For years, Kyra Gracie remained silent about the troubling experiences she endured as a competitive Brazilian jiu-jitsu athlete. Now fifteen years after stepping away from tournaments, the former champion and member of the legendary Gracie family has decided to speak out about the harassment that has long plagued women in the sport.
In an emotional video shared on social media, Gracie revealed incidents that marked her career, including an encounter with a potential sponsor when she was just 18 or 19 years old.
“I imagine you’re n-ked inside my keiko kimono.”
She recalled being told this by an older man who approached her claiming he wanted to sponsor her athletic career.
“And this girl was me at 18 or 19 years old. He came to approach me, saying he wanted to sponsor me, and I froze.”
The incident left lasting effects.
When I was at events, he would appear. I would hide, freeze again.
Despite coming from one of the most prominent families in martial arts history, Gracie found herself unable to speak up.
“He was wrong, but I kept silent. And I kept this until now because the environment, unfortunately, silences women very much.”
Gracie addressed the misconception that her famous surname provided protection.
“Many people think that because I’m from the Gracie family, I’m protected, right? So many uncles, cousins, black belts. But I went through many embarrassing situations, harassment situations, and I’m sure that if I weren’t from the Gracie family it would be much worse.”
What troubles Gracie most is that the individual who made those comments continues to sponsor events and female athletes in the sport today. This reality prompted her decision to finally speak publicly about her experiences.
The former competitor emphasized that harassment in the sport extends far beyond isolated incidents.
“The harassment that happens behind the scenes with women and girls is not an exception. It’s a problem in the entire system. It’s part of jiu-jitsu culture and it’s being passed from generation to generation.”
“I witnessed hundreds of cases and for a long time I was afraid to speak.”
Gracie acknowledged the complexity of coming forward after so many years.
“I know that I’m going to be criticized because I’m speaking now, but silence only protects the aggressors.”
She pointed to recent allegations emerging against instructors and renowned figures in martial arts as evidence of a broader cultural problem.
“Unfortunately, allegations like this don’t surprise me. Because those who lived in this environment know that these situations are treated as normal.”
She described the dismissive attitudes that enable such behavior to continue.
“Ah, what’s the problem? The girl is going after him, she’s giving the instructor a look. Are you serious?”
According to Gracie, most women in jiu-jitsu have experienced similar situations. The impact has been significant, with many leaving the sport entirely as a result.
As a mother of two daughters, Gracie‘s decision to speak out is deeply personal.
“I didn’t want my daughters, I’m a mother of two girls, to grow up in the same environment I grew up in, being diminished, silenced, knowing that that face is there all the time, on top. My God from heaven, just thinking about it gives me goosebumps.”
Her concerns for the next generation led her to create alternative spaces for training.
“I moved away because it’s a way that, as a woman, I don’t feel happy, I don’t want to take my daughters and I’m not comfortable. I had to find another way to get into jiu-jitsu because I love it. So I created my own space.”
Gracie called for systemic change within the jiu-jitsu community.
“The change in our sport begins now, with truth, with unity, with responsibility from the entire community. Men and women.”
“We are tired. How many women left jiu-jitsu because of this? But we can no longer be silent.”
She urged others to join her in demanding accountability and respect within the sport.
“If you also want jiu-jitsu with respect, the time is now. Join this movement. I will not be silent anymore. Report and don’t omit. This change is in our hands.”
Gracie concluded with a clear statement about her values.
“I believe that character is worth much more than medals. I’m not even here for medals that don’t come with good character. Medals full of ego and deplorable attitudes that I don’t want around.”
