This Week at Kingsway HQ: Lessons from the Top, For Our Team Back Home

This Week at Kingsway HQ: Lessons from the Top, For Our Team Back Home

This week, Professor Adam and Coach Ashley were invited to train at one of the most elite grappling rooms in the world — Kingsway Jiu Jitsu HQ in Austin, Texas.

The invitation came from none other than Helena Crevar, the top-ranked female grappler of her generation and someone we deeply admire — not just for her incredible accomplishments, but for the way she lifts others as she climbs.

She didn’t just welcome us into her world — she made sure we had the opportunity to experience what the highest level of training truly feels like.

Pro Practice Under John Danaher

Walking into the pro room at Kingsway HQ is like stepping into the heart of modern Jiu-Jitsu.

We had the unbelievable opportunity to train under Coach John Danaher, widely considered the greatest mind the sport has ever seen. His instruction is surgical — every concept stripped to its core, every movement precise, every session packed with intention.

It wasn’t just about learning technique. It was about learning how to think like a black belt at the highest level.

Meeting Gordon Ryan

We also had the chance to meet Gordon Ryan, the greatest male grappler of all time.

Seeing him train in person — the intensity, the focus, the control — was exactly what you’d expect from someone who has redefined what’s possible in the sport.

And yet, just like everyone in the room, he was kind, professional, and completely committed to the training.

A Welcoming Room Built on Excellence

What stood out the most wasn’t just the talent — it was the culture.

Despite being surrounded by world champions, Kingsway felt humble. Focused. Respectful.

Everyone in the room was there to work, to improve, and to support the people next to them.

That’s exactly the type of environment we’ve always worked to build at SMASH BJJ.

What We’re Bringing Back to Spokane

We didn’t just train — we took notes. We learned how to structure classes better. How to drill more intentionally. How to prepare our students — from kids to adults — for long-term success in both competition and life.

And we’re already applying it back home across our Spokane Valley, Deer Park, and Airway Heights locations.

This week wasn’t just about our own growth — it was about finding new ways to help our team level up.

Thank You Helena, Kingsway, and the Entire Austin Crew

We are so grateful to Helena Crevar for opening the door for us and for being the kind of leader the sport needs.

Thank you to Coach Danaher, Gordon Ryan, and the entire Kingsway team for welcoming us, challenging us, and sending us home better than we arrived.

We’ll be back — and until then, we’ll be pouring everything we learned into our students.

👊 Train With Us | Learn With Us | Grow With Us
📍 Spokane Valley | Deer Park | Airway Heights
🌐 www.smashbjjspokane.com
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