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ONE Championship Chairman and CEO, Chatri Sityodtong, experienced a career-defining moment beyond the world of promoting martial arts at ONE Fight Night 14 in Denver on September 6. While discussing the event’s action with commentator Mitch Chilson, Sityodtong was unexpectedly approached by his longtime mentor, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) legend Renzo Gracie. What followed was a deeply emotional and symbolic moment.
Gracie surprised the martial arts leader by promoting him to the rank of BJJ black belt. Sityodtong visibly moved and accepted the belt in a moment marked by tradition and respect. As is customary in BJJ, Gracie delivered a playful yet meaningful slap on Sityodtong’s back, signifying the importance of the achievement.
This impromptu promotion was more than a mere belt upgrade—it was a testament to Chatri’s dedication to the sport he holds so dear. His BJJ journey began at Gracie’s gym in 2005 when he was living in New York City. Reflecting on the experience, Sityodtong shared,
“In 2005, when I was living in the States, I walked into Renzo Gracie Academy. Before that, he was my idol, my hero. I got my blue belt in 2007, and I never thought this day would come.”
For Chatri, the moment was about more than just personal achievement. He credited Renzo Gracie not only for his martial arts progression but also for the early success of ONE Championship.
“You know, there would be no ONE Championship without Renzo. He flew in from Switzerland just to be here. I can’t thank him enough,” Chatri said, expressing his deep gratitude.
The connection between the two goes beyond a simple student-mentor relationship. Gracie’s influence on Sityodtong is profound, inspiring not just his martial arts journey but also shaping the vision of ONE Championship.
“This guy is not only a legend, he’s a hero to billions of people all over the world,” Chatri added, highlighting the global impact of Gracie’s legacy.
Despite leading the world’s largest martial arts organization, Sityodtong has never let his busy schedule interfere with his own training.
“I train five to six times a week, killing myself, even during fight week,” he explained. “And everywhere I fly, I train my butt off because I want to represent real martial arts.”
This relentless commitment earned him his brown belt over three years ago, and now, with Gracie’s blessing, he stands as a black belt—a true testament to his dedication to BJJ. For Sityodtong, the promotion marks the culmination of years of hard work, but it also serves as a powerful reminder of his enduring love for “the gentle art.”
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