Crosley Gracie Jiu-Jitsu

Most kids have to wait until 8 to join Summer Camp. But these little warriors earned their spot early. Discipline, focus, and respect on the mats opens doors. 👊🏼

Congratulations Ezequiel Carranza, June 2026 Student of the Month! 🎉

Ezequiel started his Jiu-Jitsu journey just under two years ago in our 4–6-year-old program, and from day one, he brought an energy that lights up the room.

Before class you could always find him asking, “Can we do races today?” 😄 Fast on his feet and even faster in his thinking, but what’s made Ezequiel truly stand out is how much he’s grown beyond the athleticism.

Over time, he’s developed real discipline, the ability to slow down, focus, and absorb technique with detail and precision. That balance of fire and focus is rare, especially at seven years old.

Now training in our 6–8 class, Ezequiel earned his Grey/White Belt at last year’s Winter Belt Ceremony and is currently attending our Youth Summer Camp. On the first day of camp alone, he trained for three and a half hours then came back for his regular class in the afternoon. That’s not just effort. That’s character. 💪🏼

He’s also a role model at home. His little brother Josiah (5) now trains in our 4–6 program, and Ezequiel has been there every step of the way, sharing advice, setting the example, and showing him what dedication looks like.

Ezequiel, we are proud of your hard work, and your positive attitude. Keep up the great work! 🥋🏆

Day one is in the books.

Yesterday, the 2026 Youth Summer Camp went to work, putting in 3.5 hours of drilling technique, pushing through conditioning, and breaking it up with team-building games that had the whole group locked in and having fun.

That’s the return on these five weeks. They’ll leave fitter and more capable than they walked in, and the confidence that comes from doing hard things well, alongside a great group of teammates, is what they’ll carry into the school year.

Well done to every student who showed up ready to work. Thank you to the parents who chose to invest your child’s summer here.

One word for this select group of ladies and gents, ranging from 14 to 76 years of age: RESPECT🥋

Adult Belt Ceremony 🥋
This past Saturday, our adult students took the mat one more time, not to train, but to be recognized.

Belt promotions are earned through consistency, resilience, and a commitment to growth that extends well beyond these walls.

Every stripe and every belt awarded represents a standard met, not simply time served. We are proud of every one of you. Your dedication to this journey reflects the character on which our academy is built on.

May you continue to be role models in your homes, your professions, and your communities.

If you see a photo of yourself, like, comment, and share.

Youth Belt Ceremony 🥋

🥋 JUNE TOPIC OF THE MONTH: THE MOUNT

The mount is one of the most powerful positions in Jiu-Jitsu. More than just a place to attack from, it represents complete control, of your opponent’s movement, posture, energy, and options.

This month, we’re focusing on the three essential elements that make the mount effective:

👊🏼 Taking the Mount
The mount must be earned. Whether advancing from side control or following a takedown, success comes from applying pressure, eliminating space, and patiently climbing into position without sacrificing control.

👊🏼 Establishing the Mount
Getting there is only the beginning. A strong mount is stable, heavy, and difficult to escape. By controlling the hips, head, and upper body, you force your opponent to carry your weight while limiting their ability to move.

👊🏼 Finishes from the Mount
Once control is established, opportunities naturally appear. Chokes, joint locks, and transitions become available because your opponent is forced to react. The best finishes come not from speed or strength, but from patience, pressure, and precise timing.

For beginners, the mount teaches the fundamentals of balance and positional control. For experienced students, it becomes a platform for attacks, transitions, and strategic pressure. At the highest levels, the mount is where control and timing combine to create inevitable finishes.

For the person underneath, being mounted can feel overwhelming. Every movement requires effort, every escape becomes a challenge, and every mistake creates another opening.

That’s what makes the mount so important. It is not simply a dominant position, it is the art of control itself.

Master the mount, and you’ll develop one of the most valuable skills in all of Jiu-Jitsu.

Congratulations to our students from the Youth Program (4-14-year-olds) on their dedication, growth, and achievements. We are proud of you all. 🥋