Jair Bolsonaro, who is a far-right candidate and favorite to win Brazil’s upcoming presidential election, was given an “honorary” black belt in jiu-jitsu yesterday by Robson Gracie.
The Partido Social Liberal (the political party Bolsonaro belongs to) posted a video of the ceremony. It is unclear if Bolsonaro has any experience training in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, but he has received support among prominent figures in the sport. Roberto “Cyborg” Abreu has posted his support for the candidate alongside fellow black belt and teammate Denis Batista Pinto.
Renzo Gracie also filmed a clip proclaiming his support for the candidate and has been vocal about his support for him.
Chegou a hora acabou a hipocrisia, Ă© a hora da onça beber água… @jairmessiasbolsonaro para nosso presidente @bolsonarosp @flaviobolsonaro @rommelcardozo PressĂŁoooooooo pic.twitter.com/t2aAgPhDdl
— Renzo_Gracie_BJJ (@RenzoGracieBJJ) October 7, 2018
Bolsonaro himself also filmed a clip of himself sending a “hug” to the Ryan Gracie BJJ team a couple of years ago.
Jair Bolsonaro mandando um abraço para a Equipe Ryan Gracie. Direto do Instagram do Mestrão Daniel Gracie.
Posted by Ryan Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Team – Pindamonhangaba on Friday, December 16, 2016
Bolsonaro has been a controversial figure amidst a polarizing political climate in Brazil. His supporters believe his policies will help improve the Brazilian economy and reduce violence and crime. However, his policies and comments towards women, the LGBT community, and immigrants have drawn criticism and outrage — he once said that Federal Deputy Maria do Rosario was “not worth raping,” that he would prefer a hypothetical gay son of his to “die in an accident”, and that “…if your child starts to become like that, a little gay, you take a whip and you change their behavior.” Bolsonaro has also voiced support for Brazil’s military dictatorship (which ended in 1985), calling it “glorious” and that its error was “torturing and not killing.”
Silence is to be complicit in this.
He’s also said that “whomever doesn’t agree with him, if he gets elected, should leave the country or will get arrested”. It’s sad to see that many of the proeminent names of BJJ are blindingly supporting a fascist.
I just lost all respect for the Gracie family and the “big players” in Brazilian JJ. Bolsonaro is a disgusting pig and this type of BS legitimizes his neo-fascist politics… gross
That’s just broken my heart reading that Gracies are supporting this fascist. Wish that people didn’t feel the need to mix their politics with their professions