# Nathan Mendelsohn

> 

## Overview

**Name:** Nathan Mendelsohn


## Bio

Nathan Mendelsohn was born on December 10, 1989, in Santa Cruz, California – USA.

As a toddler Nathan was introduced to karate, a martial art Mendelsohn practiced until his sixth anniversary. He then switched to ho kuk mu sul – a Korean martial art based on self-defense for 4 years. At the age of 10, Nathan Mendelsohn’s training schedule finally gave way to water polo and jiu-jitsu, where he settled.

Nathan’s father knew Master  Cláudio França  from a restaurant he used to work at, and it was through this connection that the young Mendelsohn began his life in BJJ. França being one of the very first black belts to bring jiu-jitsu to California (Santa Cruz in particular), and a crucial contributor to the growth of this sport/martial art in North America.

Going through the ranks at Cláudio França’s academy, by the time he was 16 (blue belt) Nathan’s talent was already shining through on a competitive level. As a reward for Mendelsohn’s hard work França asked him to start helping with the kids class – this way kick-starting Nathan’s long career as an instructor.

At the age of 17, Nathan Mendelsohn took his first trip to Brazil, training not only at  Roberto Gordo ‘s academy but also at  GF Team  during that initial period spent in Rio de Janeiro. This was the first of many trips to America’s southern hemisphere. As time progressed, Nathan trained with many different teams and in a variety of gyms, particularly in Brazil.

His many jiu-jitsu experiences helped raise the level of his skill, ultimately leading Nathan to his black belt promotion. A ceremony led by Cláudio França took place in December 2012.

Mendelsohn’s link with  Soul Fighters  occurred as a natural process. Cláudio França was of the same direct lineage as many of SF’s founders, this personal bond between Master Cláudio and particularly Alvaro Mansor (co-founder of Soul Fighters) led Nathan to train regularly occasion with the team, often when preparing for big tournaments.

Cover photo by Nordic Naturals.

Nathan Mendelsohn Highlight

Nathan Mendelsohn vs Rhalan Gracie

---

**Last Updated:** March 21, 2026

**Data Source:** BJJ.Space (https://bjj.space/people/nathan-mendelsohn-bd77ff022869)