João Mendes, also known as “Bisnaga” is at a high point in his black belt career. Black Belt under Andre Galvao, he trains at Atos Jiu-Jitsu HQ in San Diego, California, where he has been living since 2016. 

After five years as a black belt, Mendes is finally set to compete at the IBJJF Brazilian National Championships for his first time at the top level in his home country.

Mendes is heading to Brazil to display his jiu-jitsu after a long time without competing there, but he has a great memory of competitions on home soil  from his youth.

“I am a four-time Brazilian National champion. I competed from orange belt to blue belt (2011 - 2015). Since then, I’ve never competed at Brasileiro anymore because I moved to the US and chose not to go,” Mendes said..

He had successful performances during his colored belts as well, winning not only Brazilian National but IBJJF Worlds (blue belt - double gold - and purple belt) and IBJJF Pan (blue belt - double gold).

As a black belt, he is striving to win the major tournaments, and Brazilian National will be his second event on theGrand Slam circuit this year.

Despite missing the podium at the 2023 IBJJF Pan, he had a strong performance before losing to the current Pan Light-Feather Weight Champion Marcio Andre.

“Competing against Marcio Andre was an outstanding achievement for me,” Mendes said. “He’s been one of my idols since I was a kid. It was one of my best performances, I made a last-minute mistake, and he beat me. I’m excited to compete at Brazilian Nationals.”

Mendes is registered in one of the most competitive weight divisions: featherweight. He may run into big names as the current World Champion Isaac Doederlein.

“My weight division is one of the most disputed and with many matches. That is a motivation for me to be able to test my jiu-jitsu against the best in the world,” he said.

Mendes’  Path To Peak Form After 2022 Worlds

Back in 2022, Mendes did not show up at the IBJJF Worlds. He attended the training camp but had a severe injury in the week of the fight.

“I was doing well and had an injury that cost me the Worlds. In addition, I stayed off the mats until November 2022,” Mendes said.

He returned to training and competing nine months later earning victories over athletes such as Pablo Lavaselli and Gabriel Souza. He has competed across the US this year to maintain his peak form.

“Nothing changed in my mindset, but my life changed a lot this year. All my focus is on my athlete life, and it has been bringing me great results,” he said.

“I’m living my best life. I’m delighted to travel to Brazil, especially because my father will be watching me.”