From Spokane to Austin: Training with the Best at Kings Way Jiu Jitsu
Last week, Professor Adam and Coach Ashley of SMASH Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu had the incredible honor of training at Kings Way HQ in Austin, Texas—one of the most elite grappling environments in the world.
The opportunity came by way of a personal invitation from Helena Crevar, widely regarded as the top female grappler of her generation. Helena’s drive, humility, and commitment to elevating others in the sport make her not only a future legend, but a true leader who is helping shape the next chapter of Jiu-Jitsu history. We're beyond grateful for her generosity in welcoming us to her training home.
What followed was a dream come true for any serious martial artist.
Training Under John Danaher — The Greatest Coach of All Time
Professor Adam and Coach Ashley had the privilege of participating in the professional practice sessions under the direction of the one and only John Danaher—a name synonymous with innovation, precision, and unmatched coaching excellence in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Learning directly from Coach Danaher is more than technique—it's a masterclass in strategy, structure, and problem-solving at the highest level. Every round, every detail, every concept was eye-opening. It was a reminder that mastery is never a destination—only a constant climb.
Meeting the GOAT: Gordon Ryan
The trip also included a surreal moment for any Jiu-Jitsu fan: meeting Gordon Ryan—the most dominant male grappler of all time. His presence on the mats is as powerful as his track record. Observing his training firsthand was not just inspiring—it was a blueprint for greatness.
A Welcoming, World-Class Environment
One of the most remarkable things about Kings Way wasn’t just the talent—it was the culture. Despite being filled with world champions, the room radiated professionalism, respect, and openness. As visitors, we were welcomed with open arms and treated like teammates from day one.
It reinforced a truth we’ve always believed: the best athletes are also the best people.
Bringing it Back to SMASH BJJ
Experiences like this aren't just about leveling up personally—they’re about investing back into our students.
From new drills and systems to mindset approaches and competition prep, we are already integrating what we learned in Austin into our kids, teens, and adult classes at all of our Spokane Valley, Deer Park, and Airway Heights locations.
We are more fired up than ever to share this with our community and help our team reach new levels—on and off the mats.
Thank You Helena, Kings Way, and the Austin BJJ Community
Huge thank you again to Helena Crevar for the invitation and leadership. Thank you to Coach Danaher, Gordon Ryan, and the entire Kings Way crew for creating such a special environment. This trip was a game-changer—and the ripple effect is already being felt back home.
Stay tuned for more updates, videos, and competition prep inspired by this incredible journey. The mission continues—and the best is yet to come.
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