Yes, Russ Miura is my instructor. In future tournaments we hope to organize friendly superfights with instructors from other gyms.
Brian, my personal opinion is that if you need competition experience before you get your purple belt then come on over and compete. This tournament is structured for experience building for everyone: the culture we're trying to create is about appreciating the fact that you might lose to a better grappler, not of accusing anyone of over-estimating their experience. Some people get their blue belt in 2 months, others in 2 years. But it's ultimately up to you.
Eric, unfortunately we did not even here about Best of the West until we had set our own date. But our tournament is half the price and you are guaranteed multiple matches. We'll have better scheduling for the next tournament for sure.