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Francisco "Chico" Mendes, Martial Arts Instructor

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu near Gulf Breeze

Francisco "Chico" Mendes

 

He started training Jiu Jitsu in his early teens at Romero “Jacaré” Cavalcanti academy, though his introduction class was given by Leonardo Vieira (who was a purple belt at the time).

Chico Mendes received all his yellow (in 1994) and blue belts (in 1996) from the Alliance master Romero Cavalcanti and Leo Vieira, and after master Jacaré went to the United States and Leozinho to Sao Paulo, Chico Mendes moved his training to Octavio "Ratinho" Couto’s gym (In memoriam). Training there he achieved both his purple (in 1998) and his brown belt (1999). In 2003/2004 he moved to Sao Paulo, Brazil to be reunited with Leo Vieira.

In December 2004 Chico Mendes was awarded his black belt by Vieira. In the beginning of 2011 after some time travelling and displaying his Jiu-Jitsu in seminars around the world, Chico settled in England, United Kingdom, teaching at Checkmat Chico Mendes BJJ Bristol.

July 2017 Chico Mendes moved to United States (Allen, Texas) with his family. In April 2018 professor Janilson Bie asked him to be his partner and take over the Jiu-Jitsu Program at Gulf Breeze Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Chico Mendes was one of the most active fighter and referee under International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu federation (IBJJF). He still competing but his target now is improve his students and team.

Lineage: Mitsuyo Maeda > Carlos Gracie > Helio Gracie > Rolls Gracie > Romero Cavalcanti > Leonardo Vieira > Chico Mendes

ACHIEVEMENTS:

  • 2 x IBJJF World Champion
  • 3 x JJWL World Champion
  • 11 x IBJJF World medalist
  • Pan Ams IBJJF Champion
  • 6 x European Champion
  • #3 Ranked Athlete NOGI IBJJF Season 2019/2020 Master 2
  • American National IBJJF Champion
  • #1 Ranked Athlete NOGI IBJJF Season 2018/2019 Master 2
  • #2 Ranked Athlete NOGI IBJJF Season 2017/2018 Master 1
  • #2 Ranked Athlete NOGI IBJJF Season 2017/2018 Master 2
  • Over than 160 IBJJF medals as Black Belt

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CHELSEA RESTREPO

My family and I recently moved to Florida from California and we were looking for a good BJJ gym for our kids. We are so GLAD we found this gym. You learn discipline, & respect. The professors are absolutely ELITE AND EXCEPTIONAL. They truly care about their athletes, their students, the parents & every person that steps inside that gym! The community is such an amazing group of people & they’ve all turned into family.

I’ve also seen huge improvement in my kids skills and abilities in the art. They’ve won tournaments under their professors & academy.

If you’re looking to learn, & grow & be apart of an amazing community and family, this is the place to be! I LOVE OUR BJJ FAMILY AT CHECKMAT!

 

Kristina Komorowski

I drove by this gym for a year, enrolled my kids, my husband joined but I still hesitated.
In Dec of 2022, overweight and unhappy, I decided to join.
By stepping through the doors, I boldly decided to say yes to my health and wellness and I haven't been happier. I love the atmosphere, the families and the overall vibe.
Best decision ever.

 

Mary Puno

Switched from another Jitzu academy and soon felt home in a family oriented and friendly environment. The building is spacious and always clean. Lots of parking spots available and definitely worth the drive. All professors are extremely knowledgeable and guide both adults and kids throughout the Bjj journey. I’m super happy I’ve found this place and think is definitely the best in the Panhandle. It takes us about 40 min to get here but is definitely worth the drive!!!
Quick update.
I can truly say this has been the best decision I’d ever made for my kids and myself!!! I can finally see them improving their jiujitsu game day after day and most importantly be happy to be on the mat.I’d never thought I’d come back to train due to the previous experience but thanks to the expertise and patience of the Professors and team my passion and smile are back!This is our family. Clean,friendly and professional environment where respect is a priority!! Wether you’re looking for a place to start this beautiful art or thinking to switch from a different one then this is the right one!!!Highly recommend!

 

 

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