Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu was a little-known martial art 30 years ago. Until Royce Gracie proved that it was probably the best at UFC 1. The first UFC event was a strange, eclectic, and very different affair from any UFC event today. In fact, it would be unrecognizable to anyone who has followed the promotion for the past 20 years.

There were no weight classes, the Unified Rules did not exist, and Mixed Martial Arts as a discipline was unrecognizable from what it is today. Martial artists of different styles fought in a tournament to see which one was the best.

And, when the dust had settled, Royce Gracie, a student of BJJ, was the last man standing. He was a member of the famous Gracie clan, recognized as the first to popularize BJJ. But the thing is, Royce Gracie was not even the best BJJ practitioner in his family. That honor goes to his half-brother Rickson Gracie, who holds an undefeated MMA record and earned his black belt at just 18. The patriarch is suffering from Parkinson’s and his family made a sweet gesture to him on Instagram to show their love.

Rickson Gracie’s family shares old picture as tribute

In a blow to the MMA community, Rickson Gracie revealed that he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease two years ago. he made the revelation in an interview with Kyra Gracie. According to the Mayo Clinic, Parkinson’s disease is a progressive disorder that affects the nervous system and the parts of the body controlled by the nerves. It causes uncontrollable movements such as tremors, shaking, and stiffness. The condition is currently incurable. Muhammad Ali also suffered from the disease, as did Hollywood actor Michael J. Fox.

His family is understandably concerned. They recently shared a photo of Rickson Gracie with two students with the caption “Family” as a gesture to the patriarch. Gracie also talked about the diagnosis and gave his thoughts on it to Kyra Gracie.

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Rickson Gracie talks about his Parkinson’s diagnosis

But, Gracie seems to be taking his diagnosis pretty well. “I’m ready for anything in my life… I accept life, and what I’ve done, so I’m happy today. But this neurologic condition opened my eyes to my age and to reality… I have some hand tremors, a certain movement deficiency, things I didn’t have before,” he told Kyra.

“I see myself swimming freely on a perfect blue ocean, waiting for the next day without too much concern… I don’t see it as a surprise but as another gift from God to see what I’m going to do about it,” he added.

Read More – “Money Hasn’t Served for Anything”: Diagnosed With Parkinson’s, 63-Year-Old Rickson Gracie Makes Emotional Confession Amid Debilitating Health Concerns

Rickson Gracie is at peace with his diagnosis and seems to be handling it with grace and poise. But, it is a huge loss to the world of martial arts. What do you think about Rickson Gracie’s Parkinson’s diagnosis? Tell us in the comments section below.

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