ART OF JIU JITSU ACADEMY

What a great gym! Went to watch my brother and nephews. The instructors are so good with the little ones and the place is super clean.

Being a student at AOJ for more than a year I think I can give a fair review of the academy. I’ve attended all classes that I’m eligible to train in so before I write about those classes please allow me to speak a little bit about the classes I’m not eligible to attend — the kid’s and women’s classes.
Kids: Our kids program is HUGE! Professor Gui and Rafa pour a lot of their time and effort on the kids program. I read somewhere that Gui and Rafa grew up in a Jiu Jitsu gym that didn’t have a kids program so they had no choice but to always train with the adults. So when they opened AOJ they wanted to provide an academy with a powerful kids program. In essence, they wanted to give something back to the Jiu Jitsu community that was not afforded to them. It’s obvious that the kids love Gui and Rafa because they’re great positive models but it doesn’t stop there. The other instructors serve as great positive role models as well. In my opinion, the professors, assistant instructors and staff seem to all share the same vision where they want to take the kids program which has resulted in a thriving and growing program.
Women’s class: I’ve never attended a women’s class because I’m a dude but it’s a program that’s also growing. The women’s class is led by Professor Chelsea whom is a black belt under Andre Galvao and I’ve taken a couple of classes with her when she taught advanced classes. What I like about her is 1) she’s very approachable and openly welcomes questions; and 2) her teachings are consistent with Gui and Rafa. It makes for a smooth learning experience. I think that’s noteworthy because I’ve experienced a handful of BJJ schools where assistant instructors will teach you different details of a technique from the main instructor’s.
And a review of the classes I’ve attended:
Beginner’s Class: I’ve attended beginner’s class twice with a friend whom I was introducing to BJJ and he ended up joining AOJ. The beginner’s class is usually taught by Professor Gustavo and Coach Ian. They are two of the nicest people you’ll ever meet. They do an amazing job teaching the beginners with technical and detailed instructions which prepares the beginner students to move to the fundamentals classes.
Fundamentals Class: This is the class you want to attend if you want to learn new techniques or to refine them. The first half is usually spent on learning and drilling technique. The last half is spent on sparring with short rounds. I like this class because it exposes you to the fighting style that the Mendes brothers use — berimbolos, inverted positions, leg drags, practical submissions and unique back attacks.
Advanced Class: There is a lot of drilling in this class and a lot of specific training. In this class, the advanced technique being taught is broken down to its smallest detail. Additionally, when teaching said technique it’s common for the instructor (usually Professor Rafa) to discuss not only the attack but also the defense and the counter. The sparring rounds are longer so it makes for a very good workout and most of all, Jiu Jitsu growth.
Advanced No-​Gi: This class is the same as the advanced gi class but it’s no-​gi. Yes, I know that’s obvious.
Competition Class: You will never come out of this class without a gi drenched in sweat. It’s a super awesome class but it’s a different mentality from all the other classes. In my opinion, this class is 90% sparring and the rest is drilling. This class is an amazing class to prepare you for competition not just physically but also mentally. Professor Gui’s speeches are very motivating and eye-​opening.
Noteworthy things to mention:
. AOJ has a fairly small parking lot. So if you’re a student that attends the packed classes (usually 6PM & 7:30PM classes) you’ll find yourself parking on the street many times but it’s a very short walk to the academy so it should not be a problem.
. I’ve read on many online platforms complaining that training at AOJ is expensive and have high prices but I hold the opinion that price is only an issue in the absence of value. Basically, it’s expensive but it’s worth it. The value you receive is far much more than the monthly fees you pay. Another thing to also consider is that at AOJ you have, not one, but two black belt MULTIPLE world champions as instructors. And that’s not to even mention the other world champion instructors and training partners you’re surrounded with everyday that you get to learn from.
. Last but not least, the one thing I give Gui and Rafa a lot of credit for is that they’re ALWAYS at the academy teaching! Of course, they have their occasional week when they’re not there usually for out-​of-​state seminars and competition events but it isn’t on a frequent basis so students receive consistent instructions from the watchful eye of the Mendes brothers. You definitely get your money’s worth!

Best place I’ve ever trained for bjj, professors are professional and the place is insanely clean. It’s Jiu Jitsu heaven! I’ve been to a lot of academies and AOJ is the best experience I’ve had, training wise and professionalism. My daughter goes there as well. Love this place!

My two sons started training in June 2015 and it’s definitely one of the best things we did for them. The coaches for the 2 kids classes are awesome, can’t say enough about them. Esp in the 3 – 5 yo class… I can’t believe how much patience they have for the little ones. I’m sure it’s hard but the coaches are always encouraging and the kids seem to respond well to their teachings.
I took the classes really lightly until I saw my son compete at pan ams this past February and win his match. It’s all thanks to AOJ and the coaches!

Simply amazing. Minimalist, sleek environment, abundance of positive energy and pure art unraveling on the mats. I just enrolled my 4-​year-​old son in the AOJ Academy. I walked in here from the street about a year ago and what sick with me as the way staff approaches BJJ lifestyle, how friendly everyone is, how they treat kids with respect… and it shows, those kids are a perfect mixture of self-​confidence and humbleness. I soon plan to enrol in their adult program as well.

What is the Art of Jiu Jitsu Academy? Pretty much Jiu Jitsu heaven, haha! The professors (instructors), Rafa and Gui Mendes (Mendes Bros) are multiple world champions with an array of accomplishments throughout the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu/​Grappling world. On top of that, they are very nice people who are both hardworking, humble, and have a strong desire to teach their brand of Jiu Jitsu — this manner is carried throughout the academy as a whole from professors to coaches to front desk workers and ultimately the people that train there.
When I originally sought out a Jiu Jitsu school to join I came across a various blend of dirty gyms, bro-​ish egos, and instructors whose motives and desires were not in teaching Jiu Jitsu at all. Trust me; I tried a lot of places, haha! I finally settled on the Art of Jiu Jitsu Academy as my Jiu Jitsu home because from the moment I visited, everyone from top to bottom, were friendly. The general vibe I got was everyone is just there to learn and get better at Jiu Jitsu for a multitude of reasons (competition, for exercise, for personal growth, etc.); also everyone is more than willing to help each other grow. Oh and the icing on the cake, the gym is extremely clean, which is a HUGE plus! No one wants to spar on dirty mats and fellow classmates with dirty smelly gis. Those DO NOT exist at this academy at all.
So in conclusion, if you want a gym that has hardworking and humble multiple World Champions as your instructors and coaches, a super clean facility, and a friendly environment to learn Jiu Jitsu? Try this place out.
Stuff I forgot to mention: 1) they have showers in the changing rooms, 2) they have a kids program that is amazing, 3) classes are separated into various parts: beginners, fundamentals, advanced, and competition, 4) majority of classes are taught by the Mendes Bros themselves, and 5) they have Mendes Bros online where you can have access to the techniques they teach in their classes which you need to sign up for. You don’t have to be a member to sign up online.

My 5 year old has been taking jiu-​jitsu at AOJ for the past year and they are absolutely amazing. Everyone is so nice and they really want the best for all of their students. They have created a great family community. I have been so impressed that as of last week I started taking classes too. Such a fun way to get a great workout and pick up a useful skill.

I trained at AOJ while visiting the LA/​OC area back in May. The facility is top notch — super clean, modern, and spacious. Most importantly, the instruction is top notch! I attended both an advanced class and a competition class and was very pleased with the instruction and training partners. I’ll definitely return to AOJ the next time I’m in the area and will likely make a special trip for training/​vacation.

AOJ is an absolutely incredible academy. Rafa and Gui are the best instructors you could ask for, it’s a beautiful place to train with all the amenities you could possibly need, and you’re guaranteed a supportive, fun environment. Perfect for anyone of any age who wants to learn Jiu Jitsu from the best. I feel very privileged to be able to train here!

There really good at what they do and teaching is great. Improved so much from basics.

I must say that I’ve never had the chance to train here. I was on a recent trip to Newport Beach/​Costa Mesa checking out the location since There is a chance I might be moving to the area. I’ve followed BJJ for some time and The Mendes Brothers are as good as it gets. I’m thinking, «How awesome is this. I might move to the area and 2 of the best on the planet are potentially in my backyard.» I went in to check out the academy on a Monday night and Griffin, the manager was working the front desk. He was incredibly polite and was very eager to show me around the school. He explained what class was going on and he pointed out that Professor Gui was leading the class. How cool is that? He then took me to the other side of the school where there was another class going on, but on the way there, he introduced me to Professor Rafa, who was another awesome personality. I really hope that my job allows me to move to this area. Not only are you given the opportunity to work with 2 of the best in the world, but they are just so down to earth. No ego in this place, which seems to be the case in most BJJ schools. I highly recommend this place to anyone. Even if I don’t get the chance to go, you should! Don’t miss out.

I began training at Art of Jiu Jitsu in April of 2013, at the time I had just began to get serious about losing weight and getting healthy. While in the beginners classes Coach Ryan and Coach Gu pushed me into overdrive! Before receiving my first stripe and moving over to the fundamentals class I had dropped an incredible amount of weight and down from an A3 to an A2 sized gi. Besides the benefits of exercise and weight loss I also began to acquire something much more valuable, I began to acquire self confidence, self esteem, humility and compassion among many other attributes. Upon entering the fundamentals phase of my development, Professor Giu, Professor Rafa, and Coach Rick took me and my exercise and weight loss to the next level. Since I began training there I have lost a total of 80 pounds, with my total weight loss at 110 pounds. Last weekend I competed in my first tournament, and what is really special about this is when my friend Lou originally invited me to train at AOJ I was so nervous that I had a panic attack when I pulled into the parking lot. Not only were the reasons for my nervousness completely absurd but what I found inside of AOJ was the complete opposite of my fears. I found a family inside, a camaraderie, a joyous and friendly community of men and woman of all ages, all working together to become better people. There is far more to Jiu Jitsu than what I saw on the surface and I am forever grateful to my Professors, Coaches and the entire AOJ Family.

Easily said, the best jiujitsu school in Orange County. Hands down. Their Brazilian jiu-​jitsu is intricate and technical, providing the best possible game for this sport!

This academy is far and away the best academy that I have ever been to. First of all, the space is beautiful, it honestly feels/​looks like jiu jitsu heaven. It is always clean, there is an abundance of mat space, the locker room set-​up is great, there is a nice lounging area to hang out in before or after class, there is a laundry service… I could go on and on and on, it truly is a wonderful place.
But even though the academy is state of the art, what makes AOJ special is the people. The staff are incredibly friendly and helpful and the instructors, Rafa and Gui, are amazing. Rafa and Gui are fantastic teachers; they are extremely technical, they explain moves with incredible detail, they are patient and very accessible, they are just all-​around genuinely great guys.
You just really feel like a part of the family at this place, it is a great environment for everyone, men, women, children, (the kid’s program is amazing!), competitors, families, hobbyists. It honestly doesn’t matter who you are or what your goal is because there truly is a place for everyone here. I urge you to come check it out, you won’t regret it!

Great place to train.
It goes without saying that Rafa and Gui are great competitors, but they are also amazing teachers. Sometimes, I have to pinch myself. Really, the Mendes Brothers are my BJJ instructors?! How is that possible? It’s like taking up jogging as a hobby and having Usain Bolt AND FloJo as your coaches.
The training is physically demanding but very focused with a method and order to the instruction. Skills are built up one after another and recalled in such a way that you’ll remember them when you need them. You won’t learn twenty variations of a flying kimura that you’ll never end up using. There is a definite emphasis on good solid technique and execution with a lot of good old-​fashioned drilling.
The facilities are immaculate and there is plenty of space to train. The people are great, and there isn’t any kind of meathead vibe that you might find at some places. The atmosphere is open and collaborative. The workouts are physically challenging, but if you can handle that, I couldn’t imagine a better place to train BJJ.

The Mendes Brothers are amazing Jiu Jitsu coaches who inspire the best from each of my kids. They make Jiu Jitsu fun yet push the kids to truly be their best. The workouts are intense yet safe and nurturing (with a bit of fun mixed in).
I have a 9 year old boy and a 6 year old girl who love coming here to practice and my 4 year old will start shortly. The studio is large, clean and well maintained. The kids learn to work hard and learn technical form — yet have a great time.
We have tried many studios before settling here and truly feel like we have found the right home.

More than a place to learn and develop «the gentle art», this museum quality facility is home to the best fighters and instructors found anywhere. From their competition sessions to their fundamentals classes and their amazing kids program, Rafa, Gui and their team of instructors have taken Jiu Jitsu to a new level. Through patient instruction, thorough explanation, demonstration and a persistent attention to detail, they help the beginners to develop a solid foundation and the good to become great. I am honored that we are part of this family.
Kyle, Danielle, Billy & Gabi

This is such a great academy, the glass windows make the lighting so amazing, the school is beautifull iv never seen a shool that would compare to this.
The instructors are multiple time Jiu — Jitsu world Champions, and i notice the atention to details in the techniques and the training. The brothers teach all the classes at the academy which makes it worth the training. I recommend anybody from the area who wants to train Jiu Jitsu this is the spot.

I visited the Art of Jiu Jitsu academy in July for the affiliation camp. The camp lasted from a Friday to the following Monday. The camp was a total blast! The Mendes Bros welcomed all students with open arms. The instruction was top notch and the facility itself was world class.
The entire staff were very gracious as they made every attempt to ensure the students had a good time. Rafael and Gui are both terrific instructors, explaining with solid about the techniques that were taught. They were both eager to help all the students, which I truly appreciate.
The school has a punctual laundry service that is open to both students and visitors.
There are two matted areas both of which are are padded, this makes training much easier as the amount of damage from floor impact is reduced. The school is designed similar to an art gallery, both on the walls and the mats.
This one of the cleanest and friendliest schools I have ever visited. I will be returning later this year to train. I whole heartedly recommend the Art of Jiu Jitsu academy.

I’ve only been here a month and it has already exceeded my expectations. Yes, if you attend classes you will be sure to get the top-​notch training that you expect from Rafa and Gui, which are both amazing competitors/​instructors in BJJ. However, my expectations have also been exceeded from something else. It’s the feeling of knowing there is a mutual understanding that we all must leave our egos at the door, train hard, enjoy the privilege to train with professors Rafa and Gui, and support each other in our individual jiu jitsu journeys. It’s the jiu jitsu lifestyle and this is something that continues to motivate me to train hard at AOJ. I’m continuously surprised at the camaraderie at each class and look forward to growing with this great group of team members.
Just a one quick tip:
–Don’t be afraid to ask questions to Rafa/​Gui and anyone else. Everyone has been super cool and it’s not uncommon for people to stay up to 15 min after the last class to discuss what we learned or ask about another move.