Checkmat co-founder Chico Mendes talked to Emir Alagic of BJJ Eastern Europe and discussed the growth of his academy in Bristol, UK, Checkmat in Germany , and about MMA fighters jumping belts in BJJ.

Can you please introduce yourself to the BJJ Community of Eastern Europe?

Hello guys, my name is Francisco Mendes, but everybody know me as Chico Mendes. I teach everyday in Bristol, England at Checkmat Bristol. I am CheckMat co-founder and head coach in Europe.

When and where did you start training bjj?

I started training Jiu Jitsu in my early teens at Romero “Jacaré” Cavalcanti academy, my introduction class was given by Leonardo Vieira (who was a purple belt at the time). At the time the gym had a huge range of talented people giving classes, such as: Romero Jacaré, Eduardo Jamelão, Ricardo Franjinha and of course, Leozinho Vieira.

I received my yellow (in 1994) and blue belts (in 1996) from the Alliance master Romero Cavalcanti and Leo Vieira, and after master Jacaré went to the United States and Leozinho to Sao Paulo, I moved my training to Octavio Couto’s gym (Also known as Ratinho). Training there I achieved my purple (in 1998) and brown belt (1999). In 2003/2004 I moved to Sao Paulo, Brazil to be reunited with Leo Vieira.

In December 2004 I was awarded with my black belt by Leo Vieira. In the beginning of 2011 after some time travelling and displaying Checkmat’s jiu jitsu in seminars around the world, I moved to England, United Kingdom, teaching at Checkmat Bristol.

Today I am black belt 3rd degree by IBJJF.

Lineage: Mitsuyo Maeda > Carlos Gracie > Helio Gracie > Rolls Gracie > Romero Cavalcanti > Leonardo Vieira > Chico Mendes

Can you tell as about BJJ in Germany? About your team in general.

I think that there are really good professors in Germany such as Diogo Primo (Akxe BJJ), Rainho (GFTeam), Sergio Canudo and many others. The level is getting better every day. Checkmat just have one affiliation in Germany, localised in Dusseldorf (Checkmat Dusseldorf), the instructor is my student and brother Dimi Kotsidis. Very important people know we just have one affiliation in Germany, so only Dimi or myself can talk or use Checkmat name there.

Tell us more about your projects in the future.

My focus right now is my Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) school in Bristol. I just started one old dream, opening my own place. We have just 2 months but I can see great future. Our school has just Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) and Wrestling with Saeed Esmaeli.

Of course I can’t forget about support our team Checkmat in Europe, also my affiliations in Greece, Poland, Cyprus, Germany and of course here in UK. But we have a great professors and instructors team, so I can be relaxed.

Can you describe difference between each belt?

White belt is the rock, blue belt we start give form to the stone, purple the stone already have form, brown is when the stone is polished and the black belt we have the diamond. I think everybody has a different concept about the belt, but the most important thing is each person is different, each person have different limits.

What do you think about online promoting?

Big joke!!! Disrespect to the real Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ).

What you think about promoting mma fighters who do not train in gi, like Cormier, Rashad etc?

I think Cormier with the GI can beat a lot black belts. He did GI before. He was white belt, Leandro Vieira was his professor for a long time, and decided to give him the brown belt because of his level. Ask Marcus Buchecha, Leo Vieira, Lucas Leite, Jackson Souza what they think about DC’s ground game. I never did it (jumping belts), if someone did it, they must have a reason.

Who are your favorite bjj fighters?

Leo Vieira, Rodrigo Medeiros “Comprido”, Saulo Ribeiro, Marcelo Garcia, Marcus Buchecha and Rodolfo Vieira.

Which are your favorite techniques?

My game is on top, but I like basic techniques. I am not a YOUTUBE fan!

Feel free to thank sponsors or give thanks

Thank you guys for the opportunity. If you wanna training Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) check who is the professor or instructor. Be careful because you have a lot fake people around. See you guys on the mats. Here is my website if you guys have more questions or say something www.chicomendesbjj.com

OSU

Cheers

Chico Mendes