Nathan Mendelsohn

Nathan Mendelsohn's martial arts journey began early, starting with karate training as a toddler and continuing until age six. He then transitioned to ho kuk mu sul, dedicating four years to this discipline before discovering Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at age 10. Nathan's introduction to BJJ came through his father's connection with renowned instructor Cláudio França, who became his lifelong mentor and instructor.

By age 16, Nathan was already actively competing at a high level and began assisting with kids' classes at Cláudio França's academy. At 17, he traveled to Brazil for the first time, training at prestigious academies under Roberto "Gordo" Correa and GF Team in Rio de Janeiro. These formative experiences significantly enhanced his technical proficiency and competitive mindset. Nathan's dedication culminated in his promotion to black belt by Cláudio França in December 2012.

Nathan Mendelsohn serves as the head kids' instructor at Cláudio França's academies in Santa Cruz, California, representing Coalition 95 BJJ. In this role, he actively mentors young students, oversees the academy's youth competition program, and fosters their growth both on and off the mats. Nathan is deeply committed to developing the next generation of competitors, emphasizing technical excellence and personal development.

Technical Approach and Division

Nathan Mendelsohn competes primarily in the middleweight division (Peso Médio, 82.30 kg / 181.5 lbs), known for his dynamic, technical, and strategically sound approach to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competition.

Key Matches and Achievements

Among Nathan's notable matches is his points victory over Natan Chueng at the 2022 Abu Dhabi King of Mats. At the same event, he faced Tommy Langaker, ultimately losing via submission in the group stage. Nathan has achieved recognition as a top competitor, reaching as high as #8 globally among adult black belt middleweights according to FloGrappling rankings.

Beyond his accomplishments on the mats, Nathan Mendelsohn has uniquely contributed to BJJ culture through music. In 2020, he released a hip-hop album titled "Kimura Trap Vol. 1," featuring Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu-themed tracks such as "No G in a Gi." Nathan performs rap in both English and Portuguese, creatively blending martial arts culture with musical expression and further enriching the community.

Nathan briefly explored mixed martial arts (MMA), training extensively in Muay Thai with intentions of transitioning into professional MMA competition. Ultimately, he reaffirmed his commitment to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, choosing to dedicate himself fully to the art and sport that shaped his career.