a definite success! Diabetes is a disease that has made a huge impact on Jeff’s family, claiming the lives of his father, grandpa and grandma. Jeff’s team raised nearly $1,000 for the ADA and he hopes to do even more next year. A lot of family and students from the school walked with Jeff and it meant so much to have everyone there with him.

Can you share with us a funny or interesting story about Jeff? 

On a funny note, I once woke up in the middle of the night in an armlock that Jeff was applying on me while he was sleeping. I tried to tap, but that didn’t work so I kicked him and he woke up. I should have put better use to those gis! Jeff fights even when he is sleeping! On a more sentimental note, I was unable to attend Jeff’s WEC fight against Stephen Ledbetter because we had recently had our son.  While I was watching him fight on TV I thought something was different about his arm.  As you know, Jeff is already covered in tattoos, but I knew something was unusual.  As I focused in, I saw that he had gotten my name and our son’s name tattooed on his arm in Vegas the day before the fight and he wanted me to see it for the first time when he was on TV.  What a guy.   And finally, I think it is important for everyone to know that Jeff is the man that you see in all of his interviews…kind, smart, talented and highly dedicated.   He is an amazing person, daddy, husband, fighter and forefather of the sport of MMA.  Thank  you!  
Jacob Nuesser is co-owner of Fight Chix Apparel

FIGHT CHIX After Party this SUNDAY after Chicago WEC

BE THERE!

Fight Chix will be hosting another world famous after party at Level Night Club in Chicago after WEC Torres vs Mizugaki. Level is located at 1045 North Rush Street
Chicago, Illinois 60611. The party will get started at 11:30 at go until 5am! (SO TAKE MONDAY OFF) Be sure to say hello to Elisabeth and Jake and Trevor. We are looking for hot girls who have what it takes to be a FIGHT CHIX model!

First 100 people in the door who mention FIGHT CHIX get a free prize!

Rumored to be there, Urijah Faber, PunkAss from TapouT, Miss Rara, Tracy Lee, and more!

New Items from FIGHT CHIX—more to come!

Here is a taste—with MORE coming in April—welcome to the Sexy Side of MMA

ALL Found right now on www.fightchix.com

MASK Memorial

A memorial service to honor TapouT founder Charles “Mask” Lewis Jr., who died last week in an early-morning California traffic accident, is set for April 14.

TapouT officials today released details of the service, titled “Simply Believe: A Celebration of Charles Mask’ Lewis Jr.”

It’ll take place at the Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove, Calif. The memorial service is open to the public.

“We first and foremost want to thank everyone – TapouT fans, (the) mixed-martial-arts community and more – for their kind words and support in the wake of Mask’s death,” stated TapouT co-founder Dan “Punkass” Caldwell. “Whether you’re a fan of MMA or not, Charles’ goal was to inspire people to make a difference in the world and never settle for anything less than their dreams. With TapouT he reached more people than we could have ever imagined, and his dedication to the sport and brand will live on forever through his fans around the world.”

TapouT President Marc Kreiner echoed those sentiments.

“Mask was the ultimate entrepreneur,” Kreiner stated. “I’m still in awe of his marketing and business prowess that brought his dream from the back of a pickup truck to a world-renowned brand. We’ll miss his drive and intensity for the business, but the leadership he instilled in the company will carry on.”

“Mask was one of the most genuine and honest people I have ever met,” TapouT crew member Timothy “Skyskrape” Katz stated. “He created TapouT as a way to share his passion and energy for MMA with the world, and the inspiration and attitude of TapouT will continue to live on in Mask’s memory.”

Lewis died on March 11 when his vehicle was struck by another car. The collision forced Lewis’ Ferrari over a curb and into a utility poll, which nearly cut the car into two pieces. Lewis was pronounced dead at the scene, and his girlfriend, Lacy Lynn White, was ejected from the vehicle and treated for a fractured elbow and several lacerations and abrasions.

Two days after the accident, the driver of the second car, Jeffrey David Kirby, was charged with one felony count of vehicular manslaughter by unlawful act with gross negligence while intoxicated, one felony count of driving under the influence causing bodily injury, and sentencing enhancements for fleeing the scene of a vehicular manslaughter and causing great bodily injury to multiple victims.

Kirby twice had been convicted of past DUI offenses. He now faces a maximum sentence of 19 years and eight months in state prison if convicted of the new charges.

Lewis, 45, founded Tapout Clothing Inc. in 1997 with a trunk full of T-shirts and a few thousand dollars of start-up money. Over the past decade, he and his partners have made the company the biggest apparel success story in MMA.

Tapout, which grossed just $30,000 in sales in 1999, pushed that number to more than $100 million in 2008 alone. The company now has licensed retailers (including the likes of Dillard’s and Champs) around the world and is one of the UFC’s most prominent sponsors.

Lewis was a fixture at MMA events around the world, and his company sponsored numerous fighters. He also appeared in a TapouT TV show that airs on Versus.

(credit:mmajunkie)

Fight Chix joins Women Talk Sports

Fight Chix has been invited to join the Women Talk Sports blog network. This is all women related sports items from fans to athletes. Please check them out!

FIGHT CHIX welcome Jennifer Widerstrom and Miss Rara at the Arnold Fitness Expo

Come out the weekend of March 6-8 and meet Miss Rara, the Queen of the Underground AND Jennifer Widerstrom, best known as Phoenix from American Gladiators.

Meet Jennifer and Miss Rara this weekend!

Fight Chix will be debuting some of their great new spring line. We will have some awesome deals and we will be taking photos and video for the website. Come by and we will make you a star!

 

You will not want to miss this—UFC weekend in Columbus OH—the FIGHT CHIX and their Special Guests Miss Rara and Jennifer Widerstrom!

BOOTH 150-152

Miss Rara (wearing FIGHT CHIX) on SpikeTV.com right now!

Miss RARA is hunted by Reggie Warren in this hilarious video—and she is wearing the Shred Tank found at FightChix.com

You go you crazy “Filipino fire cracker!”

FIGHT CHIX to be Featured in CAGE FASHION show in Vegas

FIRST EVER MIXED MARTIAL ARTS FASHION SHOW
FEATURING A-LIST MIXED MARTIAL ARTS BRANDS IN LAS
VEGAS

This year, a prestigious roster of top mixed martial arts brands such as Guillotine, Warrior Wear International, Fight Chix, Punishment, Vandal Eyewear, Witness, as well as UFC clothing and Xtreme Couture MMA (founded by legendary Randy Couture and member of the UFC Hall of Fame) will be paired together to create a festive, high-fashion runway show appropriately called Cage Fashion show in Las Vegas, NV. This show and red carpet event is the first ever mixed martial arts fashion show that will be held the same day as both trade shows MAGIC and Project.

Models will be wearing mixed martial arts brands and styled by New Yorks finest Rodney Hall, celebrity make-up and hairstylist Debra Weite. Mike Straka from Fox News Fight Game on Foxnews.com will be the commentator/host for the event. Fox News Fight Game will broadcast Cage Fashion Show live simultaneously with IBN Sports, the premier destination of Live Sports Network programming including on-demand Sports programming of world class competitions. Six Degrees and Hooters are the official sponsor of the Cage Fashion Show event.

Date: Wednesday, February 18, 2009. Doors open at 7pm, fashion show starts at 8:30pm and reception follows at 9pm with food and cocktails.

Venue: MIX located on the top of the new tower called “The Hotel” at Mandalay Bay. Mix offers an unparalleled panoramic view of the city. Address of MIX at the Hotel, Mandalay Bay is 3950 Las Vegas South, Las Vegas, NV 89119.

Reservations required: please visit www.cagefashion or rsvp at 212-379-6855 or cagefashion@yahoo.com.

Contact: Marcus Mera at 917-319-4021 or iGuillotine@mac.com.

Fashion show attendees include: Famous fighters to fashionistas and trendsetters as well as buyers, designers, celebrities and national media including MMA media. Buyers will have an opportunity to speak one-on-one with brands during before and after the fashion show. Among confirmed attendees include EA Sports (game series such as Madden NFL, NBA Live, FIFA, NHL to NASCAR) to WAMMA (fan and fighter organization promoting the integrity and longevity of MMA), rising star MMA fighter Eddie Alvarez as well as world-renown practitioner of Brazilian jiu jitsu and MMA Renzo Gracie (senior member of the famous Gracie family of jiu jitsu teachers and fighters and is known for his world famous New York City Academy)

Helio Gracie Dies at 95—and leaves a lasting impression on Martial Arts forever.

Fight Chix would like to thank Helio and the Gracie family for creating the sport we love so much—and also credit Cagepotato.com with the top 10 Gracie list—awesome work guys.

Helio was a treasure and his teachings and memory will live on forever.

Roger Gracie

In 2005, 23-year-old Roger Gracie won the Abu Dhabi Submission Wrestling World Championship by submitting all eight opponents, something that had never been done before. The son of Reyla Gracie, Roger has racked up numerous first place finishes in jiu-jitsu tournaments around the world, and won his first MMA match in December 2006 with an unsurprising first-round armbar of Ron “H20” Waterman; he plans to fight again early this year. With his long limbs and prodigious command of BJJ, the young lion of the Gracie clan could become a major force in mixed martial arts.

9. Ralph Gracie

“The Pitbull” isn’t really built like one — he’s 5′9″ and runs a little over a buck fifty. But the nickname is justified by his aggressive approach, which deviates from the generally relaxed Gracie style. Brother to Renzo and the late Ryan, and the son of Robson, Ralph’s only loss came six seconds into a match with Takanori Gomi in 2004 when “The Fireball Kid” kneed him half to death; “The Pitbull” hasn’t fought since. He teaches and trains constantly now – and is kind of obsessive about it, as he was once quoted as saying, “It is better to die than not train.” Can we get a third option?

8. Carlos Gracie, Jr.

Son of BJJ co-creator Carlos Gracie, Carlos Jr. is a seventh-degree black belt in BJJ and founded the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF), which is BJJ’s major governing body. He devoted his life to instructing and training others rather than focusing on becoming a competitive fighter, teaching at his father’s school, his brother Rolls’s school, and his own for the last few years. The fact that he has been based in Brazil for much of his teaching career has kept him out of the public eye to some extent, and he’s often overlooked in discussions of notable Gracies; still, his contributions were crucial.

7. Royler Gracie

Royler is the only person to win the ADCC Submission Wrestling World Championship three years in a row, and he has won it more than any other fighter in its history. Son of BJJ co-founder Helio and brother to Royce and Rickson, Royler’s also been the World Jiu Jitsu Champion four times. That said, his MMA record in sanctioned fights is 5-4-1 — not a stellar record for any fighter, let alone someone signing “Gracie” on his rent checks. He has deviated from the BJJ style a bit, which may be the reason for his lackluster MMA performances, but his ground work is excellent and getting back to the basics could place him among the sport’s elite.

6. Renzo Gracie

A grandson of Carlos, Renzo is 13-6-1 in MMA matches, with his losses coming from mostly top-tier competition (Dan Henderson, BJ Penn, and Kazushi “The Gracie Hunter” Sakuraba). He has notable wins against legends like Pat Miletich and Carlos Newton, though many of his victories were by decision, which is not a badge of honor for a Gracie – anything less than a submission is unsatisfactory. In 2007, Renzo led the IFL’s New York Pitbulls team to an undefeated season and a league championship, guiding stars like Wagnney Fabiano and Delson Helano and proving that the Gracie name was still relevant and fearsome in MMA’s modern age.

5. Rorion Gracie

Rorion is the oldest son of Helio and is one of the few fighters to hold a ninth-degree black belt in BJJ. With his speed and athleticism, he certainly could have been dominant in competitive fighting, but he realized he could make much more money (at the time) by teaching eager students in BJJ, making videos about it, and choreographing fights for major Hollywood movies like Lethal Weapon. (And he was busy having nine kids, which puts him on another list entirely.) In 1991, Rorion met entrepreneur Art Davie, and the two, along with action film director John Milius (who was a student of Rorion’s), created the concept for the Ultimate Fighting Championship, which would debut two years later.

4. Carlson Gracie

A Grand Master and ninth-degree black belt in BJJ, Carlson had 18 official fights in his career, and won his first match after fighting for over an hour. The oldest son of Carlos, Carlson became famous for avenging his uncle Helio’s loss to Valdemar Santana, beating him twice and fighting to a draw two other times. He has trained some of the best fighters in the sport, founded one of the most successful fight teams of all time, and is credited with improving the foundation upon which BJJ was built. Had “his day” been today, it’s difficult to imagine an MMA fighter who could touch him.

3. Rickson Gracie

Many people would put Rickson at the top of this list just because of the legend that swirls around him. In twenty years, this son of Helio and brother of Rorion compiled a professional record of 11-0, and won the Vale Tudo Japan tournament two years in a row (1994-1995). His stamina allowed him to go on forever, back when matches seemed to actually go on forever, and all his wins were via submission. His website profile proclaims that “He is nearly undefeated with a combined record of over 400 victories in Jiu-Jitsu tournaments and freestyle wrestling, Sambo, and no holds barred challenge matches.” True or not, he’s been a ferocious presence in martial arts for years and will be a fighter to the end — why else would he be itching to fight again in 2008 at 50 years old?

2. Royce Gracie

Royce Gracie was the first MMA star — the stoic, graceful BJJ expert who introduced his father Helio’s martial art and “vale tudo” fighting to Americans. When he came onto the scene in 1993 by sweeping the eight-man tournament of UFC 1 (and then the brutal 16-man tournament of UFC 2), fight fans marveled at how he consistently beat dudes who were bigger and stronger than him by using a relaxed, precise ground technique, and how he seemed to be even more dangerous when he was on his back. Now we’re used to the sight, but back in the day we figured he was using some sort of Brazilian black magic. Not a naturally-skilled athlete or an incredibly imposing figure, Royce is living proof of the merits of BJJ. He’s always been one of the calmest fighters in the cage, as evidenced by his zen expression while refusing to tap out when Matt Hughes was practically breaking his arm off at UFC 60. Royce rebounded from that loss in his next match, when he battled Kazushi “The Gracie Hunter” Sakuraba to a unanimous decision victory at K-1 Dynamite!! USA in June 2007, avenging his entire family in the process. If that fight turns out to be his last, it would be the perfect end to an unparalleled career.

1. Carlos Gracie and Helio Gracie (tie)

(Carlos Gracie)

(Helio Gracie)
How do you rank one god over another? Although many dispute which brother was the true originator of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, each man was equally responsible for arguably the most effective fighting style ever conceived. Their system could see a fighter giving up 200 pounds and twice as much strength to his opponent, and still win in impressive fashion. Decades later, fighters employing their style are still kicking ass. Their sons and grandsons have gone on to be champions and trainers of champions, rocketing the Gracie brand to a household name in the martial arts and MMA universe. Helio was highly conditioned and once fought for almost four hours straight. Carlos brought a spiritual side to his teachings of BJJ. But both taught that superior technique could overcome all other disadvantages. Though Carlos Gracie passed away 14 years ago, Helio remains active at the age of 94 – and we still wouldn’t want to mess with him.