Last weekend was our 2024 Caio Terra HQ Summer promotions! Congrats to everyone who received their well-deserved promotions. Jiu-jitsu belts don't come easy, and I'm proud of all of you. For those who did not get promoted this time, keep training, evolving, and enjoying the journey; your time will come.
Congrats to Kristina Barlaan on her black belt third degree, Tony Caito from our Sensei Studio family on his second degree, and Carlos Capela on receiving his first degree!
The big promotion of the day (besides Gabe) was Tyler Shew. When Tyler came to CTA, he was a purple belt who dreamed of being a world champ. He didn't wish for his dream; he worked for it. With each failure, he improved, albeit very slowly, earning the nickname Simple Jack.
Eventually, as a purple belt, he made it to the finals of the worlds, beating some very good people along the way. He came up short and became vice-champion. I was incredibly proud of his hard work and dedication.
At brown belt, he continued to work hard as he started transitioning into the role of teacher. To be a good competitor, you must be selfish; to be a good teacher, you must be selfless, and Tyler is the latter.
Tyler never reached his goal of being a world champion, but what he did accomplish goes beyond any medals or titles. He has his place in our history as the first brown main instructor at any of my academies.
Tyler, you will change so many lives before this is over. I know this because you definitely changed mine. It's a big responsibility to be an instructor, and you embraced the challenge. Never stop evolving and working hard! I am proud to call you my student and blessed to call you my friend. Ladies and gentlemen, I present CTA's newest black belt, Tyler Shew!
