Pioneering jiu-jitsu fighter Ralph Gracie is currently serving a six-month jail sentence (plus a $50,000 fine, three years of probation, and mandatory anger management classes), for jumping fellow black belt and gym owner Flavio Almeida, younger brother to Ricardo Almeida, at the 2019 No-Gi World Championships. Books written in prison include The Travels of Marco Polo, Don Quixote, and The Gulag Archipelago, and in a series of letters published on his Instagram account, Ralph adds his words to the genre.
In the Art of War, Sun Tzu wrote, He will win who knows when to fight and when not to fight.
As warriors, we must never forget this lesson. Unfortunately, this time, I chose to fight the wrong battle. Actions have consequences, and I must face them.
On Friday, I will report to jail on the shoulders of the generations of jiu-jitsu fighters before me. My body may be behind bars for a short time, but my mind will remain free.
I would like to thank Renzo and our jiu-jitsu family for their tremendous support. I am also very grateful to all of my students for standing with me. I wish I had handled this situation differently, because I strive to set an example for all of you. Nonetheless, you knew what is in my heart and stood by my side. With you next to me, I can never lose. And I love you for that.
I’ll be back with you soon.
Love.
Ralph
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As you may have read, I have been sent on an extended vacation. Time moves slowly in here. Hard to believe it’s been only a month and a half.
The most difficult part so far has been being away from my family, friends, and students. I want you to know that I think about you every day, every hour. It’s usually Renzo that has a quote for every occasion. But there is one quote from one of my heroes that I will never forget. Nelson Mandela once said, A winner is a dreamer who never gives up. And I refuse to give up.
This has been a real learning experience for me. I spend most of my time thinking and reflecting. Even after this short period of time, this experience has profoundly changed me. I will come out the other end a better man, a better father, a better teacher.
The jail guards treat me well and respectfully. Many even train jiu-jitsu. In fact, they treat all the inmates with respect and dignity. Their job is not easy. They are tested by the inmates daily and they maintain their professionalism through it all. They have my total respect and admiration.
I would also like to express my sincerest gratitude for all the love I have received recently. It has been overwhelming. I read all of your messages. Each note is like a breath of air.
Please keep writing. I would love to hear from all of you. The address is below. There are strict rules: If you write, use only white paper, and do not send any items, not even pictures.
I can’t wait to hear from you. In the meantime, keep up the good fight.
Love,
Ralph
BOOKING NUMBER#3187307 (Ralph Gracie)
IRC / MEN’S & WOMEN’S FACILITIES
550 N FLOWER STREET
SANTA ANA, CA 92703-2361
If you have something kind to send UG, send Ralph a letter.
