Paul Nava

Who knew you would leave this earth so soon.
You weren’t just my cousin—you were my brother, my best man, the godfather to my son, and my best friend.
You were the one I leaned on when life got heavy.
The one who understood without me having to explain.
My therapy, my support, my family in every sense of the word.
There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t feel your absence.
I miss you more than words can explain.
Thank you for the bond we had.
Thank you for the memories, the laughs, and for always being there.
I’ll carry you with me for the rest of my life.
Happy Heavenly Birthday,
Ernesto Felipe Medina

Some days are tough, and a lot of that comes from things I went through growing up. That stuff sticks.
But I’ve built a solid life. I’ve got a good job at Costco with benefits, and I built a business that made it through the recession and COVID.
I’m grateful for what I have.
The past is there, but it doesn’t run me.
I keep moving forward, trust God, and handle what’s in front of me.
Posting some shots of the remodeled academy too—proud of how it turned out.

Competed on March 28th at the IBJJF Pan International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Championship — a tournament that means a lot to me. I’ve been fortunate to win this event at purple, brown, and black belt (twice), so it’s always special stepping on those mats.
This time, I came up short, earning Silver in my division and Silver in the open weight. Not the result I was chasing, but still something to build on.
More than anything, I had an incredible experience with my team — and especially with my student and Black Belt, Alex Martinez. Moments like these are what it’s all about.
Preparation was no different than any other major competition — discipline, consistency, and hard training. Sundays were probably the toughest days, but they made the difference in how I showed up.
A big thank you to my supporters: Optimize You Health for taking care of my body leading into the event — especially my back and keeping me dialed in with hydration.
The Now Massage for the recovery and treatment.
And a special thank you to my main sponsor, Shoyoroll. This marks 10 years together, and I truly couldn’t be more grateful. They’re more than just a sponsor — they are my uniform, my armor on the mats. They’ve always had my back with unwavering support, and they make sure I step out there looking sharp every single time I compete. That consistency and belief means everything.
Back to work.

Now booking Summer & Fall Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Seminars.
4th Degree Black Belt
11x IBJJF Black Belt World Champion
If you want high-level details, competition-tested systems, and an energetic seminar your team won’t forget — let’s lock in a date.
Contact:
Paul Nava
[email protected]
480.491.5440
480.241.9878
[email protected]
Let’s build 👊🔥

January 17th was one for the books.
We had the honor of hosting 10th Planet for a Jiu-Jitsu event that brought real energy, real respect, and real battles to the mats. No ego. No shortcuts. Just people who love the grind and showed up ready to test themselves.
Every round was fast, technical, and honest. Different styles, different systems, same goal: get better. Wins, losses, scrambles, exhaustion, laughs after the bell—this is what community in Jiu-Jitsu actually looks like.
Huge respect to the 10th Planet crew for coming through and matching the intensity with professionalism and heart. These kinds of events push everyone forward and remind us that iron sharpens iron.
Proud of our team for stepping up, supporting each other, and representing with class. This is how you grow—together, on the mat, one hard round at a time.
Until the next one 🤙

This weekend in Montrose, CO was something special.

I got into town on Saturday and spent the afternoon exploring with Arthur and his student Jack—who also happens to be a doctor. Two genuinely good guys who made me feel at home right away. We talked Jiu-Jitsu, life, the growth of their academy, and just enjoyed that calm small-town vibe that Montrose carries.

And even though she didn’t come out with us that day, none of this weekend would’ve happened without Jen. She’s the one who organized the entire seminar—every detail, every message, every step to bring it all together. When I met her on Sunday, it was clear she’s not just Arthur’s wife; she’s an incredible practitioner and a huge part of the heart of their school. Focused, technical, welcoming—she sets the tone in the best way.

Sunday’s seminar had that perfect energy. The room was full of curiosity, excitement, and people who truly wanted to grow. Watching details click for the group, seeing breakthroughs, and feeling everyone push each other—it reminded me why I love sharing this art.

Montrose showed up. Arthur has built something special, Jack brings humility and sharpness from both medicine and Jiu-Jitsu, and Jen is the engine behind so much of their success, on and off the mats.

I left Sunday with a full heart—grateful for the hospitality, the effort, the conversations, and the chance to be a part of their community, even just for a weekend.

Thank you, Montrose. Keep training, keep growing, and keep taking care of each other. Oss. 🤙🥋

Our new custom hats are on point💪🏽. Come to our front desk and see Cammie or myself for your awesome collection of your team spirit!!

The Truth About Owning a Jiu-Jitsu School

People see the medals, the smiles, the wins… but they don’t see the other side of it. The side where I’m the last one here with a mop in my hand. The side where I’m cleaning bathrooms, wiping down mats, fixing leaks, taking out trash, and trying to make the place look good before the next crew comes in.

There are nights I’m dead tired, but I still stay late because this place matters to me. It’s more than a school — it’s my home. Every inch of it has my sweat, my time, and my heart in it.

I’ve learned that running a Jiu-Jitsu school isn’t just about teaching technique or building champions. It’s about doing the dirty work no one talks about, because that’s what keeps the lights on, the doors open, and the mats ready for the next kid who walks in chasing a dream.

It’s not glamorous, but it’s real. And I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

🥋💪

🥋 ARES BJJ KIDS TOURNAMENT 🥋
Saturday, November 8th, 2025 | Starts at 8:00 AM

It’s time for our young warriors to step on the mats!
Join us for the Ares BJJ Members Only Kids Tournament — a fun, friendly, and competitive event following official IBJJF rules.

💥 Event Details:

📍 Ares Arizona Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

💵 $40 Registration Fee

👀 $10 Spectator Fee

🕗 Starts at 8:00 AM

📅 Registration closes November 7th

⚖️ IBJJF Rules Applied

🥇 Medals for all divisions & great matches for every competitor!

💰 Payment Options:

Venmo: -Nava-1

Zelle: 480.241.9878

Let’s make this an exciting day full of teamwork, respect, and Ares pride!

Register now at the front desk or send your payment before November 7th!