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Pedro Hemetério de Araújo (1923 – 2009) was a Brazilian jiu-jitsu pioneer and one of the sport's top fighters in the 1940s and 1950s, during the Carlson Gracie era. He was the first non-Gracie to be awarded the rank of red belt in BJJ.

Biography
Pedro Hemetério was born and raised in the remote state of Ceará, Brazil, where he begane training in a three-month intensive course sponsored by the Clube Praia Leme, a local club interested in jiu-jitsu. Hemetério was the only student who completed the course, and his talent caught the attention of Carlos Gracie, who was in Fortaleza at the time teaching jiu-jitsu to the police force. Gracie offered Hemetério half of his salary to become his right-hand man, and Hemetério's parents allowed him to continue studying jiu-jitsu.

Hemetério trained with the Gracie family in Rio de Janeiro for four years, during which he defeated George Gracie, who had left the Gracie academy to form his own, resulting in a somewhat bitter relationship with Carlos and Helio Gracie. Hemetério eventually became one of the most respected jiu-jitsu masters of all time, receiving the honor of being the first Gracie student to achieve the rank of red belt (9th degree). He also played a major role in helping to make jiu-jitsu an organized sport in São Paulo, instrumental in the formation of the first São Paulo jiu-jitsu federation (FPJJ).

Hemetério passed away on October 11, 2009, after a prolonged illness of the myocardium.

Instructor lineage
Kano Jigoro → Tomita Tsunejiro → Mitsuyo "Count Koma" Maeda → Carlos Gracie → Helio Gracie → Pedro Hemetério de Araújo

Legacy
Pedro Hemetério was a key figure in the development of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and was instrumental in its spread and growth in São Paulo. He remains an inspiration to many in the jiu-jitsu community and is remembered for his accomplishments and contributions to the sport.