Art of Jiu Jitsu (AOJ) in Costa Mesa is the headquarters founded in 2012 by Rafael and Guilherme Mendes with RVCA founder PM Tenore. It began as an Atos affiliate and became its own team in February 2020. A second academy opened in Mission Viejo in March 2024.
Few academies have produced as many world champions. Gui Mendes is head professor. The instructors include Rafael Mendes (6x world champion and 2x ADCC champion), Tainan Dalpra, Jessa Khan (the first black belt to come up through AOJ's kids program) and Cole Abate. Mia Funegra became the youngest IBJJF black belt world champion at 19, and Tye and Kade Ruotolo trained at AOJ as kids.
Adults train six days a week in Basics, Fundamentals, NOGI and Pro Training classes. Kids are split into groups for ages 3–5, 6–8 and 9–13.
Visiting and first class
- Guest passes: $100 for a day, $350 for a week or $600 for 30 days, as listed in October 2026. Passes can't be paused.
- Free trial: only for verified Orange County residents. Visitors from elsewhere buy a guest pass.
- Uniforms: gi and no-gi rentals are available at the front desk.
- Open mat: not listed on the Costa Mesa schedule.
- Second location: check whether your pass covers Mission Viejo before you go, because the visitor page is not consistent on this.
Details above were checked on the academy site in October 2026. Confirm prices and class times with the academy before you go.