By Josh Montgomery

Gracie Jiu-Jitsu continues to spread throughout the USA and the rest of the world, but, unfortunately, some of the creators of this martial art have passed away. So it is up to their students to continue their teachings and educate the next generation. One of these former students, now teacher, is Ricardo Cavalcanti. Master Ricardo won the 1998 Pan American Games, 2001 Pela Federacao, and the 2002 California Games. Ricardo is looking to return to competition in the near future and teaches at the Warrior Training Center in Las Vegas, where he trains the next generation of Gracie Ju-Jitsu practitioners. After speaking to Ricardo for a few minutes, I realized there is nothing more important to him than Jiu-Jitsu. It is not just something Master Ricardo says. It is a way of life for him.

Cage and Ring: At what age did you begin Jiu-Jitsu and what brought you to Ju-Jitsu?

Ricardo Cavalcanti: I started at age 7 after I saw a friend at school get in a fight and he used Jiu-Jitsu. I was hooked right then and went and told my mom. She talked to my friend’s mom, who told her the Jiu-Jitsu school he went to and I started right after.

C & R: How long did you train under Master Carlson Gracie?

RC:  I trained under Master Carlson from 1979 to his passing (February 1, 2006).

C & R: What brought you to the states?

RC: I was training with Carlson and competing in Rio de Janero and Frank Mir came down to train for his UFC fight in 2002. We trained and he asked me to come to the U.S. to continue to help him train. So I stayed and wanted to help Jiu-Jitsu grow here in the U.S.

C & R: As a Gracie Black Belt, what responsibility do you feel to keep the Gracie name, as well as its teachings, alive?

RC: I feel that Jiu-Jitsu, and even more importantly, Carlson, gave me the opportunity for everything I have. Jiu-Jitsu pays my bills, puts food on my table, and clothes on my kids. So I want to give everything back to Jiu-Jitsu and pass on everything Carlson taught. Besides my family, this is the most important thing in my life. Gracie Jiu-Jitsu gave me everything, so I want to give everything I have back. Our biggest mission now is to make Jiu-Jitsu an Olympic sport. We have come very far. There is now a Jiu-Jitsu federation back in Japan, which they haven’t had in a very long time. And we are getting more support and are getting close. I also love to represent my country.

C & R: You have a great reputation for teaching kids. What is it about working with kids that you enjoy most?

RC:  When I first started teaching under Carlson, I was teaching kids. They are the foundation of Jiu-Jitsu. And to keep it going strong, you need kids learning, so they can teach the next generation. I love teaching kids because you can mold them and watch them grow. I’ve taught kids as young as 3, as long as they have discipline and they want to learn.  For example if you teach a kid until he is 16, and he has so many more distractions (than younger students), you have had 13 years (together). You build a strong relationship. I started with WEC champ and UFC fighter Steve Cantwell when he was 15. Now he’s 22. Having someone training that long with you is great.

C & R: I know you coach your teams in many tournaments. Why do you do this and how have your teams done?

RC: It’s another way to represent Carlson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. The team carries his name. Since I’ve been here, 2002, we have placed in every tournament we entered, like NAGA, Grapplers Quest, among others, and have won many. Tournaments are great because they let you see where your students are in their Jiu-Jitsu in another setting. Some students are great in training, but don’t compete well. And some perform better than expected. The experience the get out of competition is something that can’t be taught. I stay from 8 AM to 9 PM at tournaments to support my students. I have never left one and will never will. I care for and I support all of my students.

C & R: When you’re not teaching nor training what do you do?

RC:  Nothing! My life has 3 main parts: 1. Support and be with my family 2. Students - Which I include as my family and friends. 3. Gym - Being a co-owner, I have my responsibilities here.