Red Belt Pedro Valente Sr Passes Away at Age 78. Valente Sr. was a famous plastic surgeon who started learning judo at age nine. In 1953, Pedro’s dad, Syllo Valante, introduced him to the world of Jiu-Jitsu when he took Pedro to see the world title match between Helio Gracie and Kimura. Even though Gracie lost the match, Pedro and his dad were impressed with Helio’s technique and enrolled in Rio de Janiero’s Gracie Academy to learn the art of Jiu-Jitsu.
Pedro took part in several high profile matches and after five decades of training under the direct tutelage of Helio Gracie, he went on to reach the red belt. It is the highest level in the sport. He also held the tile of Grand Master. Over the past four years, Pedro fought a long battle with a life-threatening disease that sadly took his life. His sons Pedro Jr., Joaquim and Guilherme own the Valente Brothers Jiu-Jitsu Miami.
