Youth Jiu-Jitsu Tournament Brings SMASH BJJ and CDA Jiu Jitsu Together in Spokane Valley
Eighty kids from all three SMASH locations. Almost 20 more from CDA Jiu Jitsu. Competitors ranging from just 3 years old to 15—and a room full of families and teammates cheering them on.
Our Youth Invitational Jiu-Jitsu Tournament at SMASH Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Spokane Valley was something special! The energy was electric, the matches were exciting, and the respect shown throughout the day made us incredibly proud.
We’ve hosted a lot of events, but this one reminded us exactly why we do it: giving young people opportunities to challenge themselves, build confidence, and discover what they can accomplish with a supportive community behind them.
A Big Step for Young Competitors
Students from our Spokane Valley, Deer Park, and Airway Heights academies came together with students from CDA Jiu Jitsu in Coeur d’Alene for an affordable day of competition and growth.
For many students, this was an opportunity to experience competition for the first time. For others, it was a chance to test their progress against someone outside their regular training group.
Stepping onto the mat takes courage. There are nerves to manage, decisions to make, and moments when things don’t go according to plan. Those experiences help students learn how to stay composed, listen to their coaches, and keep trying when something is difficult.
A medal is exciting, but so is watching a student do something they weren’t sure they could do. That’s the kind of progress we want every child to experience.
Competitive Matches. A Respectful Community.
What stood out just as much as the action was the atmosphere.
Everyone brought energy while keeping the day respectful. Students had the opportunity to compete hard and see that good sportsmanship belongs alongside competitive effort. Families and teammates helped make the room feel encouraging, even during intense matches.
That environment matters. We want kids to look forward to challenging themselves, feel supported through setbacks, and leave with something they’re excited to work on in class.
This event gave many of our students valuable competition experience while keeping them connected to the people who help them grow.
Two Established Academies Working Together
We’re especially thankful for the strong relationship between Professor Adam “SMASH” Smith of SMASH Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Professor Shawn Lawrence of CDA Jiu Jitsu.
That relationship helped us bring our communities together and offer a very affordable way for students to compete. Making these opportunities accessible means more young athletes can participate, gain experience, and build momentum in their training.
As established academy leaders with strong roots in their communities, Professor Adam and Professor Shawn have helped shape the local Jiu-Jitsu culture. Their work as instructors and community builders reflects the pioneering spirit that helps a growing sport thrive: invest in students, create opportunities, and build relationships that last.
Through SMASH BJJ’s youth programs across the Spokane area and CDA Jiu Jitsu’s community in Coeur d’Alene, both academies are taking an active leadership role in developing the next generation of martial artists in the Inland Northwest.
Events like this show what that leadership looks like in practice—schools working together so their students can benefit.
More Youth Jiu-Jitsu Events Ahead
We’re excited to host more in-house and invitational events like this one. Regular opportunities to compete give students goals to work toward and help them become more comfortable putting their skills to the test.
We also hope to work with other Jiu-Jitsu schools that want to build positive relationships and contribute to a respectful, welcoming competition culture. There is a lot we can accomplish together for young athletes throughout Spokane, Coeur d’Alene, and the surrounding communities.
To every student who stepped onto the mat, every family who supported them, and everyone who helped make the day possible: thank you! You made this an event we’ll remember, and we’re already looking forward to the next one.
Start Your Child’s Jiu-Jitsu Journey
At SMASH Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, our kids’ programs help students develop confidence, discipline, practical skills, and friendships through consistent training and new challenges. Competition is one of the opportunities we offer to help them grow.
Visit smashbjjspokane.com to learn more about kids’ Jiu-Jitsu classes in Spokane Valley, Deer Park, and Airway Heights.
The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. For many of these kids, this tournament was a big one!