News & Events

11/14/2007 - Professor Pedro Sauer Receives Red & Black Belt

Professor Pedro Sauer received the Red & Black belt from Relson Gracie on November 14, after 23 years from the date he received his Black Belt from Helio & Rickson Gracie.

Source: www.pedrosauer.com

from a Pedro Sauer student who attended the seminar: Master Relson Gracie came in town tonight for a seminar. Pedro Sauer always asks us to go and attend any Gracie Family member seminar when they are in town to show support for the family. We rolled out in force. Little did we know at the end of the seminar Master Relson Gracie had a few words to say. He began telling a story about a 10 year old boy who came to the Gracie Academy. He was the only white belt in the class and everyone else was a black belt and was named Gracie. Needless to say he got destroyed every single day. He was relentless in his training. He would come after school and train 8, 10, 12 hours a day. He would not quit. Even if you tapped him he would come right back at you. He was ferocious. His good friend Rickson who talked him into taking classes would work with him after the class with Helio was over. There friendship has spanned 40 years together. This same boy became a man and after 10 years was awarded his black belt by Helio and Rickson Gracie. He was the first black belt awarded from Helio who was not named Gracie. He is considered to be one of the original family who spread the art across America and the world in the early 90's. Back then classes were taught out of garages and no one knew about the art. Of course he was talking about Professor Pedro Sauer. It was at this point that Master Relson Gracie removed his Red/Black belt and tied it around Pedro Sauer's waist. He said after 24 years as a black belt he had earned his Red/Black belt and was one of only 10 ever awarded such rank under Helio Gracie. Master Pedro Sauer is traveling to Brazil next week for a ceremony with Helio Gracie. It was an awe inspiring evening that I thought I would share with all of you.