Congrats To Team Lloyd Irvin and Thank You Lloyd!

Last weekend Team Lloyd Irvin became the first American Team in history to win a team title in any category at the brazilian jiu-jitsu world championships. I would say that I'm surprised by this, but I knew this day would come for the team, and I expect we will win many more. Going into the final day our adult team was in 2nd place and though it may take a bit of time before we win this title, I am confident this day will come too.

I've been reading a lot on the forums about what Lloyd does different than everyone else and a lot of what is written has been correct to a point. I've been a part of the team since 2004 and have traveled all over the world with Lloyd. Next to my parents, Lloyd has had a bigger impact on my life than anyone else in the world.

To have a great team you must have a great leader. That leader must also have a great vision on were he wants to take you and I have personally seen Lloyd's vision become a reality. If you want to learn how to be successful there is no better person to look at than Lloyd. He commands respect, does what he says he's going to do, and leads by example. He has the best work ethics of ANYONE I know and a wisdom about him that I don't think can be taught. His wisdom is his greatest asset and I think that this is something that he's simply been blessed with. Yes he has a desire to learn and get better, yes he studies what works the best for any and every situation, but all of that aside God blessed Lloyd Irvin to be an amazingly wise leader.

Over the years Lloyd and I have talked for hours about everything from life, to BJJ, to MMA, to just about anything. Lloyd has kept me sane through all of my crazy thoughts and shortcoming that very few people know about. I look at how our team does in competition and it's no surprise we win. The same thing that goes for our team has gone for me in life. I know if Lloyd is happy with the things that I've done, then I have done well. Sometimes I win and sometimes I lose.

Most people that know me would say I'm pretty fearless when it comes to things. But the fact is the biggest fear I have in life is failing. One of our teams motto's is that no matter what happens, win or lose, as long as we give 100% we're still a champion. I've flat out failed a number of times the last few years but Lloyd has always given me encouragement to get back up and give 100%. I'm sure it's been the same for the other members of our team. He has made a huge impact in a lot of people's lives.

To all the Team Lloyd Irvin members congratulations on your title. To Lloyd, congratulations and thank you for everything. I know that you probably realize this but you inspiring me and others inspires us to inspire and so on and so on. When it's all said and done you will have done some amazing work in a lot of people's lives.

In the end, none of this is really about BJJ, MMA, or Muay Thai. It's about becoming better people and Lloyd has produced a lot more champions in life than people know. In many ways he's something we all should aspired to become.

So with that... Time to go train!!

Ed Clay