Mauricio Gomes is a revered figure in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) and a direct link to the martial art’s foundational lineage. Known as one of the “Famous Five”—the first group of non-Gracie individuals to earn black belts under the legendary Rolls Gracie—Mauricio has played a vital role in spreading BJJ globally and establishing its traditions.
Early Training and Legacy:
Mauricio Gomes began his martial arts journey in Rio de Janeiro, training under Rolls Gracie, a figure credited with innovating and evolving BJJ techniques by integrating elements of judo, wrestling, and sambo. Rolls saw potential in Mauricio from the beginning, pushing him to reach the highest standards of BJJ mastery. Mauricio’s skill, dedication, and close bond with Rolls led him to be awarded his black belt in 1981. His unique approach to the art emphasizes not only technical precision but also adaptability, an ethos stemming directly from Rolls’ progressive teaching.
Pioneering BJJ in the UK:
Mauricio moved to the UK in the late 1990s, pioneering the BJJ scene and laying the groundwork for the sport’s explosive growth in Europe. With his unparalleled experience, he began teaching BJJ to students unfamiliar with the art, fostering a generation of practitioners who would go on to popularize and advance BJJ in the UK and beyond. His establishment of the Roger Gracie Academy in London, alongside his son Roger Gracie—arguably the most successful BJJ competitor in history—has been central to the spread of BJJ across the UK.
Influence as a Teacher:
Mauricio is known for his meticulous attention to detail and his ability to communicate complex techniques in accessible ways. Many of his students hold him in high regard not just for his technical skill, but also for his mentorship, humility, and encouragement, making him a beloved teacher as much as a master. His dedication to teaching the principles of BJJ has helped bridge the gap between tradition and modern evolution in the sport.
Philosophy and Contributions to BJJ:
Throughout his career, Mauricio has emphasized the importance of self-defence in BJJ, staying true to the martial art’s roots. He believes in building strong fundamentals as the foundation for any practitioner, regardless of whether they aim to compete or simply train for personal development. Mauricio’s focus on functional, realistic applications of BJJ has been instrumental in shaping many black belts who emphasize the self-defence aspect of the art, alongside competition.
Legacy and Family Impact:
Mauricio’s legacy is amplified by his son Roger Gracie, a 10-time world champion, widely regarded as one of the greatest BJJ practitioners of all time. Together, they have created a powerful lineage within the BJJ community that remains committed to excellence, tradition, and innovation. Mauricio’s impact is also felt worldwide through the network of black belts he has trained, each carrying his philosophy, skill, and dedication into their own teaching and practice.
Today, Mauricio Gomes is celebrated as a living legend in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, admired for both his technical mastery and his contribution to the global expansion of BJJ. His influence on the sport, particularly in the UK and Europe, has been profound, and his dedication to fostering community, tradition, and respect in BJJ continues to inspire practitioners around the world.
