# João Mendes ("Bisnaga")

> Brazil

## Overview

**Name:** João Mendes

**Nickname:** Bisnaga

**Nationality:** Brazil


## Bio

João Pedro Mendes was born on July 21, 1997, in Curitiba, the capital and largest city of the Brazilian state of Paraná.

Growing up in the metropolitan area of Curitiba (Colombo), João was not prone to the sporting lifestyle. He was also small for his age and shy, traits that pressed his parents to enroll young Mendes in jiu-jitsu classes as a child, hoping a combat sport/martial art would help overcome any physical and mental limitations he had.

Although seemingly harsh, the competition-focused environment found in jiu-jitsu did indeed bring out the best in João Pedro, who went on to win his first Brazilian National title as an orange belt (junior) in 2011, a podium placement he would revisit repeatedly throughout his career.

Although living in a more remote area of Brazil, one not often identified with this sport, and training in a small gym, Mendes was able to break through these barriers and become one of the most promising athletes of his generation. Much of this evolution can be pinned to Alexandre Nunes, commonly referenced as Bokão. Nunes was Bisnaga’s first instructor and figure of tremendous importance in his life on the mats, standing by João’s side for most of his colored belt career.

In 2016, Bisnaga decided to do the IBJJF World Championship training camp in San Diego, California, at the Atos team headquarters with coaches André and  Angélica Galvão . João’s work rate and talent earned him an invitation to return to the team, then became part of the academy’s workgroup.

After two years of training alongside the Galvão’s team, on June 8, 2018, João Pedro Mendes was promoted to black belt by  André Galvão .

Joao Pedro Mendes 2017 Highlight

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**Last Updated:** March 21, 2026

**Data Source:** BJJ.Space (https://bjj.space/people/joao-mendes-f1d995c607ba)