Maurício Motta Gomes- 8th Degree Coral Belt

1. Maurício Motta Gome Details

2. Maurício Motta Gome Biography

Mauricio Gomes, known as Mauriço, a well-known Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitor who competed in the 1970s and 1980s. He was awarded a Black Belt by the late Rolls Gracie, a legendary figure in this Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu art. Mauricio was one of the six people who was promoted to the Black Belt by the great Rolls Gracie. In addition to his extensive collection of sporting victories, Mauricio founded the first Gracie Barra franchise in Mauricienne. One of the first academies to be built on British territory.

“I have been on so many different mats all over the world. That amazes me sometimes looking back.”
(Maurício Motta Gome)

2.1. Mauricio’s Early Life

Mauricio was born on 25 July 1955 in Brazil. He is not only the father of Jiu-Jitsu Champion Roger Gracie but also the son of the BJJ Champion.

2.2. Started Jiu-Jitsu Training

Mauricio was only a four-year kid when his father took him to Joao Alberto Barreto’s academy. Mauricio's interest developed in BJJ from early childhood and later became his passion, leading him to a prominent place in the BJJ world. The master of Joao Alberto academy started to pay attention to his psychology career, and as a result, his team found other coaches to pursue their BJJ journey.

2.3. Joined Roll Gracie Academy

As Mauricio’s eagerness to excel in the Jiu-Jitsu arena never faded. Marcio Stambowsky, one of Mauricio's closest friends and a legendary BJJ figure, was also training with Rolls Gracie at that time. Both are among the group known as the “Famous Five”. He described the high caliber of Rolls Gracie’s lessons, his friendship, and the top-notch services.

In 1977, it was a golden opportunity for Gomes to join the Roll’s team. He enrolled in Rolls’ academy and from there his bright era of grappling started.

2.4. Met With Reila Gracie

Due to his passion for BJJ, Mauricio has developed strong relationships with the Gracie family. These close terms open the path of Mauricio’s meeting with the sister of Rolls and daughter of Carlos Gracie Sr, Reila Gracie. They both got married in 1979 and gave the BJJ world an accomplished grappler of all time. Marcio and Reila’s son Roger Gracie.

2.5. Mauricio’s Divorced

After years of relationship, Reila, and Mauricio Gomes ended their relationship. Gomes married a Brown Belt Champion Natalie after divorcing Reila Gracie and they are living a happy life in the UK.

2.6. Rio de Janeiro State Championships

The guidance of Rolls Gracie made Mauricio an elite well-rounded BJJ competitor. He won the Rio de Janeiro State Championships in 1981 in the absolute division among many other championships. Rolls awarded him a Black Belt after his great victory in November 1981. In 1982, the tragedy of legendary Rolls Gracie’s death impacted all of his student’s BJJ practice, career, and most importantly motivation. 

2.7. BJJ Coaching in Japan

After the death of his mentor, Mauricio spent a brief period instructing in the Meidaimae district of Tokyo, Japan. Gomes opened a Gracie Barra franchise in Tokyo. Initially, he struggled to properly explain the details of Jiu-Jitsu to enthusiastic Japanese students due to the language barrier.

2.8. Moved to England

In 1998, Mauricio shifted to Egland and set up his first Gracie Barra Academy in the UK. He taught BJJ classes in Birmingham, London, Edinburgh, and Belfast. Mauricio is credited with producing many big BJJ champions such as Braulio Estima, Roger Gracie, Felipe Souza, Carlos Lemos, Victor Estima, and Lucio Rodrigues. Currently, Braulio Estima is the main coach at the Gracie Barra academy Birmingham. 

2.9. Jiu-Jitsu School in China

In 2002, Gomes established his Jiu-Jitsu School in Shanghai-China with the collaboration of Felipe Souza and Roger Gracie. BJJ Black Belt Champion Felipe Souze taught Jiu-Jitsu classes for six weeks in China after the academy's inauguration. Then in 2004, he went to china to give Jiu-Jitsu training and stayed there for 4 weeks.

2.10. Coaching at Roger’s Academy

After returning from London, Mauricio started coaching at Roger Gracie Jiu-Jitsu academy, which was opened by his son.

2.11. Promoted His Students To Black Belt

In 2005, Mauricio first promoted his students to Black Belt. Rick Young, Marc Walder, and Jude Samuel were also among the early Black Belt receivers.

3. Achievements of Mauricio

• Rio de Janeiro State Champion (1981 absolute)
• 1998 - Entered the last championship as a Black Belt (Pan American and won Gold).

4. Mauricio’s Black Belt Students

Mauricio Gomes promoted many elite BJJ grapplers to the Black Belt level.

• Jude Samuel: Promoted in October 2005
• Marc Walder Promoted in October 2005
• Rick Young Promoted in October 2005
• Kevin Chan Promoted in February 2008

5. Jiu-Jitsu Techniques by Mauricio Motta Gomes

6. Famous Fight Links of Mauricio Motta Gomes

Photo credit: @mauriciogomes.bjj , @rogergracie