Would you spend a weekend learning to drive a race car from a legend like Richard Petty?

Of course you would.

Many locals and students from Spencer County Martial Arts, owned by Spencer County resident Scott Smith, spent this weekend training with a martial arts legend in Gracie Jiu Jitsu. That is none other than Relson Gracie (pronounced Helson Gracie).

Relson Gracie is the second oldest son of Grandmaster Helio Gracie, the man who is credited as innovating the Jiu-Jitsu taught by Mitsuyo “Count Koma” Maeda into what is now known as Gracie Jiu-Jitsu.

The Gracie Family is also credited with helping create the popular mixed martial art events known as the “Ultimate Fighting Championship or UFC” which began in 1993.

Grandmaster Helio Gracie whom turned 95 this year still trains and teaches in Brazil.

The weekend long camp hosted by Louisville Martial Arts Academy was led by Master Pedro Sauer, and included special instructors Professor Luis “Limao” Heredia (Black Belt under Rickson Gracie) and Master Relson Gracie.

The Spencer County Martial Arts Students included Kevin Wheatley, Scott Deetch, Craig Conard, Randy Stewart, Tim Black, Brian Phillips, Allen Shumate, Derek Goodman, Robert Rogers, Scott Sale and Tim Wimsatt.

Search on the web for Gracie Jiu Jitsu, Pedro Sauer or Spencer County Martial Arts to learn more about the art of Gracie Jiu Jitsu, which promotes the principle that a smaller, weaker person using leverage and proper technique can successfully defend against a bigger, stronger assailant.