Teamwork Builds Champions — Thanksgiving Week at Gracie Barra Centennial
This week our Word of the Week is Teamwork — and there’s no better time to reflect on it than Thanksgiving.
In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, we learn quickly that improvement doesn’t happen in isolation. You need training partners to push your pace and pressure-test your technique. You need teammates who pick you up after a tough round and coaches who demand your best even when you’re tired.
Thanksgiving gives us a moment to step back and appreciate the people who make us better — on and off the mats.
🥋 Belt Promotions — A Celebration of Commitment and Community
A huge round of applause to everyone who earned the next step in their journey:
Black Belt
• Professor Terrell Brown
A rare achievement that reflects years of discipline, consistency, and heart. We are honored to celebrate this moment with you.
Brown Belt
• Rich Courtney
• Laird Dakos
• Marcelo Gois
Purple Belt
• Chance McMillan
• Larry Stoiber
• Bryce Schulty
• Steven Thompson
Blue Belt
• Traci Monaghan
• Michael Gumberg
• Nathan Moore
These belts represent thousands of exchanges — giving and receiving. A true product of teamwork.
🧠 Why Teamwork Matters in Jiu-Jitsu and Life
You can’t grow without friction. And you can’t have friction without partners.
When we train together, we’re doing far more than learning techniques:
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We learn humility when someone catches us.
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We learn responsibility when we roll with someone newer.
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We learn leadership by sharing what was once difficult for us.
The mat becomes a place where we learn how to show up for others — not just ourselves.
That’s the heart of a strong family. And that’s what we’re building here every day.
🦃 A Thanksgiving Message for Our Team
This holiday, we want you to take pride in being part of something bigger:
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A team that welcomes everyone through the door
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A team that works together to sharpen skills
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A team that pushes each other to reach higher standards
Be grateful for the challenges — they shape you.
Be grateful for your teammates — they lift you.
Be grateful for this community — it grows with you.
📆 Holiday Training Schedule
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Thursday — CLOSED
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Saturday — CLOSED
But don’t miss the chance to get in one great training session before the food coma hits:
🔥 Friday Live Training
Check in on the Zenplanner app or Here
10am • All adults welcome
Show up, roll hard, start the holiday weekend right.
Thank you for being part of Gracie Barra Centennial.
Thank you for trusting the process.
Thank you for helping build the best team in Colorado.
Enjoy the holiday — and see you on the mats Friday. 🥋💪
