Waldemar Santana was one of the biggest names in the jiu jitsu/grappling and vale-tudo (no holds barred) Brazilian circuit during the 1950's decade. Originally a student of Helio Gracie at the Gracie Academy, Waldermar would later turn against his former instructor and become a bitter rival of the team, fighting Helio Gracie in 1955, in the longest no holds barred fight ever recorded (almost 3 hours) when he defeated the iconic member of the Gracie family. Santana would also fight Carlson Gracie on 3 occasions.