The legendary IBJJF and ADCC world champion Roger Gracie has just been promoted to 5th degree BJJ black belt by his father, Mauricio Motta Gomes. While every promotion after achieving the rank of black belt is done based on the time served in the sport, it’s no doubt been a fantastic moment for Roger Gracie regardless; especially as it’s come on the same day as his father’s birthday.
Of course, Roger Gracie is one of the greatest grapplers in history and the promotion is well- deserved. He’s already received plenty of recognition from fans and governing bodies alike, including being part of the inaugural class of the IBJJF hall of fame in 2014. He also received the same honour from ADCC late last year when he was made the very first inductee into their hall of fame as well. As a member of the Gracie family there have been incredibly high expectations on Roger since the very first day he hit the mats, but its safe to say that he has managed to exceed each and every one of them throughout the course of his competitive career.
Not only did he retire from professional grappling having never been submitted in black belt competition, but he’s also reached an impressive level of fame that has seen him walk the red carpet among some of the biggest celebrities on the planet. Although he might be known as more of a figurehead for the sport in recent years, Roger Gracie’s biggest achievement is undoubtedly his incredible competitive career. Not only was he not submitted in any of his seven losses, but he also submitted his opponents in impressive fashion 62 times in his 76 professional wins.
Roger Gracie announced the news of his promotion to 5th degree BJJ black belt in a post to his official Instagram account:
