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Geo Omori
Japanese judoka (1898–1938) From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Jyoji Omori (大森 城司[citation needed], 大森 譲治,[2] 大森 譲次[2], Omori Jyoji; 1898 – 2 March 1938), Geo Omori or George Omori[3] as he became known in Brazil, was a Japanese-born Brazilian martial artist who is credited for being one of the creators of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.[4]
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Early life and education
Born in Tokyo, Omori joined the Kodokan school in 1907 at age 9 and gained his black belt in 1915 at age 17. He learned under Tokugoro Ito and was a training partner of the famed Sanpo Toku.[5]
Immigration and career
After moving to Brazil in 1925, he taught Jiu Jitsu and Judo in Rio de Janeiro, and in 1931 he opened a school in São Paulo in Edificio Martinelli, the first skyscraper in Brazil.[6] Omori is considered instrumental in the foundation of Brazilian jiu-jitsu by establishing the first Jujitsu school in São Paulo. He would later instruct another key Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu founder Luiz França.[7] His other students included Carlos Pereira.[4]
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Fighting career
Omori was one of the first prominent mixed martial arts competitors of his era.[8] He helped to initiate the Vale Tudo trend of the 1920s and 1930s in Brazil.[7] Geo had an extensive fight history engaging fighters of various styles including capoeira, boxing, and wrestling.[7] A 1928 issue of The New York Times highlighted one of his fights against a "negro" capoeira fighter, in which Geo Omori won.[7] He fought many members of the Gracie family including George Gracie and Carlos Gracie.[7] His feud with Carlos Gracie is well documented.[9][10]
Death
His premature death in 1938 was attributed to food poisoning.[11]
References
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