Florida Judo Ki no Fuda's Judo History Column

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Masahiko Kimura v. Helio Gracie written by David J. Ellis In October 1951, Masahiko Kimura (5'6", 187 lbs) competed in a Judo/Jujitsu match against Helio Gracie (5'6", 145 lbs) in a gym next to Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. At this time, Kimura was 34 years of age, retired from Judo Competition, and a 7th Dan Judoka. In October 1951, Helio Gracie (born Oct. 1, 1913) was 38 years of age. In July 1951, Helio Gracie defeated another Judoka, Kato, a 5th degree black belt by a choke-out at the 6 minute mark. Helio Gracie challenged Kimura and 240 lb Yamaguchi (6th degree black belt at the time) to a Judo/Jujitsu match. Kimura accepted. The rules were simple, the loser of the match was determined by tapping out or being knocked out, throws and pins would not have any results other than their effect on the person. Punches and kicks were not allowed. During the match, Kimura threw Gracie with Ippon Seoi nage (one arm shoulder throw). This throw was Kimura's speciality. Kimura also used O Soto Gari (major outside reap), Harai Goshi (sweeping hip), Kuzure Kamishiho gatame (Modified Upper four corner hold), Kesa Gatame (Scraf Hold), and Sankuku Gatame (Triangle hold). At one point, Kimura locked Gracie in a dojime (the act of intentionally squeezing the torso). While trying to escape, Helio passed out from the pressure on his chest with his eyes open. Because Helio's eyes were open, Kimura did not realize that he had caused Helio to go unconscious. In an interview done with Helio in 1984, Helio admits that he was unconscious. Approximately 3 minutes in the second round (approximately 12 minutes into the fight), Kimura threw Gracie with an O Soto Gari and then pinned him with a Kuzure Kamishiho Gatame. Helio Gracie bridged out of the pin and into a reverse Ude Garami (arm coil). Gracie refused to submit and Kimura applied more pressure and the result a broken left elbow for Gracie. Gracie still refused to give up and Carlos Gracie, Helio's brother, threw in the towel for concern for Helio's arm. Kimura was declared the winner by TKO. A reverse Ude Garami is known as a "Kimura lock" or just simply "Kimura" by those who study Brazilian Jujitsu and Mixed Martial Arts to honor Kimura. Kimura was so impressed by Helio Gracie's desire to win that Kimura invited Helio to teach at the Imperial Academy of Japan. Helio was honored by the gesture but declined. Sources: http://www.ebji.org/akeem/kimura.html and http://www.gracieacademy.com/fight.html and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Masahiko_Kimura and My notes taken at Judo Clinics