I'm amused — and, in some ways, delighted — by the comments that still get posted on YouTube regarding the 1987 matchup of Rickson Gracie and me. Judo enthusiasts say they're proud I was able to upend Gracie a couple of times. Any advantage I received, however, disappeared as soon as we hit the ground and I was caught in an armbar. So judoka say judo won, while Brazilian jiu-jitsu stylists insist their art won. It's a true win-win situation for the martial arts.

Rickson Gracie is widely regarded as the best of the best in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, but he’s so much more than that. He’s a Warrior, a philosopher, a thinker, an inspiration, and a role Model. Which is why we’re presenting these glimpses of The man that not many black belt readers have seen. The Water “Whether it’s the ocean or a river, I always have to be on the water. Coming from Brazil, I’ve always been exposed to the ocean. I’ve been at the beach and surfing all my life. Th