Biography
Jaime Mendez III began his Brazilian Jiu Jitsu journey in New York under Daniel Gracie, Neiman Gracie, and Gino Eunaidi in early 2011. Upon relocating back to LA he started training at 5 Star Martial Arts, now Renzo Gracie Los Angeles in late 2011 and received his black belt from Professor Shawn Williams in 2018. Jaime also has a black pra-jiad in Muay Thai under Kru John Spezzano. He is a 7 time IBJJF Masters World Champion and 2 time Silver medalist. Mendez also has experience in Aikido, Karate and Boxing.
Needless to say Jaime has fallen in love with martial arts and expressed to Professor Williams that he wanted to open his own school in the near future. As fortune would have it the opportunity came to fruition faster than Mendez anticipated. In July of 2019 Jaime was given the opportunity of a lifetime by Professor Williams to purchase 5 Star Martial Arts/Renzo Gracie Los Angeles from him. Jaime jumped at the opportunity and recruited Coach Steven Calderon to be his partner and as they say, “the rest is history”. Along with a few other minority partners they have successfully navigated RGLA through the Covid pandemic and have the academy in a much stronger position than ever imagined by moving to a much larger location with a great crew of coaches and students. Jaime and the rest of the team at RGLA are extremely excited about their future!
Jaime also briefly played in the NFL for Philadelphia and Baltimore. He played collegiate football under the legendary Bill Snyder at Kansas State University where he was a Consensus All American Free Safety in 1993, 2nd Team All-American in 1992, a 3 time All Big 8 Performer, and in 1990 Defensive Rookie of the Year. Mendez was inducted into the KSU Ring of Honor in 2002, Cardinal Mooney High School Hall of Fame in 2006, Kansas State University Hall of Fame in 2013 and The State of Kansas Sports Hall of Fame in 2016
Professor Jaime is driven to make RGLA the premier martial arts academy in LA. He and the team’s purpose is to have every individual that walks through the doors at Renzo Gracie Los Angeles believe they can achieve anything they set their minds to while creating a very family oriented atmosphere. #thisishowwefamily
When Jaime isn’t at RGLA, you can bet he’s with his son Varro and dog Max on some crazy adventure!
Professor Jaime currently teaches BJJ Gi All Levels classes Mondays and Wednesdays from 12-1pm and 6-7pm, BJJ Nogi All Levels Classes Thursdays 6-7pm, Muay Thai Mondays and Wednesdays from 7-8pm and Nogi All Levels classes Saturday’s 12-1pm.