Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Team History, Fighter Stats, Biographies and News

BJJ Fanatics Instructionals
BJJ Fanatics Instructionals

Rafael Mendes

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Craig Jones Instructionals

Rafael Mendes, also known as Rafa Mendes, is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) black belt world champion under the illustrious coach Ramon Lemos and a former member of the Atos Jiu-Jitsu Academy. Considered a grappling phenom since his teenage years and acclaimed as “The King of the Featherweight Division” by many grappling enthusiasts, Rafael was also one of the competitors who brought recognition to the 50-50 guard and the berimbolo, positions he used to de-throne the former 4x world champion Rubens Charles. Rafael Mendes is also the brother of another Jiu-Jitsu World Champion – Guilherme Mendes and co-founder of the Art Of Jiu-Jitsu Academy in California. On the 31st of May 2015, at the 20th World Jiu-Jitsu Championship, Rafael Mendes broke the record of featherweight world titles set by Royler Gracie in 1999, with his 5th win at black belt. He increased his world title tally to 6 the following year.

Rafael Mendes Jiu Jitsu

Rafael Mendes: Rafael Mendes Godoy

Nickname: “Rafa” which is short for Rafael.

Lineage: Carlos Gracie > Carlson Gracie > Andre Pederneiras > Ramon Lemos > Rafael Mendes

Main Achievements:

  • 1st Place IBJJF World Championship (2010 / 2011 / 2012 / 2014 / 2015 / 2016)
  • 1st Place ADCC World Championship (2009 / 2011)
  • 1st Place IBJJF Pans Championship (2012 / 2011)
  • 1st Place IBJJF European Open (2014 / 2010 / 2009)
  • 1st Place UAEJJF Abu Dhabi Pro (2010 / 2009)
  • 1st Place CBJJ Brazilian Nationals (2010)
  • 2nd Place IBJJF World Championship (2013)
  • 2nd Place ADCC World Championship (2013)
  • 2nd Place UAEJJF Abu Dhabi Pro (2011)

Main Achievements (Colored Belts):

  • 1st Place IBJJF World Championship (2006*** blue, 2007*** purple, 2008*** brown)
  • 1st Place CBJJ Brazilian Nationals (2006*** blue, 2007*** purple)

* Absolute
** Weight and absolute
*** Closed final with teammate

Favorite technique: Leg-Drag Guard Pass, Berimbolo & 50-50 Guard

Weight Division: Peso Pena (70,00 kg / 154.5 lbs)

Affiliation/Team: Art Of Jiu-Jitsu (AOJ).

Rafael Mendes Biography

Rafael was born on the 20th of June, 1989 in Rio Claro, a city in the state of Sao Paulo, Brazil. Rafael and Guilherme Mendes, his brother, started their jiu-jitsu training through an older cousin named Thiago Mendes, who was a purple belt under Leonardo Santos. After only a few months of training, cousin Thiago recognized the potential both Mendes had and took them to train at the academy headquarters with his coach, Santos.

The team was led by both Leonardo and Ramon Lemos – the man who would later become Atos’ team leader. Being just 13 years old, but already incredibly gifted Rafael and his brother picked up all the techniques with amazing ease and started dedicating themselves to BJJ almost full time, training at least two times per day.

It was also around this time that the Mendes’s parents split, leaving both brothers without a fatherly figure on a daily basis. Guilherme and Rafael have reported to the media on several occasions of how their coach Ramon Lemos filled most of that void, teaching them not only grappling but the moral values with which they built their characters.

At the age of 17, having never competed in a no-gi (no-kimono) competition before, Ramon Lemos enrolled the purple belt Rafael in the ADCC Brazilian Trials, one of the hardest submission-wrestling events in the country. Rafael made it to the final of the trials losing in a hard match against Bruno Frazatto (who would later become his friend and teammate at Atos).

Rafael was an amazing BJJ student winning all World Championships from blue belt all the way to brown in consecutive years, achieving the bronze medal in his first year as a black belt (2009) and winning his first world gold medal as a black belt in 2010.

Ramon Lemos awarded Rafael his black belt in late 2008, the young Mendes did not shy away from the task at hand, and almost immediately started paving his road with success. Rafael won the Jiu-Jitsu World Pro Abu Dhabi Cup, one of the top competitions in the world, winning a gold medal also at the ADCC finals.

After a truly remarkable career where he broke records and became widely recognized as the best grappler of his generation, Rafael Mendes chose to retire to focus on his family and his work as a coach at the Art of Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Costa Mesa, California. Mendes was still in his mid-20s when he made that decision, having not reached his full physical maturity.

The banner picture was taken by Ross Finlayson.

Rafael Mendes Grappling Record

93 WINS
  • BY POINTS
    26 (28%)
  • BY ADVANTAGES
    5 (5%)
  • BY SUBMISSION
    59 (63%)
  • BY DECISION
    2 (2%)
  • BY PENALTIES
    1 (1%)
  • BY DQ
    0 (0%)

59 SUBMISSIONS WINS

#214eb8
Armbar
32
19
#86e620
Choke from back
22
13
#5AD3D1
RNC
7
4
#d1212a
Wristlock
7
4
#fad11b
Choke
5
3
#f58822
Triangle
5
3
#224aba
Brabo choke
5
3
#ff9124
Triangle armbar
5
3
#bf1f6c
Bow and arrow
3
2
#22c9a5
Kimura
3
2
#fad223
Anaconda
2
1
#03861f
Inverted triangle
2
1
#039a1f
Cross choke
2
1
59
(100%) SUBMISSIONS
7 LOSSES
  • BY POINTS
    1 (14%)
  • BY ADVANTAGES
    1 (14%)
  • BY SUBMISSION
    0 (0%)
  • BY DECISION
    4 (57%)
  • BY PENALTIES
    0 (0%)
  • BY DQ
    1 (14%)

0 SUBMISSION LOSSES

Rafael Mendes Fight History

ID Opponent W/L Method Competition Weight Stage Year
2076Rubens CharlesRubens CharlesLPointsCapital Challenge70KGF2008
2155Rubens CharlesRubens CharlesLDQPan American70KGSF2009
2329Rubens CharlesRubens CharlesLReferee DecisionWorld Champ.70KGSF2009
2909Augusto MendesAugusto MendesLReferee DecisionWorld Pro.65KGF2011
2950Rodolfo VieiraRodolfo VieiraLReferee DecisionWorld P. NoGiABSF2011
4787Augusto MendesAugusto MendesLPts: 2x2, AdvWorld Champ.70KGF2013
4990Rubens CharlesRubens CharlesLReferee DecisionADCC66KGF2013
5278Clark GracieClark GracieD---Metamoris 3ABSSPF2014
2073Michael ReynaWChokeCapital Challenge70KG4F2008
2075Mario ReisMario ReisWPointsCapital Challenge70KGSF2008
2099Katsuya ToidaWRNCDeep X IIINASPF2009
2132Van BaardewijkWTriangleWorld Pro.65KGR12009
2134Robson MouraRobson MouraWPointsWorld Pro.65KG4F2009
2137Renato TavaresRenato TavaresWPts: 6x0World Pro.65KGSF2009
2138Rubens CharlesRubens CharlesWPointsWorld Pro.65KGF2009
2151Rodrigo RanieriRodrigo RanieriWPts: 14x6Pan American70KG4F2009
2234Jayson PatinoWTriangleADCC66KGR12009
2238Justin RaderJustin RaderWAnacondaADCC66KG4F2009
2240Leonardo VieiraLeonardo VieiraWRNCADCC66KGSF2009
2242Rubens CharlesRubens CharlesWPointsADCC66KGF2009
2326Carlos LemosCarlos LemosWPts: 4x0World Champ.70KG4F2009
2485Wellington DiasWellington DiasWArmbarEuropean70KGSF2010
2486Renan BorgesWPts: 2x0European70KGF2010
2505Denilson PimentaDenilson PimentaWPts: 2x0WPC SD trials65KGSF2010
2513Denilson PimentaDenilson PimentaWChoke from backWPC Gr Trials65KGSF2010
2515Theodoro CanalTheodoro CanalWChoke from backWPC Gr Trials65KGF2010
2637Guilherme MendesGuilherme MendesWPts: 4x2World Pro.65KGF2010
2651Rubens CharlesRubens CharlesWPts: 4x2Brasileiro70KGF2010
2670Ryan HallRyan HallWPts: 5x2World Champ.70KGR12010
2671Gustavo CaprioWChoke from backWorld Champ.70KGR22010
2677Daisuke NakamuraDaisuke NakamuraWArmbarWorld Champ.70KG4F2010
2679Denilson PimentaDenilson PimentaWChoke from backWorld Champ.70KGSF2010
2680Rubens CharlesRubens CharlesWPts: 4x4, AdvWorld Champ.70KGF2010
2901Marcelino FreitasMarcelino FreitasWBrabo chokeWorld Pro.65KGR12011
2905Gustavo FalciroliWChoke from backWorld Pro.65KG4F2011
2907Bruno MalfacineBruno MalfacineWPts: 7x0World Pro.65KGSF2011
2949Gilmar OliveiraWPointsWorld P. NoGiABS4F2011
3011Daisuke NakamuraDaisuke NakamuraWChokeWorld Champ.70KGRDS2011
3023Justin RaderJustin RaderWChokeWorld Champ.70KGRDS2011
3108Leo SaggioroLeo SaggioroWInverted triangleWorld Champ.70KG4F2011
3136Mario ReisMario ReisWPts: 4x2World Champ.70KGSF2011
3149Augusto MendesAugusto MendesWPts: 4x4, AdvWorld Champ.70KGF2011
3220Bruno FrazattoBruno FrazattoWPts: 6x0ADCC66KGR12011
3260Justin RaderJustin RaderWRNCADCC66KG4F2011
3281Robson MouraRobson MouraWPointsADCC66KGSF2011
3295Rubens CharlesRubens CharlesWPenADCC66KGF2011
3586Andre MonteiroAndre MonteiroWArmbarPan American70KG4F2012
3587Justin RaderJustin RaderWTrianglePan American70KG4F2012
3591Mario ReisMario ReisWWristlockPan American70KGSF2012
3593Rubens CharlesRubens CharlesWArmbarPan American70KGF2012
3966Sandro BatataWBrabo chokeWorld Champ.70KGR22012
3978Cristiano RenatoWKimuraWorld Champ.70KGR32012
3985Takayuki KoyamaWChoke from backWorld Champ.70KG4F2012
3989Mario ReisMario ReisWPts: 2x0World Champ.70KGSF2012
3991Rubens CharlesRubens CharlesWReferee DecisionWorld Champ.70KGF2012
4172Andre MonteiroAndre MonteiroWBrabo chokeHouston Open70KGF2012
4553Renato VieiraWArmbarPan American70KG4F2013
4555Mario ReisMario ReisWPts: 2x0Pan American70KGSF2013
4556Rubens CharlesRubens CharlesWReferee DecisionPan American70KGF2013
4784Mayko BorgesWArmbarWorld Champ.70KG4F2013
4785Mario ReisMario ReisWAdvWorld Champ.70KGSF2013
4976Y. TakahitoWKimuraADCC66KGR12013
4985Tetsu SuzukiWArmbarADCC66KG4F2013
4987Joao MiyaoJoao MiyaoWPts: 2x0ADCC66KGSF2013
5141Geoffrey VillarealWArmbarSF Open70KGSF2013
5150Gustavo CarpioWWristlockHouston Open70KGSF2013
5156UnknownWTriangle armbarRickson Cup70KG4F2013
5157UnknownWArmbarRickson Cup70KGSF2013
5158UnknownWArmbarRickson Cup70KGF2013
5249Gianni GrippoGianni GrippoWPts: 5x0European70KGSF2014
5251Paulo MiyaoPaulo MiyaoWPts: 3x0European70KGF2014
5756Tumas KristenWChoke from backWorld Champ.70KGRDS2014
5759Nicollas AraujoWChoke from backWorld Champ.70KGRDS2014
5769Gianni GrippoGianni GrippoWChoke from backWorld Champ.70KG4F2014
5772Mario ReisMario ReisWChoke from backWorld Champ.70KGSF2014
5774Rubens CharlesRubens CharlesWPts: 10x8World Champ.70KGF2014
6223Yagi VicenteWTriangle armbarRickson Cup70KGR12014
6224Tsukada IchitaroWWristlockRickson Cup70KGR22014
6225Hirao YutoWCross chokeRickson Cup70KG4F2014
6226Okamoto YujiWArmbarRickson Cup70KGSF2014
6231Charles GasparWBow and arrowRickson CupABSSF2014
6657Osvaldo MoizinhoOsvaldo MoizinhoWChoke from backBerkut OpenABSSPF2015
6663Osvaldo MoizinhoOsvaldo MoizinhoWRNCBerkut Open NoGiABSSPF2015
7420Andre MonteiroAndre MonteiroWBow and arrowWorld Champ.70KG8F2015
7429Phillipe D. MonicaWChoke from backWorld Champ.70Kg4F2015
7430Mario ReisMario ReisWWristlockWorld Champ.70KGSF2015
7431Rubens CharlesRubens CharlesWPts: 6x0World Champ.70KGF2015
7588UnknownWArmbarBullterrier Cup70KG4F2015
7589UnknownWArmbarBullterrier Cup70KGSF2015
7590UnknownWArmbarBullterrier Cup70KGF2015
7591UnknownWArmbarBullterrier CupABS4F2015
7594Anderson TakahashiWArmbarBullterrier CupABSSF2015
9693Brian StuebnerWArmbarSan Antonio Open70KG4F2016
9695Isaac DoederleinIsaac DoederleinWPts: 0x0, AdvSan Antonio Open70KGSF2016
9696Gabriel MarangoniGabriel MarangoniWPts: 12x0San Antonio Open70KGF2016
9871Vitor PaschoalWArmbarLas Vegas Open70KGSF2016
9872Samir ChantreSamir ChantreWArmbarLas Vegas Open70KGF2016
9951Ichitaro TsukadaWChoke from backWorld Champ.70KGR22016
9959Leo SaggioroLeo SaggioroWPts: 6x0World Champ.70KG4F2016
9961Osvaldo MoizinhoOsvaldo MoizinhoWTriangle armbarWorld Champ.70KGSF2016
9963Marcio AndreMarcio AndreWPts: 10x10, AdvWorld Champ.70KGF2016

Rafael Mendes vs Cobrinha

Rafael Mendes vs Justin Rader

Rafael Mendes vs Gustavo Falciroli

Rafael Mendes Berimbolo Highlight by the Jiu Jitsu Lab

Rafael Mendes Highlight

 

Roberto Jimenez BJJ Attacking The Back

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