The Gracie family has risen to the very top of the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu world. Being the pioneers of the martial arts style, the Gracies have always been looked at with nothing but respect. And the same goes for everyone who marries into the Gracie family. But there are times when that respect turns a bit muddy because of controversies. Such was the story of Victoria Parsons, now Victoria Gracie. 

But who exactly is Victoria Gracie? Well, she’s the one who fell in love with the 5th-degree BJJ black belt and co-founder of Gracie University, Ryron Gracie. Their love was strong enough to keep them together for more than a decade and they’re still together today. But let’s get to know her a little bit better, shall we? 

Kids, profession, & all on Victoria Parsons

Parsons married Gracie back in September 2011. The duo have parented 2 daughters, Valyn and Vemma. And coincidentally, it was her motherhood that reeled her deeper into the world of Jiu-Jitsu. She once said, “Once I became a mother, I realized the art of jiu-jitsu relates with everything we experience as children, and wanted to create options for children to be exposed to and gain confidence from a young age.”

While she trains and instructs the students at Gracie University, there was a time when Parsons was a dancer and model in the entertainment industry. She even worked with Rihanna on one of her tours. It was her work as a model that got her close to Ryron Gracie, and then she started learning the secrets of BJJ. She has also authored several children’s books and mentored several parents on mindful parenting. 

On fashionmamas.com, Parsons confirmed, “I created and wrote the first ever children’s picture book based on jiu-jitsu, which includes applicable techniques and insight to battle the bullying many children experience. Using jiu-jitsu and my years of dance and choreography experience, I also co-created a workout called FITjitsu that allows you to learn and master self-defense movements while getting a fierce workout. I am passionate about empowering humans to be their best and most authentic selves.”

Parsons and Gracie often teach self-defense through their social media profiles. Needless to say, their profiles are filled with their love for martial arts and each other. However, there was a time when the couple was accused of something a bit too dark. 

What were Ryron Gracie and his wife accused of?

The former Gracie University instructor Evandro Nunes sent a shockwave through the fighting community when he accused the Gracie University staff of being involved in unethical behavior and cult-like dynamics. According to Nunes, Ryron, and Rener Gracie were involved in using the Instructor Certificate Program and the huge student base to recruit people for their personal and inappropriate relationships. 

The former instructor even claimed that Ryron Gracie and his wife were involved in a polygamous lifestyle. Even though it was termed secretive, Nunes pointed out that they used their mentorship and professionalism to reel people into their personal relationships. Well, Nunes claimed that he himself was a victim of the act. 

However, no strong proof has been out in the open yet. But Gracie University did have an instructor who was arrested for allegedly abusing 12 children over a span of 15 years. The lead investigator of the case confirmed that the instructor’s victims were mostly from low-income families, who were economically and socially vulnerable. Right after that, the BJJ community vowed to ensure a safer and vigilant future.

What are your thoughts on Parson’s career as a BJJ instructor? Did you know about the controversy Parsons and Gracie were dragged into? Let us know what you think in the comments down below.