MAURICIO GOMES
The Godfather of British Jiu Jitsu
Mauricio has been immersed in Jiu Jitsu for over 60 years and as a teenager began training with the legendary Rolls Gracie. Under Rolls' guidance, he became a highly successful competitor and won the absolute division of the Rio de Janeiro State Championships in 1981. Shortly after this victory Rolls would award Mauricio his black belt. Mauricio continued training with Rolls until his tragic death in 1982.
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Through his close ties with the Gracie family, Mauricio met Reila Gracie, the daughter of Carlos Gracie Sr. The two married and, although their relationship didn't last, they had a son, Roger Gracie. Roger would go on to become a ten-time World Champion and an accomplished MMA Champion. He is widely recognized as being the greatest Jiu Jitsu competitor of all time.
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In the late 1990s, Mauricio came to the UK and established the very first Gracie Barra gym. Through his teaching, many new gyms would open and as a result, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu has become the fastest growing martial art in the UK.
"In Jiu Jitsu you meet so many different people and Jiu Jitsu is a very, very simple situation. You know, everybody is naked under that gi. There is no wallets there. You don't know what the guy does, or how much money he has in the bank. All that counts is what he has in his heart and the knowledge he has in his mind. That's all."
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- Mauricio Gomes
Lineage: Carlos Gracie > Hélio Gracie > Rolls Gracie > Maurício Gomes
