Pedro Hemetério Araújo de Castro
From OTMWiki
Grand Master Pedro Hemeterio
Building a solid unbeatable fame in the ring, the Gracie family always counted on high-level pupils, which formed the front line. The first faithful squire - since Helio and Carlos Gracie's time -was fighter from Ceara, Pedro Hemeterio. Famous by his excellent guard and the fact that he used to catch all opponents back with easiness, Hemeterio faced great names of fighting to defend the name of the family, which had adopted him since he was a 19-year-old kid. Today, at age 81, after 62 years dedicated to Jiu Jitsu, Pedro Hemeterio is a real living legend of the sport. Owner of one of the biggest collection of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu memorabilia in the country, the sympathetic Master received us in his academy/museum and helped us to relive a forgotten part of Soft-Art's history.
When Gracie was in Ceara in 1943 to conduct a course to six students chosen from 77 candidates, a 19-year-old kid called his attention. His name was Pedro Hemeterio Araujo de Castro. The easiness of which the weak kid, measuring a little more 1.6m tall, learned new techniques impressed Gracie. Cohabitating with Carlos and then Helio and Gastao, in little time Hemeterio joined the family and found out BJJ way his way of living. When Carlos Gracie was called to teach Military Police from Ceara, Hemeterio was nominated his assistant and since then he started to teach Jiu Jitsu in Navy, Aeronautics, besides teaching at Ceara Sport Club.
In 1951 Hemeterio was invited by Helio Gracie to live in Rio and help him teach classes. Training everyday with Master and sharpening his techniques, the skilled fighter became on of the best pupils at Gracie Academy. Cohabitating with Gracie family, Hemeterio had an opportunity to see with his eyes, as he likes to remind, the first rolling of small Rolls, Rorion, and Rickson. After four years of living with Helio, Hemeterio returned to Ceara but was soon invited by another family member, Gastao Gracie, to help him with his brand new academy in Sao Paulo. The invitation was accepted and Hemeterio reached Sao Paulo in 1956 and he has never left the city since.
During the four years, which lived and worked as Helio Gracie's assistant, Pedro Hemeterio upgraded his Jiu Jitsu and became a test driver of the family with Carlson Gracie. Living between Rio and Ceara, Hemeterio faced dozens of challengers, from every weight and modalities. All to prove Gracie BJJ was efficient. One of the top first on the list was Japanese judo fighter Akio Hyoshiara, which only lasted 58 seconds in his hands. Helio Gracie's 'Cabra da Peste' submitted him via arm lock.
Defending Carlos and Helio, Hemeterio fought George Gracie, his Master's broterh. The fight was tough but ended with Hemeterio's victory at 25min34s. Hemetrio says Gracie tapped out when he was mounted with a choke fitted. George denies the information he tapped out due to choke.
By Marcelo Alonso
More information about Pedro Hemeterio:
"Master Pedro Hemetrio who was Mr. Helio Gracie's first Black Belt. Master Pedro is an undefeated "Vale Tudo" (No holds barred fighting) fighter and has never lost a match in his career. Today, he is 79 years old and still operates a studio in Sao Paulo, Brazil." Quoted taken from: http://www.theultima.com/Jiujitsu.html
"Master Pedro Hemeterio, a 9th-degree red belt who, at 82 years old, has been teaching the martial art for over 60 years." Quoted taken from: http://www.factbites.com/topics/Brazilian-Jiu-Jitsu
"Pedro Hemeterio who is a legend over there. He is 78 years old and has trained Gracie Ju Jitsu with Helio for 59 years and has had over 60 vale tudo fights without loss." Quoted taken from: http://sfuk.tripod.com/interviews_01/adcc_iglesias.html
