Regardless of the discipline, evolution will eventually change the landscape of how we see it. Naturally, the driving forces behind the ever-changing face of the world’s greatest martial arts are the pioneers and prodigious minds that push the boundaries of what can and cannot be done. In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), the Mendes Bros have been incredible instigators for change.
Luckily for BJJ enthusiasts everywhere, these inspirational brothers are heading to Evolve MMA for the Mendes Bros 2019 World Super Camp between September 16-20, 2019. This Super Camp is absolutely unmissable for BJJ practitioners of all levels, so make sure to sign up for the Mendes Bros 2019 World Super Camp.
For those of you who aren’t complete Mendes Bros fanatics by now, read on. Today, we will look at the marks that both Rafael and Guilherme Mendes have made on the game and how they continue to change BJJ for the better.
The Mendes Style
From the early stages of their development, it was clear that both Rafael and Gui Mendes had something special.
It was also apparent that they were the lightest competitors in their academy. Unlike others who might have perceived their shortcomings in size and weight as weaknesses, the brothers used their light frames to their advantage. Both Rafael and Gui worked hard to develop a style that was aimed at taking the back rather than working through phases. As they were too small to dominate on top, this was a smart way to approach the situation.
As the brothers would frequently roll with much heavier training partners – who, quite often were adults and considerably stronger – they had to look past pinning opponents in favor of establishing necessary control. It might sound simple enough, but the young Mendes brothers were nothing short of fanatical in developing their trademark style.
The hard work and dedication put in through thousands of hours of practice would catapult the brothers to worldwide respect and admiration. Their stylistic nous and incredible BJJ IQs led to the creation of many of the key aspects we now know as modern BJJ.
And as for the results? Well, both brothers have done exceptionally well in competitive BJJ and have numerous awards and honors to show for their achievements.
Let’s take a look at both Rafael and Gui in a little more detail.
Rafael Mendes
Rafael Mendes was born on June 20, 1989 in Rio Claro, São Paulo, Brazil.
He is a 3rd-degree black belt in BJJ under Ramon Lemos and has been competing since 2001.
Rafael no longer competes but has now dedicated himself to training others through the world-famous The Art of Jiu-Jitsu Academy.
Key Achievements
World Championship
2009: Bronze medal – third place – California, USA -70kg
2010: Gold medal – first place – California, USA -70kg
2011: Gold medal – first place – California, USA -70kg
2012: Gold medal – first place – California, USA -70kg
2013: Silver medal – second place – California, USA -70kg
2014: Gold medal – first place – California, USA -70kg
2015: Gold medal – first place – California, USA -70kg
2016: Gold medal – first place – California, USA -70kg
Pan American Championship
2012: Gold medal – first place – California, USA -70kg
2013: Gold medal – first place – California, USA -70kg
Brazilian Nationals
2010: Gold medal – first place – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil -70 kg
World Cup
2009: Gold medal – first place – Abu Dhabi, UAE -65kg
2010: Gold medal – first place – Abu Dhabi, UAE -65kg
2011: Silver medal – second place – Abu Dhabi, UAE -65kg
No-Gi World Cup
2011: Gold medal – first place – Abu Dhabi, UAE -65kg
2011: Silver medal – second place – Abu Dhabi, UAE Absolute
San Francisco International Open
2013: Gold medal – first place – California, USA -70kg
Gui Mendes
Guilherme Mendes was born in 1988 in Rio Claro, São Paulo, Brazil.
He is also a 3rd-degree black belt in BJJ under Ramon Lemos.
Guilherme retired from competition at 26. Like his brother, he also dedicated himself to training others through the world-famous The Art of Jiu-Jitsu Academy.
Key Achievements
World Championship
2009: Gold medal – first place – California, USA -64kg
2011: Gold medal – first place – California, USA -64kg
2012: Gold medal – first place – California, USA -64kg
2014: Gold medal – first place – California, USA -64kg
Pan American Championship
2012: Silver medal – second place – California, USA -64kg
2013: Gold medal – first place – California, USA -64kg
Brazilian National Championship
2010: Gold medal – first place – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil -64 kg
San Francisco International Open
2013: Silver medal – second place – California, USA -70kg
Why You Can’t Miss the Mendes Bros Super Camp
If you are looking to increase your understanding of BJJ and unlock the maximum capabilities of your game, you need to learn from the best. When it comes to incredibly valuable lessons, the Mendes brothers are proven teachers with superb track records.
From The Art of Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Costa Mesa, California, Rafael and Gui are furthering their knowledge. They are creating the next crop of high-level achievers in grappling with a view to revolutionizing BJJ. Given that they have a combined 10 world titles between them – and a list of achievements as long as a summer’s day – they are the type of world-class teachers you should be learning from.
With experience at the highest level, the Mendes brothers have shown to be expert problem solvers. Providing this knowledge on to those looking to reach the highest level themselves, you can see their efforts as like passing a rope down from a roof to help you climb up a few levels.
If you need any convincing of the quality of the Mendes brothers’ teaching skills, all you have to do is look at the quality of their students. The brothers continue to push the envelope in jiu-jitsu, revolutionizing the way practitioners approach the sport. As such, their growing academy continues to churn out high-quality practitioners that will help dominate BJJ in years to come.
You really cannot afford to miss this Mendes Bros 2019 World Super Camp, so make sure to book your place now. This camp will sell out very quickly, so move fast to avoid disappointment.