Kyra Gracie (born 1985) (also spelled Kira), daughter of Flavia Gracie.
Kyra is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt. Her uncles are Ralph Gracie, Renzo Gracie, and Ryan Gracie.
She is one of the few Gracie women to hold that rank and is the first Gracie female to actively compete in the sport. Her competition titles include: 5 Time Brazilian Champion (98,99,00,01,04); 5 Time State Champion (98,99,00,01,02); World Champion (2004); ADCC Champion (2005); 4 Time Pan American Champion (01,02,03,05).
She is currently living in New York City training at the Renzo Gracie Academy there where she instructs the women's classes.
MMAC: Growing up surrounded by Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu must have been intimidating since most people view it as a male oriented sport, how did you ease your way into training?
Kyra Gracie: I grew up watching my uncles train at all times, my mom used to train so it was less intimitading to start training because she used to train with me.
MMAC: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has become increasingly popular and has gained
a large following, what are you doing, and what do you think needs to
be done to create a larger female following?
Kyra Gracie: I'm trying to get more and more woman involved with jiu-jitsu, i've been traveling alot giving seminars and im being a good example for those who want to learn
MMAC: Being a female must have posed some challenges while training, how
did you deal and overcome males muscling and undermining you in the dojo?
Kyra Gracie: Being a female in jiu-jitsu you have to focus on your techniques, because our trainning partners are mostly men, and they are way stronger than us, so I overcome muscles with my techniques haha
MMAC: How does it feel to be one of the few Gracie women to achieve a
black belt at such a young age? and what would be your advice to
people aspiring to achieve their black belt?
Kyra Gracie: I am the only gracie woman to get a black belt and to compete. I am very proud of myself, I got my blackbelt at 20 years old. The advice I give to those who aim to get the black belt is to keep training and keep the focus and you can get there.
MMAC: I read that you have done seminars all over the world, have you
ever visited Canada, and if not do you plan too in the near future?
Kyra Gracie: I have been to Canada twice. I visited a Gracie Barra school and a Renzo Gracie, it was great! I had a lot of fun, the schools and country is awesome.
MMAC: Since mixed martial arts is growing in popularity have you ever
considered competing in MMA?
Kyra Gracie: I would rather just stick to the jiu-jitsu. If I ever have a good offer I would do it.
MMAC: Finally Kyra, what famous Brazilian MMA stars have you trained with?
Kyra Gracie: I have trained with Cachorrao, Babalu, my uncles Ryan, Renzo, Ralph and Daniel,.. There are so many its hard to mention everyone.
MMAC: Kyra, thanks for taking the time to speak with us here at MMACanada.net and looking forward to meeting you in person when you come back to Canada!
Kyra Gracie: Thank you MMA Canada it has been my pleasure
HOT, Famous Brazilian Black Belt Female
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