Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Journey: Why No Self-Defense?
Hello, my name is Ray Casias and I am a practitioner of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and have been since 1997. As someone who has dedicated a significant amount of my life to training this martial art, I have come to realize that there is a common oversight in many Brazilian Jiu Jitsu…
The Continuous Evolution of a Black Belt: A Personal Reflection
As someone deeply entrenched in the world of martial arts, particularly as a black belt, I’ve come to realize that the journey doesn’t end with achieving this coveted rank. In fact, it’s merely the beginning of a lifelong pursuit of growth, learning, and self-improvement. One of the fundamental principles I…
The Fall of Men in Today’s World: A Warrior’s Reflection
As a father of two children and a lifelong warrior, I’ve witnessed firsthand the erosion of fundamental values that once defined manhood. In today’s society, the pillars of integrity, masculinity, honor, love of family, pride in country, leadership, fatherhood, accountability, compassion, and devotion to God are crumbling under the weight…
“Empower Success: Jiu-Jitsu Journey 2024”
Hey Team, As we step into 2024, I want to express my gratitude to each one of you for being a part of this journey with me. Teaching jiu-jitsu has been a real blessing, and I don’t take it lightly. Back in 2009, when I started this gym, times were…
Conquering Fear: The First Step to Starting Jiu Jitsu
Embarking on the journey of learning Jiu Jitsu is a transformative experience that goes beyond physical training. In this blog post, I’ll delve into what it takes to start Jiu Jitsu, sharing my personal opinions and observations. One crucial element that stands out is fear, a universal emotion that impacts…
“Beyond the Belt: A Journey of Transformation in Jiu Jitsu”
To all the resilient souls who faced the challenges of 2023 in the world of Jiu Jitsu, grappling with consistency, and maybe even taking a break – this message is for you. I won’t utter the word ‘quit’ because I refuse to accept that from you. Jiu Jitsu is a…
Embracing the Warrior Ethos in 2024: The Need for Comprehensive Martial Arts Training
In an era marked by increasing uncertainty and instability, the importance of personal safety and self-defense cannot be overstated. As the world undergoes unprecedented changes, it becomes crucial to equip ourselves with the skills and mindset necessary to navigate through challenging times. One avenue that offers a holistic approach to…
Celebrating a Historic Achievement in Tennessee Jiu Jitsu!
Over a week ago, Emilio Alex Hernandez etched his name into the records of Tennessee Jiu Jitsu history, achieving a remarkable milestone as the first adult NO GI Black belt in the state to secure the coveted #1 overall ranking for all IBJJF adult black belt competitors. This accomplishment is…
“A Coach’s Journey: Reflections on a Busy Month of Tournaments”
In the whirlwind of the past month, I found myself constantly on the move, traversing cities near and far, attending tournaments and striving to bring out the best in my students. It’s a lifestyle that comes with its own set of challenges and rewards, offering a unique perspective into the…
The Joys of Witnessing a Friend and Black Belt Tie the Knot
Today was a day filled with joy and celebration as I had the honor of attending the wedding of my friend and fellow black belt, Mike Thatcher. A prominent figure at our TBJJA gym, Mike’s journey is one that embodies resilience, strength, and the indomitable spirit that martial arts instills.…