Maurício Motta Gomes, known as the "Godfather of British Jiu-Jitsu", is one of the most influential figures in the history of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). A direct disciple of the legendary Rolls Gracie, he is one of the few men personally awarded a black belt by Rolls before his tragic passing in 1982. Throughout his career, Maurício has dedicated himself to spreading BJJ worldwide, particularly in the United Kingdom, where he laid the foundation for its now-thriving community.
Beyond his own achievements, he is also the father and mentor of Roger Gracie, a 10-time world champion widely considered one of the greatest BJJ competitors of all time.
Early Life and Introduction to Jiu-Jitsu
Maurício was born on July 25, 1955, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Like many Brazilian children of his era, he was introduced to martial arts at a young age. His father, a brown belt in Jiu-Jitsu under the esteemed João Alberto Barreto, encouraged him to train, recognising the value of self-defence and discipline.
Maurício’s first exposure to Jiu-Jitsu came at Barreto's academy, where he began training as a child. This early introduction laid the foundation for his lifelong commitment to the sport. However, it was in the 1970s that he truly immersed himself in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and its competitive scene.
Training Under Rolls Gracie
In the mid-1970s, Maurício became a student of Rolls Gracie, one of the most revolutionary figures in BJJ history. Rolls was known for his innovative approach, integrating elements of Greco-Roman wrestling, judo, and sambo into his Jiu-Jitsu. Training under Rolls was an intense and demanding experience, but it pushed Maurício to become a formidable competitor.
Maurício quickly gained recognition for his skills on the mat, winning numerous championships in Brazil. His dedication and technical prowess earned him the black belt in 1981, personally awarded by Rolls Gracie—a rare and prestigious honour.
Unfortunately, in 1982, tragedy struck when Rolls Gracie died in a hang-gliding accident. His death sent shockwaves through the BJJ community, leaving many of his students without a leader. However, Maurício and other top students, such as Romero "Jacaré" Cavalcanti and Marcio Stambowsky, continued carrying Rolls' teachings forward, ensuring his legacy lived on.
Marriage to Reila Gracie and Roger Gracie’s Birth
While in Rio, Maurício became deeply connected to the Gracie family outside of training. He married Reila Gracie, the daughter of Carlos Gracie Sr., the founder of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
In 1981, their son, Roger Gracie, was born. Under his father’s guidance, he would begin formal training and go on to become one of the most accomplished BJJ competitors in history.
Expanding Jiu-Jitsu Beyond Brazil
After years of competing and training in Brazil, Maurício turned his focus to spreading Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu internationally. In the late 1990s, BJJ was still relatively unknown outside of Brazil and the United States, but Maurício saw its potential to grow.
Bringing BJJ to the UK
In 1998, Maurício relocated to the United Kingdom, where BJJ was virtually non-existent. Unlike Brazil, where Jiu-Jitsu academies were abundant, the UK had no established infrastructure for the sport. Maurício took on the challenge of building the British BJJ scene from the ground up.
He began teaching classes and seminars across the UK, helping to establish some of the country’s first BJJ academies. His expertise and reputation as a Rolls Gracie black belt attracted students eager to learn authentic Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Many of today’s top British BJJ competitors and instructors can trace their lineage directly back to him.
Teaching in Japan
As part of his mission to expand Jiu-Jitsu worldwide, Maurício also spent time teaching in Japan, a country with a rich martial arts heritage. While Judo and traditional Japanese Jiu-Jitsu had long been practised there, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu was still emerging as a distinct discipline. Maurício conducted seminars and workshops, introducing Japanese practitioners to the fundamentals and concepts of modern BJJ. His teachings helped bridge the gap between the traditional Japanese grappling arts and the more dynamic, competitive approach of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. His presence in Japan further contributed to the global spread of BJJ, inspiring many practitioners to explore and embrace this evolving martial art.
Roger Gracie’s Rise to Stardom
While building BJJ in the UK, Maurício also played a crucial role in shaping his son’s career. Roger Gracie, initially training under his father, showed immense potential. Roger moved to Brazil to train with the Gracie Barra team as a teenager, refining his skills under his uncles Carlos Gracie Jr., Renzo Gracie and Rilion Gracie.
Under Maurício’s guidance, Roger became a dominant force in BJJ, winning 10 IBJJF World Championships at black belt—an achievement unmatched in the sport. His victories helped solidify the effectiveness of traditional Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and he carried on his father’s legacy of excellence.
Later Career and Legacy
As one of the most respected figures in BJJ, Maurício has continued teaching and spreading the art worldwide. He has conducted seminars in Europe, the United States, Japan, and Brazil, sharing the knowledge passed down from Rolls Gracie.
In 2017, Maurício was promoted to 8th-degree coral belt, a prestigious rank that recognises over 38 years of black belt experience. His dedication to keeping Jiu-Jitsu pure and maintaining the traditions of the art remains at the core of his teaching philosophy.
Maurício has emphasised the importance of self-defence and fundamentals, ensuring that modern sport Jiu-Jitsu does not lose its martial roots. His students describe him as a deeply passionate teacher who always reinforces the principles that make jiu-jitsu effective.
The Story Continues
Maurício Gomes' life and career are a testament to dedication, perseverance and passion for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. From his early days training under Rolls Gracie to pioneering BJJ in the United Kingdom and beyond, his impact on the sport is immeasurable.
As one of the few men to receive a black belt from Rolls Gracie, he embodies the legacy of old-school Jiu-Jitsu, while adapting to the modern era. His contributions have shaped countless practitioners, ensuring that Jiu-Jitsu remains both an art of self-defence and a competitive sport.
With over five decades in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Maurício Gomes’ legacy will continue to inspire new generations of grapplers worldwide.