Sixteen weeks in. If you’ve been training with us, you’ve already changed — even if you can’t always see it from the inside. That’s the nature of growth. It happens in the small, repeated decisions: showing up tired, drilling the move one more time, tapping and learning instead of tapping and quitting.
This week, we’re naming it directly.
Word of the Week: Growth
Growth is uncomfortable. That’s the part most people miss. The new technique that doesn’t click, the training partner who keeps catching you, the round where you gas out — those aren’t signs you’re failing. They’re the exact conditions where growth happens. Comfort is the enemy of progress, and the mat is one of the few places left in modern life that demands you sit in discomfort long enough to come out the other side.
This week we want every student — from Tiny Champion to GB2 — to ask two honest questions:
- Where have I grown since I started training?
- Where am I still avoiding the work?
The first question builds confidence. The second one builds a black belt.
On the Mats This Week
Tiny Champions & Little Champions
- Self-Defense: Front break fall, rocking chair, technical lift
- Sport Jiu-Jitsu: Knee on belly from mount
- Character Lesson: Growth means trying — even when something feels hard the first ten times. Especially then.
GBK (Teens & Juniors)
- Self-Defense: Foot throws (instructor’s choice)
- Sport Jiu-Jitsu: Knee on belly variations
For our teens, this week is about pressure and patience. Foot throws teach timing. Knee on belly teaches what it feels like to control someone without forcing it. Both reward the student who stays calm.
GB1 (Adults Fundamentals)
- Self-Defense: Escape from a front bear hug under the arms, breaking grips, outside hook takedown
- Sport Jiu-Jitsu: Straight arm bar from mount and knee on belly transition
If you’re new, this is your foundation. The bear hug escape and grip breaks are real-world skills you should hope to never need but be ready to use. The arm bar from mount is one of the highest-percentage submissions in the art. Drill them like they matter — because they do.
GB2 (Adults Advanced)
- Self-Defense & Throws: Foot throws
- Sport Jiu-Jitsu: Knee on belly transitions and attacks
For advanced students, this week is about layering. Knee on belly isn’t a destination — it’s a launchpad. Work the transitions to mount, to far-side armbar, to baseball bat choke. Make your top game a problem your training partners have to solve.
Women’s BJJ Centennial Class
Tuesday at 6:30 PM. Strong technique, real connection, and a room full of women who’ve decided to grow together. If you’ve been considering jumping in, this is the week.
📅 Save the Date: Belt Ceremony — Saturday, June 6
Our next belt ceremony is Saturday, June 6:
- Kids: 9:00 AM
- Adults: 10:00 AM
Belt ceremonies are one of the few moments in modern life where progress gets a name. If you’ve been on the mats putting in the work, you’ll want to be there — for yourself, for your training partners, and for the students you’ve helped along the way. Bring your family. This is what the work looks like.
🥋 CompNet Tournament — Saturday, May 30
The next CompNet Gracie Barra tournament is Saturday, May 30. This is the in-house Gracie Barra competition series — Gracie Barra students competing against Gracie Barra students. Lower stress than IBJJF, real competition, and the best way to test what you’ve been building in class.
Sign up at smoothcomp.com.
Whether it’s your first competition or your fiftieth, registering is itself an act of growth. Your training will sharpen the moment your name is on a bracket. Talk to your professor or coach this week if you want help deciding on division, weight, or game plan.
Better than yesterday. That’s the whole game. If you are ready to take the step and take a free class CLICK HERE!
We’ll see you on the mats.
