Bruno Mendes

Full Name: Bruno Lopes Mendes

Nickname: “Tanque” / “Tank”

Born: May 7, 1981 (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)

Nationality: Brazilian

Weight Division: Peso Pesadíssimo / Ultra-Heavyweight (over 100 kg / 221 lbs)

Team / Association: Soul Fighters

Rank: Black Belt

Coach: Alvaro Mansor & Francisco Mansor

Biography
Bruno Mendes, universally known within the grappling community by his nickname “Tank,” is a highly respected Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt and one of the primary founding members and leaders of the powerhouse Soul Fighters team. Growing up in the northern Rio de Janeiro neighborhood of Tijuca, Bruno was a high-energy child who frequently got into trouble at school. Following a doctor’s recommendation to channel his aggression into martial arts, and on the advice of his half-brother Rafael, 14-year-old Bruno signed up at the local Kioto academy.

Training at the Kioto headquarters under the watchful eyes of master Krauss Mansor and head coach Alvaro Mansor, Bruno displayed a natural gift for coaching. He began assisting with children’s and beginner classes as a 15-year-old yellow belt, and by the time he was a blue belt, he was a formal part of the academy’s coaching roster. In December 2004, his decades of dedication culminated in his black belt promotion, awarded jointly by Alvaro Mansor and Grand Master Francisco Mansor. To broaden his martial arts skill set, Bruno also cross-trained extensively in Judo and Muay Thai.

In 2006, Bruno and his exceptionally talented world-champion brother, Augusto “Tanquinho” Mendes, left Kioto to form their own academy, Renovação Jiu-Jitsu. Seeking a higher density of elite training partners to support Augusto’s booming competitive career, the brothers began cross-training with lifelong friends Leandro “Tatu” Escobar and Rafael “Formiga” Barbosa. In 2008, when their former master Alvaro Mansor also left Kioto, the five men joined forces to officially establish Soul Fighters Jiu-Jitsu, which has since grown into a massive international team responsible for developing world champions at every belt level.

Origin of the Nickname
Bruno earned the moniker “Tanque” (Tank) just a month into his white belt journey. He was an exceptionally stocky, strong, and chubby kid who routinely used his overwhelming physical pressure and relentless energy to rough up the other children during sparring sessions.

Favorite Grappling Style: Guard Passer

Main Achievements
While Bruno focused the vast majority of his career on the technical and managerial leadership of his team, he has achieved highly regarded regional and veteran success.

1st Place: Rio de Janeiro State Championship (2002, 2003, 2004)

2nd Place: Rio State Championship (2007)

3rd Place: CBJJ Brazilian National Championship No-Gi (2013 Master)