Rafael Mendes is a six-time IBJJF black-belt world champion whose long rivalry with Rubens “Cobrinha” Charles shaped the featherweight division. Under Ramon Lemos he refined De La Riva entries, berimbolo back takes, and high-percentage guard retention that later became core curriculum at Art of Jiu-Jitsu.

With brother Guilherme he co-founded AOJ in Costa Mesa in 2012. Technique readers should connect this profile to berimbolo, De La Riva, and reverse De La Riva pages.