Rafael Mendes missing the IBJJF Worlds 2017 has been the big news in the martial arts scene. This has come as somewhat of a shock to many of Rafael Mendes students and fans. However, the martial arts guru and six-time world champion said he has nothing left to prove and now have different priorities in life.
With a career that spans over 20 years, Mendes wants to focus more on his family and coaching year. This is truly well-deserved after an intense and incredibly successful competitive career – that spanned most of his adult life. According to Mendes, he dedicated the past 16 years to the art of jiu-jitsu. Because of that, he was able to travel the world and meet so many great competitors and fans.
Mendes was able to compete against the best because he is one of the best. While he never looked at his performance that way, Mendes simply believed in working hard and pushing himself harder each day. With this in mind, he has no regrets and looks forward to life after competition with his family — and coaching career.
