Leading by Example: Professor Adam Smith and Professor Shawn Lawrence Take on the IBJJF No-Gi Pans
Teaching the next generation of martial artists means continuing to challenge yourself, too. Professor Adam “SMASH” Smith of SMASH Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Professor Shawn Lawrence of CDA Jiu Jitsu recently stepped onto the mats at the IBJJF No-Gi Pan-American Jiu-Jitsu Championship, putting their skills to the test on one of the sport’s most prestigious no-gi stages.
Competing at this level is a significant undertaking. It takes preparation, discipline, and the willingness to face skilled opponents under pressure. For two professors who spend so much of their time helping others improve, this was an opportunity to embrace the same challenges they encourage their students to take on.
A Close Match and Lessons to Bring Home
Professor Adam’s tournament ended with a first-round loss on points, with a single position making the difference.
At this level, one exchange can decide a match. The result wasn’t what Adam had worked toward, but the experience carries value that comes home with him—to his own training and to the students he coaches.
Competition asks us to put our preparation on the line and accept an honest test of our skills. That applies whether you’re a child entering your first local tournament or a black belt stepping onto an international stage. There is always something to learn, sharpen, and bring into the next challenge.
For Adam, showing up and taking that test is part of leading by example. The commitment to growth continues long after earning a black belt.
Double Gold for Professor Shawn Lawrence!
A huge congratulations to Professor Shawn Lawrence, who won both his division and the open-class division!
Winning a division at the IBJJF No-Gi Pans is an outstanding accomplishment. Following it with an open-class title makes it an especially memorable performance. The open class brings competitors from different weight divisions together, presenting another demanding test of technique, strategy, and composure.
Two divisions. Two gold medals. An incredible result for Professor Shawn and the entire CDA Jiu Jitsu community!
Everyone at SMASH is proud to celebrate his success. It’s exciting to see a respected friend and fellow instructor represent our region with such a strong performance.
A Friendship That Strengthens Our Jiu-Jitsu Community
The relationship between Professor Adam and Professor Shawn reaches beyond any single tournament. Their friendship and mutual respect connect two established Jiu-Jitsu communities, creating opportunities for students to learn, compete, and grow together.
That connection was also on display at our recent Youth Invitational in Spokane Valley, where students from SMASH’s three locations joined students from CDA Jiu Jitsu for an affordable, respectful day of competition.
From supporting young athletes at a local invitational to taking on the challenge of the No-Gi Pans, both professors are helping build a culture where effort matters, relationships matter, and another academy’s success is worth celebrating.
We’re grateful for that partnership and excited to keep strengthening the connection between SMASH Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and CDA Jiu Jitsu.
Bringing the Experience Back to Our Students
Our students see the training, preparation, and commitment their instructors put into this sport. They also get to see how we respond to its different outcomes: learning from a close loss, celebrating a hard-earned victory, and supporting each other through both.
Those lessons belong in every academy.
Congratulations again to Professor Shawn Lawrence on his double-gold performance, and respect to both professors for stepping forward and testing themselves! We look forward to bringing that experience and energy back to our communities in Spokane Valley, Deer Park, Airway Heights, and Coeur d’Alene.