Guilherme and Rafael Mendes were born in Rio Claro, a city in the state of Sao Paulo, Brazil, and were introduced to Jiu-Jitsu by a family member when they were 12 and 11 years old, respectively. They quickly picked up the sport and soon began to take a more serious approach with their training. This decision paid off ultimately as they both started to gain tremendous success at the top competitions in Brazil. 

Today, the Mendes brothers are multiple world champions at the black belt level and owners of the most unique training facility in the world--The Art of Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Costa Mesa, CA. They are consistently changing the game with their innovative techniques and staying ahead of the competition with their relentless work ethic. Dedicated, creative, and passionate, these jiu-jitsu kings are the epitome of true martial artists. 

This, I am so blessed to have been given the chance to work with them. Below are some shots with the Mendes brothers taken at AOJ in Costa Mesa, and at Newport Beach for RVCA's 2016 Fall Active Wear Collection.