Jake Walton’s Collision Invitational Win and the Team We’re Building
Ten days before the Collision Invitational, our new head Brazilian Jiu Jitsu coach Jake Walton took a match against a tough opponent. He stepped onto the mat with a clear head, worked through the contest methodically and came away with the win. For everyone who travelled from NGMA to support him, it was a brilliant day.
We’re proud of the result. We’re just as proud of why Jake chose to compete: he wanted our team to see that stepping forward doesn’t have to be scary.
Composed Jiu Jitsu on ten days’ notice
A short-notice match asks a lot of any competitor. There’s little time to build towards a particular opponent, and it’s easy to let the occasion take over. Jake showed the kind of calm, methodical Jiu Jitsu he brings to his coaching at NGMA. He stayed in the contest, worked through the positions and trusted his game.
The win was a fantastic moment for Jake and for our gym. It gave our newer team members a chance to see their coach compete in person, with all the nerves and excitement that come with a live show.
A team beside the mat
A group from NGMA made the trip to support Jake. We watched the match together, cheered him on and had a great time as a team. The photo afterwards says a lot about the event: people from the gym showing up for one another, enjoying the occasion and sharing the moment.
That matters to us. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu can feel individual when you’re the person on the mat, but nobody develops alone. Your training partners help you prepare, your coaches help you make sense of the hard rounds, and your team is there whatever the result.
Competition is an invitation, not a test of belonging
Jake wants to build a culture at NGMA where people feel able to give competition a go. It’s normal to be nervous. You don’t need to wait until you feel unbeatable, and you don’t need a win to make the experience worthwhile. Showing up, testing what you’ve learned and coming back to train are all part of getting better.
No one here is keeping score of your worth by your results. If you win, we’ll celebrate with you. If you lose, we’ll be there for you just the same. What matters is that you have a team around you and a place to keep learning.
The culture we’re building at NGMA
Jake is helping shape a new chapter for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at NGMA in Woolston. We want people to train hard, look after each other and feel comfortable asking questions. Some members will compete; others will simply love learning Jiu Jitsu and being part of the room. Both belong on this team.
This match gave us a glimpse of that culture in action. A coach willing to lead by example, a team willing to travel and support him, and a win we could all enjoy together. Well done, Jake. We’re excited for what comes next.
If you’d like to try Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Southampton, come and meet the team. Complete beginners are welcome. Message NGMA to arrange a free trial and we’ll help you find a class that suits you.
An amazing event by Collision Invitational! Thank you for having us.
Photo credit: Ikigaicinemedia
