The Next Generation

As sons growing up in the martial arts world's most famous family, one would expect that the tremendous amount of pressure to carry on the family name could easily be seen on the faces of boys so young. Yet, Ryron, Rener and Ralek Gracie, the first three of Rorion Gracie's six sons, show no signs of pressure. In fact, their ready smiles and easygoing attitudes might give you the impression that they believe that nothing in life should be taken too seriously.

You could never be more wrong.

Like their father and uncles before them, this next generation of Gracies began to learn the jiu-jitsu techniques perfected by their grandfather, Helio Gracie, before they could walk. During their early childhood, students would come to their home to learn from Rorion in the family's garage which had been turned into a makeshift training room. The toddlers would sit in the corner for hours watching and learning as their father shared the family's art with eager pupils. As time went on, the youngsters would join in the classes, rolling on the mat with the students and each other.

Rorion always placed a great deal of importance on the names he gave his children. In fact, he took about 4-6 months to come up with the perfect name for each of his boys. Because Ryron (pronounced Hee-ron), born December 1, 1981, was the first son, Rorion felt his name should represent strength. He chose "iron," added an "R" at the beginning (understood in the Gracie family to be a strong letter) and gave it a Portuguese accent. Perfect. Two years later when his next son was born on November 10, 1983, Rorion thought he would achieve a good balance by steering his vibes for this child's name towards "inner" strength, thus he was named Rener (pronounced Hen-ner). From a book he had read about a fearless king named Malik, Rorion eventually settled on Ralek (pronounced Hal-ek) for his next son born on October 4, 1985. After all, he would have to withstand the constant pressure of two older brothers!

Ryron, Rener and Ralek, almost like magic, turned out to be all their father had hoped for in giving them these names - and more. Their unique personalities and great senses of humor, combined with their natural talents and dedication toward their students and the Gracie Academy, make them well-rounded individuals perfectly poised to carry on the family tradition.

Ryron was the first to use his jiu-jitsu talents to help him excel in high school wrestling. In his only full year of wrestling, he placed third in CIF. After graduating from West High School in Torrance in 2000, Ryron chose to spend 6 months in Brazil training with his grandfather. Needless to say, it was time well spent. While in Brazil, although only a purple belt at the time, he competed in black belt competitions and held his own. Upon his return, he took on a full time position as an instructor for the Gracie Academy. A fierce competitor with the highest level of technique, Ryron obtained his black belt when he won the IGJJF Open Championship. Furthermore because of unique talents as a teacher and amazing technique, he earned the "Diploma of Professor" from his grandfather. Because of it's high standards, this is by far the world's most valuable type of recognition of one's skills as a jiu-jitsu instructor.

Rener, who initially starred on his high school basketball team, eventually chose to take advantage of his jiu-jitsu background to deliver great performances on the wrestling mat. At his Senior year, Rener's string of success took him all the way to the Nationals. After graduation, He decided to attend a local college as preparation to his business degree. Rener's great performance at the IGJJF Open Championship as well as other tournaments, made it unfair for him to keep wearing a brow belt. He is now a black belt. His mature personality and incredible skills as a teacher impressed his grandfather to a point of also receiving the "Diploma of Professor."

Ralek played football as a freshman and also stepped onto the wrestling mat, but his season was cut short by an injury. Like his brothers, Ralek keeps himself busy as an instructor at the Gracie Academy, assuming the key responsibility as the Academy's head instructor for kids. Ralek, at the age of 13, became the youngest Gracie instructor. He has been promoted to purple belt as a result of his great performance at the IGJJF Open Championship.

As time goes on, we expect to see great things from Ryron, Rener and Ralek, as well as their younger brothers Reylan (15), Roran (5) and Renon (4).

Rorion also has three daughters, Rose (29), Riane (27) and Segina (17).

 
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