Royce Gracie’s son, Kheydon Gracie, enlists in U.S. Army
Kheydon Gracie, the 19-year-old son of UFC Hall of Famer and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu pioneer Royce Gracie, enlisted in the U.S. Army in front of friends and family on September 22.
“What a special day, I’m a proud father,” Royce wrote on social media. “Enlistment ceremony carried out by MAJ Miguel Diaz at the Army Recruiting Office Huntington Park, CA with PVT Kheydon Gracie, family, friends and loved ones.”
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The younger Gracie will leave for basic training later this month after enlisting on an 11X contract with a Ranger option, Walt Quinn, a spokesman for U.S. Army Recruiting Command.
The U.S. Army military occupational speciality (MOS) 11X is a broad term that refers to infantry specialties within the military branch.
Gracie will have to complete basic infantry training, airborne school and the eight-week Ranger assessment and selection program in order to service with the 75th Ranger Regiment, the Army’s largest joint special operations force.
Royce Gracie popularized Gracie Jiu-Jitsu (also known as Brazilian jiu-jitsu) and revolutionized mixed martial arts with his results contributing to the movement towards grappling and ground fighting in the sport. He gained fame for his success in the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Between 1993 and 1994, Gracie was the tournament winner of UFC 1, UFC 2 and UFC 4. He was also known for his rivalry with Ken Shamrock, whom he beat in UFC 1 and then fought to a draw in the Superfight Championship rematch at UFC 5.
