This past weekend, Beacon Mixed Martial Arts had an incredible showing at the WKA National Championships — and our Chapel Hill team made a statement on the national stage as Michael Terani joined Coach Kelsi as one of the WKA National Champions training on our mats.

This weekend, Gavin Hughes and Mike Terani step into the ring at the World Kickboxing Association (WKA) National Championships — one of the most important events in American Muay Thai.

If you’ve noticed them training outside all summer, it wasn’t just for show. The WKA tournament is held at an outdoor venue, so fighting in the heat is part of the challenge. By training under the Carolina sun, they’ve been preparing their minds and bodies for exactly what they’ll face in the ring.

As the school year kicks off, parents everywhere are helping their kids get back into routines—packing lunches, organizing carpools, and setting academic goals. But just as important as preparing for academics is preparing your child for the social and safety challenges they’ll face at school. This is where conversations at home—and training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ)—can make all the difference.