I Defend The 2nd: Royce Gracie

Is Brazilian-style gun control coming to America? Listen to these chilling words of warning from Royce Gracie, one of the most successful and influential mixed martial arts fighters of all time.

posted on October 20, 2024
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **

Is Brazilian-style gun control coming to America? Listen to these chilling words of warning from Royce Gracie, one of the most successful and influential mixed martial arts fighters of all time. Gracie says grew up in Brazil during a time when the gun culture was very similar to that of Americans, learning to shoot from his father and spending recreational time on the range. However, over time, the Brazilian government found creative ways to erode those gun rights—such as an arduous and extremely expensive application process—making it nearly impossible for most Brazilians to own a firearm, let alone carry one for personal protection. While Gracie says everyone should master hand-to-hand combat—a technique for which he has become most famous—he stresses the importance of being able to carry a firearm for situations during which multiple aggressors might challenge you. That is why, he says, the Second Amendment must remain, and why NRA is critical to protecting the rights outlined in it.

"The best way to describe NRA is NRA is the front line of resistance," he said. "They're educators. They're here to educate people from a young age to adults—men, women, doesn't matter the age—about how to use a gun, how to, to be aware of the dangers of the gun, to be aware of what the gun can do and how to treat the gun and how to teach about guns. NRA is the front line of resistance against the government trying to take our Second Amendment rights away."

Watch the full compelling story told by Gracie himself here.

Latest

Marcus Gettysburg Ginnie Wade National Park Service Image
Marcus Gettysburg Ginnie Wade National Park Service Image

Gettysburg: Remembering The Women Who Served

While we celebrate the anniversary of the independence of our country this Fourth of July, it is also the anniversary of another major event in American history. Despite a ban on women serving in either army, some felt a call to fight in the Civil War.

Celebrating America's 250th Anniversary with a Bang

You only get to call it a semiquincentennial once, so many gun makers are creatively displaying their American pride with these limited-edition firearms. Check out a few of them here.

Why You Should Call the Police Anytime You Draw Your Gun in Defense

If you pull your gun and the bad guy runs away, great. But you still need to call the police and report what happened. Here’s why.

New Gear 2026: GTM Original Expands The Avenue Collection

The satchels are crafted from USA top-grain cowhide and distressed buffalo leather, offering a refined blend of fashion, function and personality.

SLG2, Inc. and Walk The Talk America Unite to Advance Firearm Safety

The partnership will provide practical resources that encourage safe firearm handling, secure storage and meaningful conversations surrounding mental health.

The Armed Citizen® Reload June 26, 2026

The law was on a woman's side quite literally all the time, which didn't end well for her ex-cop boyfriend.

Women's Interests



Get the best of NRA Women delivered to your inbox.