Nathan Mendelsohn

Full Name: Nathan Albrecht Mendelsohn

Lineage: Carlos Gracie > Helio Gracie > Francisco Mansor > Cláudio França > Nathan Mendelsohn

Weight Division: Peso Médio (82.30 kg / 181.5 lbs)

Team / Association: Coalition 95 (with ties to Soul Fighters)

Favorite Position: Good Overall Game

Biography
Born on December 10, 1989, in Santa Cruz, California, Nathan Mendelsohn is recognized as one of the top American grappling competitors of his generation. His martial arts journey began extraordinarily early; he was introduced to Karate as a toddler and practiced it until he was six years old. He then spent four years training in Ho Kuk Mu Sul, a traditional Korean self-defense martial art, before transitioning to water polo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at the age of ten.

Nathan’s entry into Jiu-Jitsu came through a personal connection—his father knew Master Cláudio França from a restaurant where he used to work. França was a pioneer of the sport, being one of the very first black belts to introduce BJJ to California. Under França’s tutelage, Nathan’s talent quickly became apparent. By the age of 16, as a blue belt, his competitive success earned him an invitation to assist with the academy’s children’s classes, launching his long-standing career as an instructor.

At 17, Nathan took his first training trip to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, immersing himself in the birthplaces of elite grappling by training at the academies of Roberto “Gordo” Correa and the GF Team. This would be the first of many developmental trips to the southern hemisphere. Known for his open-minded approach to training, Mendelsohn frequently stepped outside traditional team boundaries to roll with the best in the world to sharpen his skills.

His dedication culminated in December 2012, when he was awarded his black belt by Cláudio França. Nathan also established close ties with the Soul Fighters team due to the shared lineage between Master França and SF co-founder Alvaro Mansor, frequently cross-training with them to prepare for major international tournaments.

Main Achievements (Black Belt)
1st Place — IBJJF American Nationals (2020)

2nd Place — IBJJF Asian Open (2017)

3rd Place — AJP Abu Dhabi World Pro (2021)

3rd Place — IBJJF European Open (2018)

3rd Place — IBJJF Pan Championship (2021)

3rd Place — IBJJF American Nationals (2014*)

3rd Place — IBJJF Asian Open (2016)

Main Achievements (Colored Belts)
1st Place — IBJJF American Nationals (2009 purple)

2nd Place — IBJJF American Nationals (2012 brown)

* Absolute division Weight and Absolute division