Rivals for over three decades — even considering themselves to be
fierce enemies — Hugo Duarte
and Renzo
Gracie are now partners at a gym in the United States.
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The duo has rented a spot in downtown Houston, where Duarte will be
the head instructor. It’s one of 12 gyms owned by Gracie. The new
partners spent six days together last week.
Renzo and Hugo were on opposite sides in three highly significant
clashes of the Brazilian jiu-jitsu vs. Luta Livre rivalry. Renzo
stood with the Gracie side in the conflicts between Hugo and
Rickson: one at Pepê Beach, Barra da Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro, and
another one a week later when Hugo sought a rematch and gathered
over 50 students to invade the Gracie academy. At Pentagon Combat
in 1997, Renzo faced Eugênio Tadeu and Hugo was in the Luta Livre
representative’s corner. The event ended in a brawl that led to the
banning of MMA in Rio de Janeiro.
After many, many years of rivalry, a friendship emerged from this
war between representatives of Luta Livre and Brazilian jiu-jitsu,
when they met at the ceremony for the Brazilian sidewalk Hall of
Fame in 2019, where both received honors. One year later Hugo went
to a Renzo’s biography book autograph session and the friendship
was sealed.
Known as the general of Luta Livre for his leadership ahead of the
style, Hugo and most top Luta Livre practitioners have always been
recognized for their excellent heel hook, footlock and leglock
attacks since 80s and 90s. Today, with the evolution of grappling
in U.S. and the consecration of Gordon Ryan
as new king of the sport, Duarte’s knowledge will certainly be
useful for America’s new generation.
“I’m shocked. Renzo Gracie
here is like a religion. People wear his shirt on the streets. The
world turns around, a rival turned into a great friend,” Hugo said.
“Renzo is such a unique person. We stayed here together for six
days and it looks like we are close friends for 30 years. I’m
really happy to begin a new stage in my life and it will be a
pleasure to share my knowledge with American fans.”