As part of a charity opportunity, Rafael Mendes has opted to sell the competition gi he wore when he recently competed and won his superfights in Chechnya.

The proceeds for the gi will go towards Kristen Gustavson, who was diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer.

The gi is a white Shoyoroll Comp Standard that has patches for Art of Jiu Jitsu Academy, Atos Jiu Jitsu, RVCA / Barry McGee & Bull Terrier Fight Gear.

You can also donate directly to Kristen here: https://www.giveforward.com/fundraiser/hbm7/-kristensjourney?utm_source=giveforward&utm_medium=share&utm_campaign=dashboard&shareid=3048862

Bid here: http://www.ebay.com/itm/261794621914

Check out the action in this highlight video:

Learn more at www.artofjiujitsu.com

Gui and Rafa preparing for Rafa’s superfight. Photo: Nick the Tooth

The Mendes brothers, Rafael and Guilherme, indulged in some more world traveling over the weekend. This time, they visited Grozny, Chechnya for an opportunity to face an opponent each, in two separate superfights in both gi and no-gi.

Rafa faced Osvaldo “Queixinho” and submitted him from the back on both days, in both fights. Gui faced a local black belt named Arbi Muradov. Gui submitted him with a baseball choke in the gi and with a toe hold in the no-gi portion.

Their response to the event and their victories:

“It was an amazing experience–first time in Russia and first time fighting under these rules. We were able to get the submission on both days in less than ten minutes and we were able to use the techniques that we have been working on. We want to thank Berkut Jiu-Jitsu and the local fans for all the amazing support and love, and special thanks to our students for sending positive messages and preparing us to face this challenge!

Now it’s time to go back to the academy and train the kids to win another Pan Kids title! OSS”

Keep an eye on the Mendes bros and their travels in the future at www.artofjiujitsu.com

Watch the videos bellow:

Gui Mendes vs Arbi Muradov – (video queued to 7hrs 15 mins)

Rafa Mendes vs Quexinho – (video queued to 7hrs 46 mins)

Gui Mendes vs Arbi Muradov – (video queued to 9hrs 51mins)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OlCpStTUDFw#t=35460

Rafa Mendes vs Quexinho – (video queued to 10hrs 27mins)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OlCpStTUDFw#t=37645

The Art of Jiu-Jitsu student base. Photo: Owen Francis Photography

Guilherme and Rafael Mendes had a great year by many standards. They both won their fourth world championship title, were entered into the IBJJF Hall of Fame, facilitated multiple championship wins by their adult and kids students, celebrated two years since GMA Art of Jiu-Jitsu Academy opened,  traveled the world to teach and compete and much more.

GRACIEMAG spoke with the duo in an end-of-year closing interview to speak about their accomplishments and goals still set.

Check it out:

GRACIEMAG: With 2014 coming to a close, can you say you accomplished all your goals?

MENDES BROS: Yes, and it’s way beyond winning the World Championship. I believe that our lives have improved a lot and it’s our main achievement, being able to support people that are with us every day, our family and students, doing what good people were doing to us when we started, supporting.

AOJ team at 2014 Kids Worlds. Photo: Owen Francis Photography

What achievements were made by the kids team at AOJ this year? What major milestones can go into the yearbook?

It’s definitely a result of team work, we can not talk about the kids program without giving credits to all our AOJ coaches. We feel blessed to have so many good people with us. The kids are amazing; in 14 years of training Jiu-Jitsu I never saw anything like it. Some academies have one, two, maybe three kids that always win tournaments. We have 60, 70 kids that always win tournaments. It’s because of the environment. Our kids are inspired by us and the coaches as we motivate them and we keep the classes fun. They love Jiu-Jitsu and the result could not be different.

Since winning the worlds for another year, both of you, can you describe what it feels like to keep winning the most prestigious title? When will you be satisfied or when will your competition results be enough?

Rafa after winning his fourth black belt world title. Photo: Ivan Trindade

It feels amazing of course, not like the first one but each one has a special taste. Being able to enter the Hall of Fame is something special, because our name will be in the history of the sport forever. Stopping competition is something hard, especially when you are as young as we are. We don’t have any special number to achieve now but we just can’t stop because we feel greater than ever.

What was the proudest moment this year as competitors? As teachers? As school owners?

As competitors it was winning Worlds, as professors we had great results with kids team winning Pan Kids, students winning Pans, Europeans & Worlds, just watching all the students improving competition after competition is something very motivational. People that could not win the first match before are becoming great competitors, world champions, and it’s a result of dedication. There is nothing more special than seeing hard work pay off.

Congratulations to our students for the discipline and focus–true champions. As school owners? I don’t see us as “school owners” but as leaders of a team, because when we grow, everybody that is with us grows together. We don’t have the boss mentality, we have the leaders mentality. We walk together, always leading by example.

Now we are in Brazil visiting our family. We come every year and spend two weeks with them. It’s good to see everybody but we already miss our AOJ family. Hope everyone has a happy holiday with many dreams to achieve in 2015, that God gives everyone the health and courage to pursue each one of these dreams.

Follow the team at www.artofjiujitsu.com and follow the brothers on Instagram @MendesBros

AOJ professors: Bruno Frazatto, Guilherme Mendes, Rafael Mendes. Photo: Nick the Tooth

As if the staff at GMA Art of Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Costa Mesa, CA wasn’t grand enough, they have added another top competitor to be a professor: Bruno Frazatto.

The Mendes brothers, Gui and Rafa, have trained with Bruno for years who is one of the top featherweight black belts in the world having won the Pan Jiu-Jitsu Championship, Brazilian Nationals, Europeans and placed second at the Worlds. His absence in the Jiu-Jitsu competition scene can be solved by diving into his MMA record of 6-1. Even though his goals are still focused towards MMA, he is looking forward to helping the students of AOJ and their professors back in his roots of Jiu-Jitsu.

We spoke with the Mendes brothers about their decision to invite him to teach and what can be expected of his role there:

GRACIEMAG: What made you decide to invite Bruno Frazatto to teach?

MENDES BROS: We have been talking about this with him for a long time because he has the profile that fits what we expect for an AOJ professor/coach. The classes are growing fast and we decided to expand our hours and add more classes. Starting on Nov. 3 we will have 14 classes a day and 10 more on the weekends.

What are his responsibilities?

He is going to be teaching gi classes at 6 a.m. and no-gi classes in the afternoon.

How far back does your relationship with him go?

When we started training together he was a black belt and we were purple belts. He was always a great training partner and always taught us a lot. He was an important part of our beginning, and the friendship that we built is something that will stay forever. He is like a brother to us and an amazing person to be around. This is the main reason we wanted him with us at AOJ.

Will he still train MMA?

Yes, he really wants to be in the UFC and he is working every day for it. I believe that we will be able to help him a lot with his training and of course he will be helping us a lot for all the competitions in Jiu-Jitsu.

What do you think he has to offer to the students of AOJ?

He is a champion in the sport, and has competition experience at the highest level. He has a lot of experience in Jiu-Jitsu as a black belt. Besides his amazing skill level he is a really friendly person and loves to teach.

We are really happy with our group of coaches/staff as they work hard for their dreams and are amazing people, and in our opinion this is the best kind of people to around yourself with.

Stay up-to-date with the Mendes brothers, Bruno Frazatto and the Art of Jiu-Jitsu Academy at www.artofjiujitsu.com

Going for the takedown. Photo: Ivan Trindade

The kids can have their fun, too, at the World Jiu-Jitsu Expo in Long Beach, CA on Oct. 18 & 19. The two-day event boasts free seminars, the IBJJF Fall Open, the Pro League and many superfights.

But the kids don’t have to sit on the sidelines through all the action. The IBJJF will host the American Nationals Kids on Saturday, Oct. 18. Kids from four years old and can sign up with brackets extending to the Teens 3 divisions for those born in 1999.

The event registration is open until Oct. 10 at 11:59 p.m. PST.

Academies in attendance include Art of Jiu-Jitsu Academy, Gracie Barra Manhattan Beach, Sandro Batata BJJ and more.

To register your child, go to http://ibjjf.org/championship/american-national-kids-jiu-jitsu-championship/

This is the first event like it where kids can also be the stars of the show in the Long Beach Convention Center.

More information can be found at http://www.worldjiujitsuexpo.com/american-national-kids-jiu-jitsu-championship/

AOJ team. Photo: Nick the Tooth

Guilherme Mendes grew up on the mat with his younger brother Rafael Mendes. The duo came from humble beginnings and now have four black belt world titles each and a booming academy near the coast in beautiful Southern California full of students following their own paths to success.

Gui as a white belt (left) and Rafa (right). Photo: Instagram @mendesbros

Now that Gui’s journey has come full circle, he can talk about the experience as a kid growing up on the mats as well as nurturing those who are growing up on his. If you’re a parent who wants to know more about putting your child into Jiu-Jitsu or you’re a kid who wants to know what to expect, this is an in-depth look at what makes Jiu-Jitsu special. It’s not like your average little league or piano lesson or ballet class. It is all those rolled into one with many opportunities for growth both physically and mentally.

Check out what Gui knows about being young in Jiu-Jitsu, how to approach competition for a child and what to expect along the journey:

GRACIEMAG: A lot of parents put their kids in sports at a young age and push for their success for many reasons, one being that they’ll earn a college scholarship. Jiu-Jitsu doesn’t promote this type of incentive. Do you think parents should professionalize their child’s Jiu-Jitsu career at an early age through competition, promotion and brand marketing? If so, do you believe this is the way to have a successful career in Jiu-Jitsu?

GUILHERME MENDES: I came from a culture where parents are less involved with their kid’s activities. When I started Jiu-Jitsu I was 12 years old and I was living with my mom and brother. She was working all day to bring food to our table, so there was no time for her to worry about our activities and if we were winning or losing in practice. I do remember many times at home where she would tell us to always give our best and believe in our dreams. That’s what I believe is the best thing to do; support but not push.

Motivation comes from inside, motivation comes from loving what you are doing and having a huge desire to do it better and more often. I appreciate when the parents drive a long distance to bring their kids to train at the best school, or when they go to the tournaments and hug their child after the fight even if it is a loss. Support makes you feel loved. Pressure makes you feel desperate.

I think everything in life has its own time. Kids should focus on learning, just like school. It’s all about building their character for the future, gaining confidence and self-control, and learning about brotherhood and respect. This is what is going to make them succeed in the future, even if they choose a different path.

What is a successful career in Jiu-Jitsu? How is it defined?

There is a quote from John Wooden that explains success just like I see it:

“Success is peace of mind which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you did your best to become the best you are capable of becoming.”

Rafa Mendes (left) with brother Gui.

For me success is self-satisfaction and it’s something really personal, we can’t compare. You are the only person in the world that is able to know how far in life you can go, and we all have different limitations. Maybe the things that I have achieved so far would be a success to a lot of people. It is huge for me, but it is not my final vision of success yet. I still feel that I can go further, and that’s what is amazing about life; once you achieve your goals, you can set up higher standards for yourself and work to go further.

How many of your students are full-time athletes? How many are not so serious and just like to learn and not compete?

We have a small group that are full time competitors. They are the students that have the desire to become champions in the sport and are doing what it takes to achieve it.

At AOJ we have 12 classes a day and we have the right program for all different goals in the sport. It’s something that we have worked really hard to build, and that’s one of the aspects that makes AOJ so special. Kids, teens, women, competitors, beginners; they all have their space here and they all can have a great time on the mat. Today we have about 700 students at our academy and it is the result of great team work. We have the most amazing team of staff and coaches that makes AOJ the Disneyland of Jiu-Jitsu. We are always moving forward, with new projects and trying to make everything better and special.

Some say that there is no possible way to predict how well a kid will do in a sport in the future because of puberty and other factors while growing up. Do you think this applies to Jiu-Jitsu as well?

It depends on their vision. Some of them are already mature enough to know what they really want. They are not training because their parents want them to train, they train because that’s what they like to do.

I believe that once they fall in love with the sport, they wont quit. Their lives will be molded to have the sport as a part of it.

The ones that will eventually stop training will have learned something from the classes and will be more prepared for the future. I do not see Jiu-Jitsu class as a self-defense class; I see it as a strong tool to build character for the child to become a strong human being.
You do not need to fight people in school or on the street if you are confident enough to avoid this kind of situation. Bullies are unconfident people trying to prove something.

In Jiu Jitsu we need to achieve self-control. That’s why I really like competitions because there you can face your fears, overcome them, and achieve confidence in your abilities. Its not about winning a fight, its about transforming your personality. It’s amazing when we see a kid coming to train and they are afraid of losing, scared of other people and not confident, and after a few months they start to change. They are confident, their posture is better, the way they talk is different, they learn social skills that will be with them forever. It’s not about creating a beast, it’s about transforming a scared child into a confident human being.

What do you say to a parent who is afraid their child may be injured?

Do you know that quote: “A ship is safe in harbor, but that’s not what ships are for”?

That’s how I see it. Injuries can happen anywhere and anytime, you can get hurt walking down the street, but it will not stop you from walking. Right?

How do you feel about the “participation medal” for kids meaning that every kid is recognized for simply attending a competition? Everyone shares part of the glory of winning.

I believe it is good for kids under 6 years old, because most of the time they are going to the competition for their parents, not because they really want to do it. I think it will motivate them to keep doing tournaments. The participation medal is for their courage for stepping on the mat at such a young age. When they are 6 years old, they need to start learning that sometimes we win, sometimes we lose. It’s not only about Jiu-Jitsu as it applies to everything in life, and just like I tell the adults: at the end of the day it will not change anything; people that love and support you will be by your side regardless of the outcome.

Kids class at AOJ. Photo: Nick the Tooth

Learn more about Art of Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Costa Mesa, CA at www.artofjiujitsu.com

Gia Thomas of AOJ. Photo: Erin Herle

In the blue belt female absolute featherweight Giovanna Thomas of Art of Jiu-Jitsu Academy earned double gold. In the absolute she secured three submissions: triangle, kimura, bow and arrow. In her featherweight divisions she earned three more submissions: two bow and arrows and an armbar.

Pete with a triangle. Photo: Erin Herle

Medium-heavyweight Pete O’Neal of Atos Jiu-Jitsu secured the absolute title and the double gold. He had four matches in the absolute: two triangles, one by armbar and one by points. In his medium-heavy division he won with one triangle and two matches determined by points.

Sarah in her guard. Photo: Erin Herle

In the female purple belt absolute, featherweight Sarah Jones of Art of Jiu-Jitsu Academy came back with a vengeance. She lost her first match in her division by one advantage but returned in the absolute to go against the same girl, Mylene Ramos Engle. She was able to win that first absolute match by points and then in the final she secured the win by points as well.

Horlando Monteiro. Photo: Erin Herle

The purple belt male open weight champion was middleweight Horlando Monteiro of Nova Uniao. In the absolute he had four matches. Two were determined by points, one was finished with a triangle and the final against Ian Sanders of GB Manhattan Beach was finished with an armbar.

Kristina after a long day of competing and refereeing. Photo: Erin Herle

The brown belt female absolute winner was another double-gold champion and also a referee. Kristina Barlaan of Caio Terra Association had one match in the lightweight division where she submitted with a wrist lock from triangle. She won her first match in the absolute by an advantage and then the final was determined by points.

Gabriel secures a kneebar in the final. Photo: Erin Herle

The brown belt male absolute title went to Gabriel Barbosa Checco of Gracie Humaita Las Vegas. After missing his medium-heavy division and getting disqualified, he was still able to get bronze and sign up for the absolute. He’s glad he did because he was able to submit three opponents for the gold. He had two kneebars and a choke for the win.

To see the full results, go here: http://static.ibjjfdb.com/Campeonato/000294/en-US/Results.pdf

Guilherme and Rafael Mendes. Photo: Owen Francis Photography

Two years ago Guilherme and Rafael Mendes solidified their place in the states by opening their own Jiu-Jitsu academy. After accomplishing multiple world titles each and still in their early twenties, the two prioritized their lives to gain a student base in the form of Art of Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Costa Mesa, CA.

On June 29 the team came together to celebrate this two-year anniversary at their white haven on E 17th Street.

Of the event and special day the brothers respond: “It was a great day for us, we are very happy for all the accomplishments in our lives, achieving the fourth World title and having so much success as professors is a blessing. We will keep spreading the Jiu-Jitsu lifestyle and making more families discovery the magic of our amazing art.”

See a full photo gallery by Owen Francis Photography here.

Learn more about GMA Art of Jiu-Jitsu by visiting www.artofjiujitsu.com

The Art of Jiu-Jitsu student base. Photo: Nick the Tooth

AOJ Kids Training Camp 2014 set for July 12-13

On July 12 & 13, kids from anywhere and everywhere are invited to train at the famed Art of Jiu-Jitsu Academy. The Mendes brothers, Guilherme and Rafael, are running an AOJ Kids Training Camp at their academy in Costa Mesa, CA.

This two-day event is open to all academies. The address of the Art of Jiu-Jitsu Academy is: 411 E 17th St. Costa Mesa, CA.

Learn from the leaders of one of the most successful kid teams in the world.

The last day to sign up is this Friday, June 27. Don’t miss this chance.

For more information and to sign up, please contact info@artofjiujitsu.com

Check it out and learn more at www.artofjiujitsu.com

Rick celebrates his win. Photo: Erin Herle

The Mendes brothers, Guilherme and Rafael, promoted yet another student to brown belt at the 2014 World Championship. This time, it was their student and a coach at GMA Art of Jiu-Jitsu Academy, Rick Slomba.

He moved from Baltimore, MD and his real estate career to the academy in Costa Mesa, CA to train Jiu-Jitsu full-time in 2012. He was a purple belt until today, the second day of the Worlds where he fought six matches for the gold in the featherweight category and received his brown belt on the podium.

In 2010 Rick fought his first IBJJF tournament and third tournament ever in Chicago and he was a purple belt then as well. Since then he has competed in the purple belt divisions in the highest tournaments. In his fourth attempt at the worlds, he finally got his gold. In previous years he earned third place twice and even a third place at the Pans as well. So this title was well-deserved and came after a long time. He broke his third place spell.

The toughest match for Rick today was the final against Edwin Najmi of GMA Gracie Barra Northridge. “Edwin has beat me a bunch before and I finally beat him. The ankle locks hurt but I didn’t care today” says the 27-year-old. During his six matches, Rick had three submissions: one wrist lock, and two chokes from the back.

Rick during the final against Edwin Najmi. Photo: Erin Herle

The brothers surprised him with the promotion on the podium. Rick says, “Even more than the gold, it’s been my dream to be promoted on the podium.”

When asked about his past performances and why he was often stopped before the finals, he said it goes all the way back to his childhood: “I could never hit the ball when I was up to bat in little league baseball. I could never handle it. I was always scared to fail.”

But not anymore. “I finally hit the baseball.”

See photos of the second day of the event here. And partial results of the event here.

Promoted to brown belt. Photo: Erin Herle