A Journey Years in the Making: Reflecting on the 2025 IBJJF Pan American Championship

Earlier this year, I competed in the 2025 IBJJF Pan American Championship and was fortunate enough to come home with a gold medal. For me, this wasn’t just about standing on a podium—it was about the journey that led there.

The win came after decades of training, learning, falling short, getting back up, and staying committed to the process. I’m deeply grateful to everyone who has been a part of this path—my teammates, training partners, coaches, students, and family. This was a shared victory.

“It took decades, but I finally won gold,” I shared on social media:
👉https://www.facebook.com/nakapan/photos/it-took-decades-but-finally-won-gold-at-the-2025-ibjjf-pan-american-championship/10162533934468988/?_rdr
“This medal belongs to everyone who helped me along the way.”

More Than Medals

While competition is part of the martial arts journey, it's never been the only goal. What I’ve come to appreciate most are the lessons learned through discipline, consistency, and community—lessons that extend far beyond the mat.

Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to build BETA Academy in Washington DC, coach students of all levels, and connect with martial artists around the world. That’s where I find the deepest sense of purpose: helping others grow through the vehicle of martial arts.

Sharing What I’ve Learned

I’ve made it a priority to take the systems, skills, and experiences I’ve gained and make them accessible to others—whether that’s through:

• Online BJJ courses focused on takedowns, submissions, and foundational systems

• Seminars where I get to train with other communities and exchange knowledge

• The Black Belt Syndicate, where I mentor martial arts school owners in building strong, sustainable programs and businesses

If you’re on your own martial arts journey—whether you’re a white belt or a coach building a team—I’d love to support you in any way I can.

How We Can Connect

Here are a few ways we can train, grow, or collaborate:

1. Explore My Online Courses
Focused, practical lessons for BJJ students and instructors
👉https://nakapanmma.com/courses

2. School Owners: Book a Free Discovery Call
Learn more about the Black Belt Syndicate and how I help schools grow with systems and mentorship
👉https://blackbeltsyndicate.org/booking-page

3. Host a Seminar at Your Academy
I travel for select seminars each year—submit an inquiry if you're interested
👉https://nakapanmma.com/seminars-and-private-lessons

Final Thoughts

This medal represents more than a match—it’s a reminder that long-term commitment still matters. There’s no shortcut to mastery, but there is a path. And the best part is, you don’t have to walk it alone.

Whether you’re just starting out or several years deep into your training, I hope we get the chance to connect and grow together.

As one of my favorite characters said in Street Fighter II:
“The ceremony means nothing. The fight is everything.”– Ryu

To me, that captures what martial arts is truly about. It’s not the titles or trophies—it’s the process, the practice, and the person you become through it all.

If I can support your journey in any way—on the mat, in your school, or through one of my programs—I’d be honored.

— Nakapan Phungephorn
nakapanmma.com