Organization
AOJ
Overview
Art of Jiu-Jitsu (AOJ) is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy brand and team identity founded by brothers Rafael Mendes and Guilherme Mendes. Originating in Southern California, AOJ is known for a centralized training model with a strong emphasis on technical instruction, competition preparation, and youth development.
Affiliation
Core Identity
Organization name Art of Jiu-Jitsu
Common name AOJ
Acronym AOJ
Organization type Academy brand and team identity
Founded Circa 2012
Founder
- Rafael Mendes
- Guilherme Mendes
Headquarters (current) Costa Mesa, California, USA
Operational status Active
Primary discipline Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (Gi and No-Gi)
Affiliation Model
Affiliation structure Centralized academy model with limited, closely aligned training centers.
Gym independence Primary AOJ academies operate under direct brand control; associated locations may vary in structure and relationship.
Branding / naming conventions Art of Jiu-Jitsu and AOJ branding is closely controlled and typically associated with official academy locations.
Instruction / curriculum Highly structured curriculum with emphasis on technical systems, competition development, and youth programs.
Typical affiliation signals AOJ team designation in competition registration, academy branding, and official AOJ media channels.
Competitive Presence
Primary competitive ecosystem Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competition circuits in gi and no-gi formats.
Ruleset fit Aligned with standard Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competition rulesets; not a governing body.
Athlete representation Competitors register under the AOJ team designation, typically associated with official AOJ academies.
Footprint
Global footprint Primary presence in Southern California with limited associated locations internationally.
Discover affiliated gyms AOJ representation appears at the gym level within city and gym profiles when applicable.
Relationships
Related organization types
- Competition organizations
- Gyms (official academies and associated locations)
- Coaches (team-linked instructors)