What better way to kick off the weekend than with the very first Iron Man at SBG Sparks?! This epic celebration marks the hard work, dedication, and unwavering loyalty our teammates have shown—on and off the mats. Stripes and belts aren’t just handed out… they’re earned through grit, grind, and heart.
Today, 51 warriors stepped onto the mats at SBG Sparks to support and celebrate their teammates’ Jiu Jitsu journeys—and what a day it was!
Let’s give a huge shoutout to Eli Price and Jason Trevino for earning their blue belts! These two have been putting in the work, and it shows every time they roll.
We also had some brand-new purple belts join the ranks—congrats to Travis Christensen and Logan Warren! Their performances were intense, exciting, and nothing short of inspiring.
And it doesn’t stop there—three incredible athletes leveled up to brown belt: Breau Williamson, Jimmy Center, and John Allsup! Your skill, efficiency, and composure on the mat were next-level.
And last, but most definitely not least… the moment we all waited for: Nick Pacheco was awarded his black belt! Watching him roll was like witnessing art in motion—calm, smooth, technical, and powerful. What an unforgettable moment!
Huge congrats to everyone who stepped on the mats today—you are what makes SBG Sparks something truly special.
The community came together and made it epic for those being belted. We had representatives from SBG Idaho and SBG Missoula. We also had friends from local gyms Guerilla BJJ and Momentum MA. Families came to see their loved ones go through the forge and earn their well deserved belts.
Thank you again to the Perez family, Coach Olga, Assistant Coach Josh, Kim Price, and the Williamson’s for setting up and bringing sustenance.
We love you all and can’t wait for the next one.
Nick Pacheco – Black Belt
Today I awarded a black belt to Nick Pacheco. I still remember the first time I met him at a seminar I did in Elko and I said then, this kid will be good. Nick has an amazing, playful, creative, smooth, but technical game. He understands why and how Jiu Jitsu works. He is a patient and thoughtful coach to his students. He is a loving father. He is a supportive and kind husband. He is one of the kindest people I know. His loyalty and moral compass are true. I am so proud of this guy and what he has become on and off the mat. I can’t think of anyone more deserving of their black belt. Thank you for trusting me to be your coach.
Breau Williamson – Brown Belt
Very proud to tie this brown belt around Breau Williamson. So happy to have him and his family back on the mats and part of the SBG Sparks community. It just wouldn’t be the same without this champion black belt level trash talker and his bjj game is pretty slick too.
Jimmy Center – Brown Belt
Jimmy was awarded his brown belt yesterday. Jimmy has come a long way in his bjj journey. His performance was a testament to his hard work and mindset toward his journey. Very proud of the strides gained by this man. Well earned Jimmy.
John Allsup – Brown Belt
John Allsup earned his brown belt yesterday along with his peers. John is a hard worker, he doesn’t complain, he doesn’t shy away, he just engages and gets it done. Very happy to be able to tie that belt on to someone so deserving.
Logan Warren – Purple Belt
I tied Logan Warren’s purple belt on during yesterday’s Ironman. When I finished tying the belt you could see how much earning that belt meant to Logan. I am proud of Logan’s growth on and off the mat. It was earned not given.
Travis Christensen – Purple Belt
We weren’t able to get a proper picture but Travis earned his purple belt yesterday and it was a battle. Travis works hard as a coach and is very patient with his students. Very proud of him for this achievement. Wear the belt knowing that you earned it.
Jason Trevino – Blue Belt
JT earned his blue belt quite a while ago but he owed an Ironman for it. He has been on and off the mat for years but has made SBG Sparks his home. He is an extraordinary coach and a pillar in the gym. Great work and well earned my friend.
