CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — A Corpus Christi martial artist is seeing continued success on one of his sport's biggest stages.
Tommy Montoya is now a back-to-back Jiu-Jitsu world champion, and he explained what it takes to become one of the best in his field.
"In our game, it's going to be about efficiency and dominance," Montoya said.
Tommy Montoya trains out of Gracie Allegiance Texas in Corpus Christi. He started learning Jiu-Jitsu as a way to be in a positive community environment. He said the sport focuses on submission and leverage over an opponent, which propelled him to a gold medal at the 2023 World No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu Championships in Las Vegas.
"It does come down to precision and also the most effective technique at the right time and then also the conditioning component to be able to perform at the highest level," Montoya said.
This is the second year in a row he won at the world championships after last year's in Anaheim, Calif. He competes in the featherweight division as a 52-year-old. He said he had three total matches this year that he dominated by points and submission.
"It takes a lot of discipline and a lot of sacrifice and a lot of passion, and we see it. He comes to the mat every time full of energy," said Euming Chong, who trains with Montoya.
Chong said Montoya trains multiple times a day. She said he leads their gym's team of 150 members as he prepares for competition at the highest level. The principles of leadership are the focus there and how to be a better person.
"His win is just a consolidation and a validation of everything that he's worked for," Chong said.
Chong said their whole team is proud of his victory. Montoya also explained how he represents Corpus Christi at these competitions. He said winning at that level helps make the sport more popular and can positively influence the local Jiu-Jitsu community and beyond.
"To be able to come back with the victory, with a gold medal, is more than just a medal," Montoya said. "But it's what it represents and what we're trying to provide and influence the next generation of athletes."
When asked if he wants to go for another gold medal next year, Montoya said his body is still able, but he has not decided yet. Another win would make it three in a row.