Lloyd Irvin is the head coach of one of the most successful Brazilian Jiu Jitsu schools in the United States. He has earned his place in Jiu Jitsu having successfully raised the games of tremendous competitors such as JT Torres, James Harbison, Mike Fowler, DJ Jackson, Keenan Cornelius (to name a few). His team has also medaled in some of the most established tournaments in the world, being the first American academy in BJJ history to truly and consistently make a mark in the sport. (bio from BJJ Heroes)

1. Where do you see your team in 5 years time?

Stronger than ever.

Do you think that you will have overtaken big BJJ Teams such as Alliance or Gracie Barra in terms of success in big BJJ competitions?

I don’t think so.

2. You are a very busy and successful businessman. Why do you invest so much of your time and money in Jiu-Jitsu, where make making a return on your investing must surely be unlikely? What motivates you to do this?

I LOVE BJJ and I know that others do. The amount of money that I spend in the BJJ world although it is a lot, it’s nothing compared to the other money that I give away to other stuff. Many people don’t value BJJ as a real sport but to us, this is our NFL, NBA and our sport.

3. Do you plan on competing some more in 2013 after your gold medal at the No Gi worlds?

No plans right now, but I gotta tell you it was super cool going through the training process to get back in shape.

4. Who are your younger top medal chasers that we should be looking out for (blue, purples)?

We have a whole army of new guys and gals coming up. Right now I don’t want to spot light any particular people. Just know that the team is coming and we are only getting stronger.

5. Do you have more plans to expand your TLI network around the world, in europe for example?

Not right now, and I don’t even like to call it a network. The way our affiliates work in TLI if you’re cool with me and the guys are cool with you and you want to get down, you can get down.

6. What did you think of Keenan’s performance at the Copa Podio?

Keenan did great, I’m so happy he got to get that experience, it’s going to pay off big time.

7. Thanks Master Lloyd and all the best for you and your team in 2013.

Thanks! 2013 will be our best year ever, I have a saying that I have been preaching for the last 15+ years, “Things are never as good as they seem or as bad as they seem” One day you’re winning the Worlds and the following week you’re getting armbarred in 6 seconds. So you gotta take the good with the bad and keep it rolling!