As we wrap up 2024, it’s impossible not to reflect on what an incredible year it’s been for our team here at CTA Irving. From hosting local seminars to seeing our students dominate on competition mats, we’ve pushed boundaries, grown stronger as a community, and had a lot of fun along the way.
One of the biggest highlights was attending the Craig Jones Invitational and ADCC events in Las Vegas. Watching the world’s best go head-to-head was inspiring, and it gave us fresh techniques and strategies to bring back to the mats. Speaking of competition, our students showed up in a big way this year, representing our school with grit and class at both Jiu-Jitsu World League and IBJJF tournaments. Whether it was a gold medal or a hard-fought match, every effort added to the energy and pride we feel as a team.
What’s Ahead in 2025?
If 2024 was about growth, 2025 is about leveling up. We’re planning new seminars, kids’ camps, and team activities to keep the energy alive. For our competitors, there’s a full slate of tournaments already on our calendar—time to start sharpening your game.
We’re also looking to expand students, staff, and square footage before the year is up. Thank you all for being part of this journey. Let’s make 2025 our strongest year yet—on and off the mats. See you in class!
On our second day in Hawaii, I noticed that ADCC Legend Yuri Simoes was teaching a seminar in at Tako Jiu-Jitsu in Honolulu and I knew I couldn’t miss it. It was a crazy coincidence for both of us to be there at the same time, so when I saw that things lined up, I made sure to be there to catch up with an old friend & meet some new ones. We covered several wrestling-based techniques to begin the event, reviewing what he had taught the previous day and making sure that everyone understood the material. After that, we launched into an intense Q&A session with the champ – everyone getting the opportunity to ask him a specific question about a move, his mentality, developing a strategy, and so much more. Thank you again to Shel and everyone at Tako Jiu-Jitsu for your hospitality and to Yuri for the instruction! See you again soon my friend!
The next evening I had the opportunity to train with Professor Jeremy Nitta and his team at TRXTR Studio, our CTA Affiliate on Oahu. The energy was amazing inside his academy, with everyone in attendance immediately making me feel welcome and at home on their mats. We covered several different guard passing options, working a system based on opponent reactions that has already been incredibly useful for me in training (thank you Jeremy!!). Class concluded with a few rounds based on passing concepts and with me smiling and absolutely exhausted.
