Crowned in 2009 as the youngest champion in ADCC history, Berimbolos, Leg Drags and 50/50s are just a few of the terms that Rafa Mendes has made common place with his dominance of the featherweight divisions. This young competitor and protégé of Ramon Lemos has proven himself to be one of the most exciting athletes in modern Jiu-Jitsu.

He and his brother Guilherme have inspired both a new and old generation of athletes with their incredible performance and innovative use of techniques. The Mendes Brothers, began training jiu jitsu about 10 years ago, in Rio Claro, a very small town located in Sao Paulo, Brazil. His cousin Thiago Mendes, who is now a personal trainer and black belt, was responsible for bringing the brothers to martial arts, it was with their cousin where they learned their first steps.

With the arrival of coach Ramon Lemos in the city, they started a great friendship, the brothers always trained with the goal of being champion, not only in jiu jitsu, but champions in life! With much perseverance and dedication the dream became reality, Rafael and Guilherme Mendes won the major championships, such as World championship, Pan Ams, European championship , Brazilian Nationals and the famous ADCC Tournament created by Sheikh Tahnoon Bin Zayed from Abu Dhabi.