"August 31st holds a special significance for me and Crosley Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. On this day in 2003, I achieved the second major life goal I had set out for myself in my teen years: step into the MMA ring as a third-generation fighter to carry on my family’s legacy.
My first life goal was to earn my black belt in Jiu-Jitsu, which I accomplished in February of the same year.
I vividly remember the day of the fight—waiting in the hotel room, Metallica blasting, and the anticipation building as I prepared to head to the stadium.
Although I didn’t know what to expect, I felt invincible, confident in the countless hours of training and sacrifice that had brought me to that moment.
Thankfully, my efforts paid off. I won a unanimous decision against the reigning Pancrase Welterweight Champion in a non-title fight.
That night, I was the happiest man in Tokyo. The most valuable lesson I took away from that experience was that hard work truly pays off."
- Professor crosley Gracie