Royce Gracie Appearing at College MMA Challenge in Westerly RI

West Hartford, CT, March 30, 2008 --(PR.com)-- The recent explosion of Mixed Martial Arts in the Media, including the most recent historic development of a prime time televised MMA show on CBS, was made possible by the courage of a young Royce Gracie who in 1993, stepped into the first US MMA event, UFC 1, to prove his family's art, Gracie Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, was the best.

"A lot has changed" says Mr. Gracie. "Back then it was about the best style. My family proved it was the best and had the most complete form of self defense. I fought guys 100 pounds heavier than me with no time limit and basically no rules. Some big tough guys. It was not me that won. It was my Father and my family's style of self defense. Now, every body does my family's art. Its not who has the best system of self defense now, but who is the best athlete and fighter." Adds Mr. Gracie on a break in his busy seminar schedule.

The Live the Legend OPEN and the College MMA Challenge is a venue giving competitors a safe and fun environment for putting their skills to the test and to build a sense of community with each other and the growing MMA fan base. Developed by Royce Gracie Black Belt and Senior student in the Northeast, Jim Hughes, it is organized under a dynamic set of rules which encourage competitors to go for submissions. Consequently, there is no stalling or boring "point games" and the bouts are very action packed. " "Jim Hughes is a class act and a true innovator in the world of Gracie Brazilian Jiu Jitsu reports long time practitioner and Doctor to Royce Gracie and many famous fighters, Dr. Patrick Fowler, from his California office."

Mr. gracie will be available for autographs and photos at the event starting at 10:00 am on May 17, 2008 at Paddys Beach in Westerly RI.

Go to www.collegeMMAchallenge.com and www.gracie-jiu-jitsu.com for further details

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