The landscape of modern Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is constantly evolving, driven forward by innovators who redefine what is possible on the mats. Among the most influential figures in the history of the sport are Rafael and Gui Mendes, widely recognized not only as two of the greatest competitors the sport has ever produced, but also as premier instructors of contemporary grappling. Martial arts enthusiasts and practitioners seeking to elevate their technical understanding will soon have a rare opportunity to learn directly from these masters, as the Mendes brothers prepare to host their highly anticipated 2019 World Super Camp at Evolve MMA in Singapore.
Scheduled to run from September 16 to September 20, 2019, the exclusive five-day training camp promises twenty hours of elite-level instruction. Participants will receive direct guidance from Rafael Mendes, a six-time Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu World Champion, and Gui Mendes, a four-time Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu World Champion. The event represents a unique milestone for practitioners in Asia and international travelers alike, offering access to high-level pedagogy that is seldom available outside of the brothers’ primary training headquarters.
The significance of the seminar lies deeply in the athletic legacies and teaching philosophies of both instructors. Throughout their competitive careers, Rafa and Gui Mendes accumulated a staggering array of accolades before transitioning successfully into coaching. Rafa Mendes dominated the black belt featherweight division of the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) World Championship, capturing six gold medals alongside two prestigious ADCC submission wrestling titles prior to his retirement from active competition in 2017 at the age of twenty-seven. Gui Mendes matched this elite pedigree by securing four IBJJF World Championships at the black belt level. Their collective achievements place them at the absolute apex of the sport’s competitive history.
Beyond their personal championship records, the Mendes brothers have fundamentally altered the technical lexicon of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. The sport has undergone a dramatic shift toward more dynamic, flowing, and acrobatic styles, a movement heavily catalyzed by Rafael and Gui. Their instructional approach emphasizes fluidity, transitional mastery, and mechanics that remain effective against diverse body types and athletic profiles. Practitioners struggling to keep pace with the rapid modernization of grappling techniques view this camp as an essential opportunity to integrate cutting-edge concepts into their personal games.
The effectiveness of their teaching methodology is perhaps best evidenced by the success of their students at the Art of Jiu Jitsu (AOJ) academy, which the brothers established following their competitive retirements. Competitors trained under the Mendes system currently dominate major international tournaments across various belt levels and weight categories. Standout athletes such as Johnathan Alves, Jessa Khan, and Matheus Rodrigues serve as prime examples of the academy’s formidable development pipeline. Attendees at the upcoming World Super Camp will gain direct insight into the training regimes, strategic mindsets, and micro-adjustments that have propelled these rising stars to the top of the competitive podium.
A defining characteristic of the Mendes system is its broad applicability across different physical attributes and grappling styles. Instructors and training partners often observe that techniques must be tailored to individual body types, yet the principles taught by Rafa and Gui offer pathways for both smaller and larger practitioners. Tighter, pressure-based passing strategies popularized by Gui Mendes provide heavier grapplers with mechanisms to dismantle defensive guards effectively. Conversely, smaller practitioners who prefer playing guard can leverage Rafael Mendes’s renowned guard recovery sequences, dynamic sweeps, and intricate submission entries. Furthermore, the curriculum addresses complex modern positions such as the berimbolo, offering instruction on how to execute, defend, and counter the maneuver with precision.
The timing of the World Super Camp aligns with a broader trend of international martial arts tourism pioneered by programs such as the Evolve Vacation Training Program in Singapore. This initiative allows practitioners from around the globe to combine traditional cultural exploration, sightseeing, and relaxation with world-class martial arts training. Participants train alongside the Evolve Fight Team—recognized as one of the most decorated professional mixed martial arts teams in Asia—and learn from an instructor roster composed entirely of world champions.
Hosting the Mendes brothers adds another prestigious chapter to Evolve MMA’s legacy of welcoming elite martial arts pioneers. The camp is structured to accommodate both members of the host facility and visiting practitioners, with investment fees set at US$899 for Evolve members and US$999 for non-members. Sessions will be held at EVOLVE Far East Square in Singapore, serving as the central hub for the intensive five-day curriculum.
For those dedicated to advancing their grappling proficiency, the seminar offers a rare bridge between spectator appreciation and hands-on mastery. By examining the detailed mechanics utilized by world champions at the highest levels of competition, attendees can reevaluate their strategic approach to training. As the sport of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu continues to mature and diversify, events featuring foundational architects like the Mendes brothers remain vital for practitioners striving to stay at the cutting edge of modern martial arts.
