Along with spending time with his family, Ralph frequently trains and spends time at all of his academies. He also visits his brother Renzo's academy in New York from time to time. Ralph's focus on his teachings consist of learning the techniques, executing them correctly, training and more training. He has said more than once "It is better to die than not train." His fighting style backs this theory as well as his teaching delivery.

    Ralph's 1995 American fighting debut was featured in the short-lived Battlecade Extreme Fighting events. Gracie easily won fights versus Makoto Murauko, Steve Nelson, and Ali Mihoubi, the longest of which lasted a mere minute and thirty-four seconds. Despite Gracie's obvious success, critics are now quick to point out that MMA competitions in this period were still in its infancy. It would take the competition several years to catch up to the Gracie approach to ground fighting.

    He holds a 3rd Degree Black Belt and has an amazing competitive record of 71 wins with no losses.