.
.

Rafael Mendes: ‘I Don’t Like Takedowns but Still Had To Train Them & Also Competed in Wrestling’

Rafael Mendes: ‘I Don’t Like Takedowns but Still Had To Train Them & Also Competed in Wrestling’

 

 

Budo Jake and crew stop by the Art of Jiu Jitsu Academy to chat with their good friends, Rafael and Gui Mendes to talk about their school, BJJ and their upcoming superfights.

In this interview, the guys give us their take on takedows, wrestling and BJJ.

The world champion brothers said that they it was their duty to teach their students a balance of techniques from BJJ which includes takedowns.

Rafael Mendes was honest and said that he didn’t really like takedowns. When Budo Jake asked him, the world champion said he prefers to work from his back, inverting and working in scrambles.

This doesn’t mean that he doesn’t have good takedowns. Rafael was Brazilian National wrestling champion so he has a very good wrestling level.

His professor Ramon Lemos always had him work takedowns but at the end of the day his strategy in competition is to either pull guard or wait until his opponent pulls guard.

Check out the interesting interview:

 

Print

Sloth Jiu-Jitsu: The Ultimate Guide for Calmly Beating Bigger, Younger Opponents

💥 What if slowing down was the fastest way to win? 💭 Tired of Getting Smashed by Younger, Stronger Grapplers? It’s not your age. It’s your strategy. If you’re a passionate grappler over 35 who’s sick of getting outpaced, outmuscled, or out-cardio’d by opponents half your age — this 120 page e-book was made for you. 🔓 Unlock the Power of Sloth Jiu-Jitsu: Sloth ebook

Build Sustainable Strength—Without Wrecking Your Joints, Energy, or Jiu-Jitsu

Tired of waking up sore and burnt out after lifting? Sloth Strength is a proven blueprint for grapplers over 35 who want to get stronger—without the pain, burnout, or injuries.

Developed from 25 years on the mats, this no-burnout approach is made specifically for BJJ athletes in their 30s, 40s, and beyond.

Sloth Strength eBook Cover