Rafael Mendes: A Deeper Look at the Jiu-Jitsu Mastermind’s Career
Rafael Mendes, also known as “Rafa,” is a pro Brazilian grappler (Jiujiteiro) whose made a name for himself in the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). With an exceptional competition record of 88-7-1 and multiple titles to his name, Mendes is a force to be reckoned with in the BJJ community and competition Jiu-Jitsu.
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Who is Rafael Mendes?
Mendes is known for his innovative Jiu-Jitsu techniques such as the Berimbolo and the co-founding of the massively influential Art of Jiu-Jitsu academy in Costa Mesa, California. In this blog post, we’ll dive deep into Rafael Mendes’ career, achievements, his significant contributions to the sport, and feature an old school Rickson Gracie style video of Rafa Mendes teaching a seminar and then rolling with the entire Jiu-Jitsu academy and just nonstop submitting everyone with ease.
Rafael Mendes BJJ Achievements and Titles
- World Championships: Mendes has dominated many IBJJF championships, including the IBJJF World Jiu-Jitsu Championship, IBJJF Pan Jiu-Jitsu Championship, and European Jiu-Jitsu Championships. His impressive record speaks volumes about his technical mastery.
- ADCC Success: In 2011, Rafael’s performance at the ADCC World Championships set him apart from his competitors, as he won multiple bouts in the -66kgs division.
- Undefeated Seasons: Rafael had unbeaten seasons like his 9-0-0 in 2016, 6-0-0 in 2015, and 10-0-0 in 2012, showcasing his consistent brilliance.
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Rafael Mendes‘ Technical Jiu-Jitsu Innovations
Rafa’s techniques, such as Rear Naked Chokes (Mata Leão) from constantly attacking the back, Triangle Arm Bar, Wrist Locks, playing the Berimbolo technique which the Mendes Bros invented, are the hallmark of his style. These techniques have not only brought him victory but have inspired a new generation of grapplers. Cole Abate the promising new young BJJ Black Belt champion in the making.
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Rafael Mendes & Guilherme Mendes start The Art of Jiu-Jitsu Academy
Alongside his competition achievements, Mendes has left an enduring legacy by co-founding the Art of Jiu-Jitsu academy. This establishment has become a hub for aspiring martial artists to hone their skills under the guidance of a world champion. It was because of the academies needs that in 2015-2016 both of the Mendes brothers decided to retire from the competition Jiu-Jitsu scene. They had also basically won 10 world titles between them so they both decided that there was nothing more to prove, and that now they focus on developing a team. The AOJ teams rooster boasts of powerhouse grapplers consisting of Diego “Pato” Oliveira, Johnatha Alves, Cole Abate, Lucas Carvalho, Margot Ciccarelli, Tainan Dalpra, Sophia Dalpra, Pablo Lavaselli, Jhonathan Marques, Mikey Musumeci, Tye Ruotolo, Kade Ruotolo, Tammi Musumeci, Mateus Rodrigues, and Thalison Soares.
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The Mendes Bros offered a scholarship program that took 1,000 applicants and gave a youth the opportunity to train. It was called the Believe & Achieve Grappling Scholarship. If you watch the Mendes Bros matches you see Believe & Achieve on there kit (No-Gi Rashguards and Gi’s) made by RVCA. It was in the chaos of 2020 that the Mendes brothers had the pleasure of promoting their first BJJ Black Belts Jessa Khan and Tainan Dalpra. The two new black belts started at AOJ through the Believe & Achieve program and in the kid’s program. It was in 2017 that Kade Ruotolo and Tye Ruotolo switched teams from Art of Jiu-Jitsu to Atos BJJ in San Diego, under André Galvão. But the Ruotolo brothers had trained with AOJ between the ages of 10 and 14.
Rafael Mendes Key Battles in Competition Jiu-Jitsu
Some memorable grappling matches of Rafael Mendes include but are not limited to:
- Choking out T. Yokama at the 2012 World Jiu-Jitsu IBJJF Championship.
- His intense rivalry with R. Charles, whom he faced multiple times.
- An very intriguing draw against C. Gracie at Metamoris III.
Rafa Mendes rolling with entire Jiu-Jitsu Academy in South Korea is free to watch below!
Conclusion
Rafael Mendes is a name synonymous with success, innovation, and mastery in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. His record, techniques, and influence on the sport have made him an icon and an inspiration for many. Whether you’re a die-hard BJJ fan or a newcomer to the sport of grappling and competition Jiu-Jitsu, Rafael Mendes’ contribution cannot be overlooked. Thank you for reading the full article, we’d love to start a discussion with you and hear your contributions to the community we are building. We also humbly ask that you join our Community Newsletters here. We want to unite a strong community that celebrates the sport and its athletes and culture. If you want more, join the r/bjj Reddit conversation about Rafael Mendes rolling against this Jiu-Jitsu academy in South Korea in r/bjj here.
