The martial arts pioneer developed Brazilian Jiu Jitsu by adapting elements of traditional Japanese Jiu-Jitsu and refining the techniques to allow a smaller person like himself to apply the moves.
Helio's older brother Carlos had learned traditional jiu-jitsu from Japanese judoka, Mitsuyo Maeda, also known by his Brazilian nickname as "Konde Koma."
"Carlos opened the dojo in Rio when he was 25 years old and I was watching the techniques that he had learned from Konde Koma," Gracie said in the May 2002 issue of Kakuto Striking Spirit. "But I kept thinking about what a small and weak man like me should do to win, and developing the theory to control an opponent by technique."
Helio is the father of nine children, including Rickson, Royler, Relson, Royce and Rorion.
Helio's teachings led to the start of the UFC. Rorion co-founded the UFC, visioning the show as a showcase for Gracie Jiu-Jitsu.