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April 1, 2018

There’s a lot of different thought regarding Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and whether or not there should be tests or evaluations prior to advancing to the next belt. For years I didn’t do it – thinking that “belt tests” were for Karate and Taekwondo. Instead, I’d use my own observations in class and competition to be the measuring stick for each student’s advancement. However, after joining the Caio Terra Association in 2013 and having a brief conversation with Professor Caio, my mind completely changed on the subject.

I had always viewed belt testing as evil, something that was used as an extra way to make money off of students. I’ve always been of the opinion that if a student commits to me for 2-3 years and puts in the work and dedication to get to that level, the belt’s on me. After talking with Professor, I learned that testing wasn’t just something that I should be doing, it was something that I NEEDED to be doing.

For starters, the test gives me (as the Professor) the opportunity to see what I normally don’t get to. As I roll with my students, and still observe them when I’m not, it’s common to only see a student’s “A-Game.” If I have a smash-style top player, I still need to know that they can execute the fundamentals of closed guard. Although a student may have an incredible Lasso Guard, I still need to know that they can defend an Americana when mounted.

More importantly, the test is used as motivation. As a student, if you know that there are going to be testing periods every six months, you’re FAR more likely to pay attention during instruction and utilize your drilling time to the fullest. Through the repetition to LEARN the technique, you get the natural byproduct of a higher level of Jiu-Jitsu as a result.

That is why we test…so that we can evolve. OSS.

February 19, 2018

On February 11, Brett Webster stepped up and competed at the 2018 Houston Open, representing the CTA-Irving, TX amazingly in both of his matches. He was able to secure his first submission victory in competition – an awesome guard pull straight into an armbar!

Although he lost his second match, he was able to take away some great experiences that will certainly help in him in the future.

Brett is one of our most consistent students, attending between 8-10 classes per week! His work ethic is incredible and it’s truly an honor to be in his corner! OSS!!

On February 17, Professor Collin taught a Seminar at The Summit Martial Arts, a CTA affiliate in Oklahoma City, OK. He shared some Guard Passing techniques and also worked one on one with several of the attendants on specific problems they were having.

After a final review, he trained with all of the students and it was so amazing to see them immediately applying the techniques they were just taught! Thank you to everyone in attendance and to Coach Dominique Jackson for his hospitality…can’t wait to be back!

February 2, 2018

To the prospective gym owner…please read:

I’ve taught part time and full time since 2005 – I’d say I’m the hobbyist who made good. Competed a fair share throughout white and blue belts successfully, fading a bit starting at purple as I began transitioning into my role as an instructor.

I didn’t mind the change. I welcomed it as an opportunity to find joy in something larger than myself. I didn’t expect to change lives – I just wanted to play jiu-jitsu and share how much fun it was with others.

I’ve taught part-time most of the last 13 years. Always working a 9 to 5, teaching after work and on lunch breaks Monday through Friday. I’ve had a couple of location changes, 4 maxed out credit cards, and had several months in the red when I was starting out.

There’s been days I’ve been exhausted, and had to drag myself to the gym. Forced a smile to teach some kids how to upa. Bad days at the office that would’ve been perfectlyended with a beer instead of the X-Guard lesson I had planned.

Moments with my family…gone. I’ve missed my wife and daughter. A home cooked meal at a decent hour. Coaching at a tournament instead of being with them. Being too hurt to pick up your own child. Missing my daughter singing the Frozen soundtrack for the 312th time, date nights and Daddy/Daughter Dances. Thank God they love me.

The physical. I roll with all my students, even the Super-Sized ones. At 39 and a “Part-Time Professor” with 16 years on the mat, I’m starting to show some wear and tear. I don’t move like I used to and that gets painful from time to time – and the students stay the same age. Epsom salts, chiropractors, massages, surgeries, braces and tape – all in rotation it seems.

Emotionally it’s a roller coaster, questioning yourself all the time. How do I advertise? Does this look McDojoish? Weighing pros and cons, thinking risk vs reward. Until it’s dialed in, it’s shaky. There’s getting tapped by your students on occasion…and yeah, I’m not too proud to say it happens. Sure, it’s all part of our growth in the art, but it still stings a bit.

Your brain never turns off. Always thinking of a sweep, the private lesson you teach in the morning at 7am, hoping the studentsmade it home safe in bad weather. It’s posting on social media with a class picture. Remembering to order more tshirts and dealing with the broken toilet. Typing stuff like this at 11pm. Filing taxes.

Missing regular life. I have no idea who’s in the AFC and NFC Championship games. Passing on a Happy Hour invite to teach torreando passes. Looking like Ed Norton at the copy machine with gi-burn across your face. Coworkers knowing you around the office as “The Karate Guy.”

It sucks. And I love it.

Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to work with men and women who fought professionally, had beautiful families, started successful business, sang on American Idol, fought for our country, became actors, sent rockets into space, and savedlives as first responders.

As Instructors, these are the moments we cherish. The moments where we see a tiny bit of ourselves in all of your accomplishments. To know that we touched yourlife in a positive way is what drives us, and it’s truly why we do what we do.

We pass the knowledge and lessons along with the obvious goal of developing good technique, but here’s what we really enjoy seeing students accomplish:

It’s watching someone lose weight and extend their life. It’s turning a bad day around for someone. Helping a shy kid come out of their shell during class. Watching families bond together on the mat.

I wrote this to warn those of you out there who have dreams of having your own academy one day. You’re in for the ride of your life, and please remember one thing:

Jiu-Jitsu is merely the soundtrack. At the end of the day, the relationships we forge will outlast the techniques, trophies and titles. You will hurt in every way imaginable, from physically to financially. You will wonder if it was all worth it…and the answer is yes.

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