Rafael Mendes, also known as Rafa Mendes, is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) black belt world champion under the illustrious coach Ramon Lemos and a former member of the Atos Jiu-Jitsu Academy. Considered a grappling phenom since his teenage years and acclaimed as 'The King of the Featherweight Division', Rafael was also one of the competitors who brought recognition to the 50-50 guard and the berimbolo, positions he used to de-throne the former 4x world champion Rubens Charles. Rafael Mendes is also the brother of another Jiu-Jitsu World Champion Guilherme Mendes and co-founder of the Art Of Jiu-Jitsu Academy in California.