The founder of the first Gracie Barra franchise in the United Kingdom, Gomes has been training and teaching BJJ for over 50 years, one of only six people promoted to black belt by legendary Rolls Gracie.
10 Facts About Mauricio Gomes
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Mauricio Gomes is the father of Roger Gracie, one of the most accomplished jiu-jitsu competitors of all time.
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Mauricio Motta Gomes started training Brazilian jiu-jitsu aged four, after his father, a BJJ brown belt, took him to classes at Joao Alberto Barreto's academy.
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Mauricio Gomes continued training with Gracie until his tragic death in 1982.
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Mauricio Gomes opened the first Gracie Barra school in 1997 in Tokyo and was the first Brazilian to be invited to Japan to teach.
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Mauricio Gomes set up Gracie Barra UK, teaching in Birmingham, London, Edinburgh and Belfast.
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Mauricio Gomes brought over Felipe Souza, Braulio Estima, and his son Roger Gracie to help with the teaching in England.
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In 2000 Mauricio Gomes was invited to lead the BJJ class at the Budokwai in London.
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In 2005 Mauricio Gomes promoted his first UK students to black belt Jude Samuel, the first home-grown British black belt, Rick Young, and Marc Walder.
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In 2002 together with his son, Mauricio Gomes established the first Gracie Barra Jiu Jitsu School in Shanghai, China.