This year worlds was a emotional one for me. I knew win or lose, it would be Mason Fowler's last championship at the color belt level. We put in the work, had the right game plan and it was our goal to come away with double gold. In the end, things didn't go exactly as planned but I couldn't happier with the effort of everyone on the team!
In his division Mason won, submitting every opponent. In the open division he started off slow but caught his breath going into the final. Before the match he told me he was feeling great, I was excited, and it was his time. At the very start of the match he made a critical mistake and his opponent capitalized. In the end he did not come home with double gold, but he learned, he will be better for it and I couldn't be prouder of him.
The biggest surprise of the tournament was Tyler Shew. Tyler has the ability, puts in the work but the biggest thing that has always held him back was his belief in himself and his jiu jitsu. He turned a corner this year, battled through adversity and in the end made it the the final, before falling a little short. Great job Tyler!
Our team also had Gavin, Lora, and Jessica competing in their first worlds. In the end everyone lost some matches, won some matches but gained valuable experience.
Gabe, also competed losing to the eventual champion. In the black belt division Gabriel Marangoni, Tomo and Jessica Carolina represented CTA well.
Gabriel won his first match before losing to Shane in the quarterfinals. Tomo also won his first match before a penalty cost him the match in the quarterfinals. Jessica made it to the final before falling short becoming the 2021 vice champion.
Congrats to everyone who competed. Failure isn't fatal, success only lasts a moment, embrace the experience. Above all else keep training, keep learning, and keep evolving.
