Master Maurico Gomes joins the show to talk about the early competition scene in Brazil, longevity in the art and Jiu-Jitsu’s customizable nature. He also covers the blue belt blues, athleticism and rolling with his son, Roger Gracie. Click “read more” for show notes! SHOW NOTES:

• Origins
• Finding Jiu-Jitsu through his father
• Living in NY / Learning English quickly
• The short supply of Jiu-Jitsu in the early days in Brazil
• Learning from Master Joao Alberto Barreto
• His first lesson with Master Rolls Gracie
• What competition did for him as a person
• His experience trying Wrestling, Sambo and Judo
• Traveling to compete
• Longevity in Jiu-Jitsu
• Advice for older practitioners rolling with younger practitioners
• Why you shouldn’t worry about rank
•  Situational training
• Developing your own style
• jiu-Jitsu’s customizable nature
• His greatest learning curve in BJJ
• Baiting your opponent and setting traps
• Rolling with Roger
• Getting through plateaus
• Blue Belt Blues
• The Pummel
• Passing Jiu-Jitsu on to the next generation
• The evolution of the sport with popularity
• Athleticism in Jiu-Jitsu
• Moving to the UK
• Challenge matches in the early days
• The Legacy program
• Advice for future and current school owners
• His legacy