Acta non verba

13 Jun Acta non verba

As we prepare for our second week since being re-opened due to the closure that the pandemic had caused, we have begun to bring in a new student here and there. I figured now would be as good a time as any to write something that tells our new and any prospective new students what our club is about. 

When Coach Robert Riley and I decided to open our Brazilian Jiu Jitsu gym in our hometown of Lawrence, Kansas it was very important to us to instill the core values that we came up the ranks with. Inclusivity, comradery, fundamental core knowledge, and of course our gym slogan: “Acta Non Verba”

Before I touch on the one that most everyone is scratching their heads on, I will touch on the others as they are all equally important. 

Inclusivity is fairly self-explanatory. Lawrence, Kansas is one of the most inclusive towns in Kansas and we wanted our Brazilian Jiu Jitsu school to be no different. We welcome all genders, races, orientations, etc. When someone walks through our doors, we are all the same. Politics and the weight of the outside world completely disappear as we all step on the mats to work towards a common goal. We have students from all walks of life. We have sheriffs, restaurant workers, Pipe liners, doctors, firefighters and more. People that wouldn’t normally be together are together!! We even welcome students from other schools with open arms! Jiu Jitsu is meant to be shared with the world!

Comradery is also one of the biggest of our core tenants. The brother/sisterhood that is shared between our student is unparalleled. While I may be in a leadership role, my students are truly my best friends. We all do everything we can to ensure each others success, both on and off the mats. At our club even when we aren’t training, I would say we get together more than any other club I have ever been a part of. Fights, supporting each other at tournaments, BBQs, and movie nights are things we do often throughout the year. I’m lucky to say that I know my students care about any of my successes as much as I care about theirs.

Fundamental core knowledge is another thing that I feel truly sets our gym apart. The affiliation we are under, Caio Terra Association, has stringent standards for all our students. Caio Terras slogan of “Technique Conquers All” is clearly evident through our fundamental lesson plans. Our core curriculum is written by 12 time world champion Caio Terra and it is an expectation for all of our students to have the same core knowledge for promotion while they are building their advanced game as well. To reinforce that we film all classes we teach and give them access to the videos through a private app. There is always a way to study!! We can also help our student gain access to Caio Terra’s curriculum online as well!

And lastly the one I am sure most people are wondering. “Acta Non Verba” This has been our gym slogan since we opened. Translated from Latin it means “Actions Over Words”. Don’t talk about it, be about it. Don’t tell me what you want, show me what you want! Carrying this slogan with us through our training and personal lives allows us to train and live more purposefully and helps us get all training and life has to offer. I’ve seen this thought bring out new processes in individuals and I know it my heart of hearts that that this isn’t just something cool to put on a sticker. It’s a process. It’s a way to live our lives. If you’re ever in Lawrence, Kansas and want to learn Brazilian Jiu Jitsu At CTA Lawrence, we welcome you! Whether you are passing through or here to stay!