16 yr. old Gracie submits challenger

This video features a 1996 grappling match at the Gracie Academy in Torrance, CA
between 16 year old blue belt Ryron Gracie (in the gi) and challenger ‘Jeremy’.

The fight starts standing. The challenger is stiff, grunting, trying to drag Ryron around. After a bit, Ryron hits a standard outside leg-hook takedown right into mount. The two are dragged back to center mat where Ryron finishes quickly with an Ezekiel choke.

They get up, shake hands, and agree on ‘1 more’.

The challenger is told Ryron is 16 years old, and he responds. No way…..dont tell nobody at home!

They shake hands again and restart. It’s a similar story. The challenger spends a lot of energy on the feet, pushing Ryron and breathing hard. Ryron gets under his arm and drags him to the mat. The challenger tries to escape, using his feet along the wall, but succeeds only in rolling to his stomach, where Ryron taps him with a rear naked choke. They get up and shake hands again.

This fight is a great example of basic jiu jitsu used against an inexperienced opponent, and a great example of respect in competition.

16 year-old Ryron’s relaxed grappling anticipates his contemporary ‘Keepitplayful’ mantra.

About Ryron Gracie

Ryron Gracie is Helio Gracie‘s eldest grandson and the son of Rorion Gracie, being part of the third generation of jiu jitsu’s most illustrious family, the Gracies. A recognizable figure within the jiu jitsu community, Ryron Gracie became also a familiar face among MMA fans after a series of web episodes named The Gracie Breakdown where Ryron and his brother Rener Gracie go over techniques utilized in UFC events. Ryron Gracie is also an instructor at the Gracie Academy and travels regularly to teach seminars.

source: gracieacademy.com