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Going into this years worlds no gi from the outside everything looked the same but for me it was completely different.
As we were training I looked at our team and saw in their eyes the same dreams I had when I was younger, to be a champion. This year has been a defining year in my life, I realized that although I like to compete I like coaching more, because I love our team.
This past weekend was the 20th edition of the US Open, in Santa Cruz, California. When I started CTA in 2012, I knew I was building something special, in 2013 we won the US Open, came up a little short in 2014 and in 2015 we came home with the adult, overall, and female first place trophies!
Pursue Martial Arts opened in 2009 under the instruction of Jason Trzewieczynski, Buffalo’s most experienced Pro MMA competitor. Pursue Martial Arts offers BJJ and Muay Thai classes to both kids and adults. The family atmosphere is very welcoming, providing members a fun and effective way to get in shape while learning self defense. PMA’s facility is spotless, with automatic hand sanitizers throughout, antimicrobial treated mats, showers and private changing rooms for convenience
When I visit affiliate academies it isn’t the level of Jiu Jitsu that I observe, but the culture of the gym. This is the most important thing in my opinion because even if you have the most technical Jiu Jitsu instructors in the world, if the environment is toxic only bad things will grow.
In the right place, at the right time, surrounded by the right people, I had my date with destiny… and it was far more surreal than I had ever envisioned it to be.
I knew going into ADCC, I would be facing the world’s best grapplers. While that is an exciting prospect for a guy with a “take no prisoners” attitude like me, it was also a huge reality check! I knew I would have to commit myself to this more than anything else in my life. The thought of having to drop 23 pounds while training harder than I ever have, wasn’t the greatest thought! The process involved in getting yourself into the best physical and mental shape of your life requires a team of dedicated and motivated individuals. I am eternally grateful to everyone who helped shaped my path towards ADCC 2015. I would like to personally thank three people who went completely above and beyond to help me prepare. Kim Terra for being my best friend, brother, and all around good vibe supplier! On those days where it was especially hard to stay motivated and positive, I could always count on Kim to lift me up. Thanks brother.
This past weekend the CTA team headed to Santa Cruz for the first ever IBJJF Santa Cruz Pro! Unlike open events, pro events offer cash prizes for the top adult, masters and absolute winners so the best in the world typically come to compete.
After a long day competing and a complete team effort by athletes from Roots Kickboxing, Milton Bastos BJJ, and CTA headquarters,the team took home first place. Notable performances include Paulo Martins closing out with Max Ruderman in weight and taking home gold in the absolute, and Kaniela Kahuanui taking home double gold in weight and absolute.
This weekend CTA Athletes made the trip to compete in the IBJJF Boston Open. In the purple belt division, Paulo Gabriel Martins fought hard and won first in his weight and absolute.
On August 1st Professor Caio Terra came out to Strong Heart BJJ for another awesome seminar! I’ve done over 13 seminars with Caio (not including classes) and he has never repeated a technique yet! I’ve trained and attended seminars with many champions and have met few people (in any profession) that are both great at what they do and great at teaching it to others. Caio is one of those few people.
This past weekend CTA instructor Professor Yuri Simoes competed in the inaugural Five Grappling Grand Prix. In his first match Professor Yuri fought a very tough and game James Puopolo. Yuri took James down 3 times and this was the decisive factor, as Yuri came away the victor with a final score of 6-2. In his next match Professor Yuri faced former ADCC champion Joao Assis. The match was back and forth and when the timer sounded the match was a draw. After deliberating the referee’s gave the judges decision to Yuri based of his aggressiveness, submission attempts and overall performance.
