This past weekend some of our Lucas Lepri Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Fitness, Knoxville TN competitor kids competed at the 2025 IBJJF Pan American Championships! This is the toughest and largest martial arts tournament in the world for children.
It was one of the toughest weekends we have had as a team at the international level. I watched our kids train harder this summer than any group ever has. I watched them all improve technically, physically, emotionally, more than I had expected! And that is worth more than any gold medal. They competed against the toughest kids from around the world and never gave up. They stumbled and got back up ready to go again. They came together as a team supporting each other in the victories and defeats. And although gold medals are nice and we all want one, the lessons learned this weekend and the character displayed means so much more. I also know it will fuel the fire inside each of them to find that next level each week so that next year, they can get closer to their goals of becoming a Kids Pan American Champions! They have all told me they are redy to get back to work and keep grinding to reach that goal!
Competing in Jiu Jitsu alone is the hardest thing your kids will ever do, competing at the international level is indescribable! Most people would never even walk onto the mat on the biggest stage in the world! Many of our kids took that step for the first time this weekend. Nobody shyed away from the overwhelming emotions, fear, doubt, and dread. They stepped on to the mat, went to work and gave it everything they had. That makes me as a coach more proud than any medal.
Everyone who knows me, knows that I am extremely invested in all of our students. When they win, I am their biggest cheerleader. When they lose, I share the same pain they feel. We will adjust, we will improve, and we will write a different story at Pans in 2026!!! Kids I will hold your hand and walk through fire with each and every one of you to help you achieve your goals!
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