GFTeam TN

A little late, but too important not to share.

Great turn out for Josh's Joshua Tate last class...

Some people walk through the doors of an academy and become teammates. Others become part of the foundation. From day one, you've been the kind of person who makes a team stronger—not just through training, but through friendship, encouragement, and the way you show up for others. You've played a huge role in building the culture and community we value so much, and your impact reaches far beyond the mats.

Thank you for the countless rounds, conversations, laughs, and support over the years. You embodied what we want this academy to be—welcoming, humble, supportive, and committed to helping others grow. Your friendship has meant so much to so many here, especially me (Dave), and your presence on these mats will be deeply missed.

While we're excited for your next chapter, it's hard to imagine the academy without you.

Thank you for being such an important part of our journey and helping shape what this place has become. No matter where life takes you, you'll always have a home here. Once family, always family." 🥋❤️

Last night, I had the honor of promoting one of my dearest friends, Jenga Dan (Daniel), to Black Belt. 🖤🥋

We've been friends for 16 years, and in that time I've had the privilege of watching him grow not only as a grappler, but as a husband, father, friend, teammate, and leader. There aren't many people who leave a positive impact on everyone they meet, but Daniel is one of those rare individuals.

Anyone who knows him knows exactly what kind of person he is—genuine, humble, loyal, hardworking, and always willing to help others. He has earned the respect of everyone around him, not because he asks for it, but because of the way he carries himself every single day.

A black belt isn't just about techniques, wins, or time spent on the mats. It's about perseverance, consistency, character, and continuing to show up when things get difficult. Daniel has embodied all of those qualities throughout his journey.

It's been an honor to coach him, but an even greater honor to call him my friend. Watching him reach this milestone is something I'll never forget. I'm incredibly proud of everything he's accomplished and grateful for the friendship we've shared over the last 16 years.

Tonight wasn't just about earning a black belt—it was about celebrating the man behind it.

Welcome to the next chapter, brother. You've earned every bit of it. 🖤🥋

🔥 Huge shout out to everyone who leveled up last night! 🔥

Progress in Jiu-Jitsu isn't just measured by belts. Sometimes it's a stripe, a breakthrough during training, showing up on a day you didn't feel like it, or simply refusing to quit when things get tough. Every step forward matters.

Don't get caught up comparing your journey to someone else's. Stay focused on your own path, trust the process, and keep stacking small wins. Growth happens one class, one round, one stripe, and one belt at a time. The goal is simple: be better than you were yesterday. It's always you vs. YOU.

A huge congratulations to Marley and Brittany for earning their blue belts! 💙 Their dedication, consistency, and hard work have paid off, and this achievement is well deserved.

And congratulations to Jenga Dan for earning his black belt—a tremendous accomplishment that represents years of commitment, perseverance, and growth. 🖤 (More on that coming soon!)

We're incredibly proud of each and every person who was recognized last night. You are all a vital part of what we're building at GFTeam Tennessee, and we're honored to share this journey with you.

Well earned. Keep showing up. Keep growing. 👊

BJJ TrustTheProcess KeepShowingUp

In memory of many, in honor of all — may the courage, bravery, and selfless service of our heroes never be forgotten.

This Memorial Day, we pause to remember those who gave everything so that we could live in freedom. Their sacrifice lives on in our hearts, and we honor them with gratitude and respect.

From all of us at GFTeam Tennessee, Happy Memorial Day weekend to you and your loved ones. We hope you're enjoying time with family, friends, and the people who matter most.

We will have Open Mat on Monday at 10am — come roll, reflect, and remember.

Please note: There will be no regular classes on Memorial Day. Classes will resume on Tuesday with:

Adult Gi Jiu-Jitsu at 11am

Kids Jiu-Jitsu at 6pm

Adult No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu at 7pm

See you on the mats!



GFTeam

🌸 HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY WEEKEND from all of us at GFTeam Tennessee 🌸

This weekend, we celebrate the incredible moms, grandmas, stepmoms, and mother figures who are such an important part of our GFTeam family.

From early mornings and busy schedules to packing bags and post-class snacks to being their loudest cheerleader and constant source of support on the sidelines, learning to tie belts, washing Gis, and encouraging your kids through every challenge—you are the support system behind so many strong and confident young grapplers.

To our Jiu-Jitsu moms who step onto the mats alongside your children: thank you for leading by example and showing them what dedication, resilience, courage, and heart truly look like.

Your love, sacrifice, and support help shape not only better athletes, but better people.

We are grateful for each and every one of you and hope your Mother’s Day weekend is filled with love, laughter, and time with the people who matter most.

Happy Mother’s Day! 💐

There will be no Yoga for Jiu-Jitsu or open mat tomorrow, Sunday May 10. See you guys back on the mats on Monday for our regular schedule

jiujitsumoms jiujitsukids jiujitsulifestyle mothersday bjjmom

It’s Monday—a new week! Let’s make it Monday Motivation: Testimonial Edition 🎉

Today we’re spotlighting one of our awesome members, Brittany Lyles, and what she would tell another woman who’s thinking about trying Jiu-Jitsu at GFTeam Tennessee—and we couldn’t agree more!

Brittany is a wife, homeschool mom of four, adjunct instructor at the University of North Georgia, Jiu-Jitsu competitor, and a rock climber and instructor at High Point—just to name a few things. She and her kids (who also train!) have been part of our academy and homeschool program for almost 2 years. She’s truly an asset to our team, and we’re proud to have her in the GFTeam family!

BJJ MondayMotivation

Happy Easter weekend!

We will not have Yoga for Jiu-Jitsu or Open Mat this Sunday for Easter. Take this time to relax, recharge, and enjoy meaningful moments with your family and add loved ones—Happy Easter!

We’ll be back on the mats Monday, April 6th with our regular schedule. We can’t wait to see you!

Thinking about trying a class? We offer a variety of options for both kids and adults, with flexible times to fit your family’s busy schedule. Reach out to David Morris at 901-300-0535 for more information.

It’s a new week—what better time to start something fresh for you or your family? We’d love to welcome you in!