One of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu’s longest-running and most recognisable brand partnerships has officially come to an end. The Mendes Bros have announced that they will no longer be working with Kingz Kimonos, bringing a successful two-year collaboration to a close.
The announcement came via the Mendes Bros’ official Instagram account, where the team reflected on the relationship with gratitude rather than disappointment, making it clear that both sides are parting on positive terms.
In their statement, the Mendes Bros thanked Kingz for the opportunities and experiences they shared over the past two years, praising the company’s professionalism and the care shown throughout the partnership.
A Successful Collaboration
According to the post, the goal of the partnership was to introduce the Kingz brand into the Mendes Bros’ lifestyle and event appearances in an authentic way.
The team compared the collaboration to their previous work with RVCA, explaining that they wanted to represent Kingz organically rather than simply promoting a product. They expressed pride in what they accomplished together and how they showcased the brand within the global jiu-jitsu community.
The partnership saw the Mendes Bros wearing Kingz gis at seminars, competitions, and Art of Jiu-Jitsu (AOJ) events, helping strengthen the brand’s presence among practitioners worldwide.
Full Focus on AOJ
While ending their relationship with Kingz, the Mendes Bros also revealed what comes next.
The statement explains that their full focus will now shift toward continuing to grow the AOJ brand and its expanding range of projects. AOJ has become far more than a competition academy in recent years, with its own apparel, instructional content, youth development programmes, and a rapidly growing influence across the sport.
Although they did not announce a replacement gi sponsor, the wording suggests their priority is investing in and building their own brand rather than partnering with another manufacturer.
An Amicable Split
Unlike many sponsorship announcements in professional sports, there was no indication of conflict or disagreement.
Instead, the Mendes Bros wished Kingz “nothing but success in the future,” while thanking the company for the journey they shared together. The tone of the announcement leaves little doubt that the decision was mutual and respectful.
As two of the most influential figures in modern Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, any changes to the Mendes Bros’ partnerships attract attention throughout the community. For now, fans can expect to see André and Gui Mendes placing even greater emphasis on AOJ as they continue expanding one of the sport’s most respected brands.
A freelance journalist with more than seven years of experience covering a wide range of topics, with a focus on delivering accurate, engaging, and well-researched reporting. He studied at the University of Birmingham, where he developed a strong foundation in journalism and communications. Martin is a 10th Planet BJJ brown belt and has been training for approximately 10 years and a keen follower of submission grappling.
