THE MAN BEHIND THE LEGEND
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.
MAIN CHIEVEMENTS
- 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)
- 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
59 SUBMISSIONS WINS
ARMBAR – 19
WRISTLOCK – 4
TRIANGLE ARMBAR – 3
BOW AND ARROW – 2
CROSS CHOKE – 1
CHOKE FROM BACK- 13
TRIANGLE – 3
CHOKE – 3
ANACONDA – 1
RNC – 4
BRABO CHOKE – 3
KIMURA – 2
INVERTED TRIANGLE – 1
CLASSES WITH RAFAEL
