Grandmaster Helio Gracie died in his sleep January 29, 2009 in Itaipava, Rio de Janeiro of natural causes. His last words were: "I created a flag from the art's dignity. I oversee the name of my family with affection and nerves of blood". Helio was able to utilize the same Jiu-Jitsu techniques which he helped to develop until his death at the age of 95. Helio's quest became today's Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, a martial art that is continuously evolving as a result of input from practitioners throughout the world.