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| BJJ Globetrotters Newsletter // September 2019 | |
Dear Globetrotters,
It's that wonderful time of year, where I have a bit of time in between camps and can work on confirming a lot of camps for next season. I've been hard at work on the email and phone the last few weeks and managed to pin down a bunch of dates for great camps. Already announced are Iceland, Germany and Austria, and a few more are to come in the coming days/weeks.
I must also apologize for sending a few more emails than usual these days, but many will be disappointed if I don't announce the camps by email right away :)
Have a fantastic day,
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What you'll find in this month's newsletter:
- "Disneyland is overrated" - The first family friendly BJJ Globetrotters Camp
- Featured Traveller: Michael Velotta
- Globetrotters Academy in Focus: Curepipe Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu SC
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Ever wrestled a Viking? Relaxed after a long day of rolling in an open air hot spring? Trained at the largest grappling and MMA gym in the world? Tick all these and more off your Jiu Jitsu bucket list in one of the most spectacularly scenic countries on Earth.
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BJJ Globetrotters Podcast episode 12 – Becoming an instructor at the BJJ Globetrotters camps
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“Disneyland is overrated” – The first family friendly BJJ Globetrotters camp
by Eduardo Alcanzare |
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So there I was, staring at this picturesque lake with blue skies hidden like a pearl in the midst of the great Austrian alps. It just occurred to me that I was staring at it through my work computer- a post from the BJJ Globetrotters Facebook page that said “Summer Camp Wagrain”. Looking out the window I was back to reality in the bustling Dhaka city.
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As a family man, I have to admit I have a great deal of “camp envy” whenever I see social media updates from my BJJ Globetrotters friends I’ve met a couple years back in Leuven- friends that I’ve met once but keep close to me to this day. My first camp hit me like a truck. It was a whirlwind of adventures and meeting friends and drinking and getting lost both in rolls as it is in conversations. But I also understood it was an experience that might not happen again. Between 2 dogs, a cat, 2 daughters, a wife and a job, I can’t just pack up and go off to my “Big Boy Disneyland” every month or so. I came to terms with it early on. Leuven was a great memory and I am happy with it. I scrolled away and did my best to get back to my work emails.
But just like a reoccurring dream it came back on my feed a month later but this time I saw on the text that it was family friendly. My heart stopped. At this exact moment my wife Carlin was planning our family trip around Europe for the summer. Instantly I thought “Wagrain is in Austria, and Austria is in Europe….”.
I casually showed her the post and she said “Send me the link and I’ll take a look at it.”. The Globetrotters staff at this time has matured to a team of travel agent/marketing professionals. The photos were amazing and the write up was very detailed yet enticing which made it a lot easier for planning it into our itinerary. All questions we sent out were answered immediately with enthusiasm. My kids have been doing a fair bit of “Play-jitsu” with me at home but Carlin has only done 5 classes (at most) over the years so she couldn’t care less about the training. What attracted her was the things that surrounded it. There was going to be daily access to the waterpark next door! There were playgrounds and mountain biking and of course the natural beauty of the Austrian alps but most of all it fits in our budget as it covered our accommodation with food and beverages it was something we could not let pass. It presented an opportunity for us to take a trip to an unknown place which would satisfy our inner nomadic nature. She booked it right away. My web of deception is completed. We’re going to a Jiu Jitsu camp!
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Fast forward to 4 months later the school bell rang and the kids were off to summer holiday. We headed straight to the airport and then our adventure began. We went to London, Iceland, Faroe Islands, Denmark (places we’ve read about in Christian’s book) and then we were in Munich. We arrived a day early so we rented a car and spent a night in Salzburg. We met up with a few globetrotters in town over dinner. There was Kelsey- a Canadian blue belt who couldn’t find a place to stay as every single accommodation in Salzburg was booked so she crashed our hotel and became our adopted daughter. There was Stephanie- a German/American who was a former kindergarten teacher who later on we found out later on was the “Pablo Escobar” of jelly beans and gummy bears for kids in camp. We also met Austin, a Canadian MMA fighter and was an awesome companion and great with kids too. And then there was Ciaran who was…. Irish. After dinner we had beers and then more beers and then went on to submit statues in old town (as you do). Next day we were off to Wagrain, the real reason we were in Austria. The drive was spectacular. The mountain passes with each bend reveals boondocks that pierce through the clouds was breathtaking.
When we got to the camp we were too early for check in so we headed straight to the waterpark. As excited as I was and as well traveled as I am, being in a new place still gives me anxiety. Here we are in a place we never knew existed. We had no clue what Wagrain was all about let alone had an idea what the people there were like. All I know about Austria was that Hitler was born there. As a brown man (Filipino) I kept thinking “what if people here are racist? What if somebody just gives us weird looks or tells us to get out of the pool?”.
I’m an idiot.
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As we got set up at the waterpark with our picnic blanket and umbrella, random people walking past us smile and give us the “shaka” sign. “How do they know we do jiu jitsu? we weren’t wearing any bjj apparel.”. I guess people who train just know. All my anxiety just melted away. And a few moments later our friends we met in Salzburg were there along with other new friends including the British duo Rob and Daniel who would later on be good mates through the camp. However the whole bunch were single people from all over the world just hanging out waiting for the camp to start. Where are the other families at?. Shortly we met a beautiful Norwegian family with daughters right about our girls ages. It took the girls 10 seconds to get introduced and another 2 seconds to become new best friends. The girls wasted no time at all, they went through all the water slides and whirlpool having a blast in a beautiful summers day in the Austrian Alps. We have been to a lot of places in a lot of holidays as a family but this was the first time our girls were able to instantly have friends. At that moment it dawned on me that this might be the best holiday we have ever had… And the camp has not even started yet.
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The Camp opens and we tried to meet as many people as we could through the speed dating. I was amazed at how vast the range of ages of people were there from toddlers to…. The young at heart. We also met a Danish family Simon and Laura with more kids. I knew at that time that this is going to be a unique camp. It was followed by an open mat of course. No better way to break the ice than to choke each other out straight away.
It was a relatively small camp (80-90 participants). In the evening (and all the other evenings) we hung out by the patio over beers. Max and Aaron stood out with their “shit” stories that were inappropriately funny. At one point The Danes, the Canadians, the Brits, the Americans and the Austrians got into a heated debate on which bacon was the best. It seemed like a very important discussion. There was also the Russian brothers (whose names I can’t recall) who told stories about the “real” Russia. They were great story tellers. (It was also cool because they had thick Russian accent).
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The days went on and as a family we had organically made our own routine which also turned out to be the routine of most families. Morning schedule was breakfast followed by yoga then the kids class. The first kids class was led by Steven Antoniou or better known to the children as “Super Steve”. The following days classes were led by Nelson Puentes and Hilary Witt. If you are looking into running a kids class in your own gym in the future you have to see them at work. It’s incredible how they were able to hold the kids attention and make it fun.
The waterpark was the go to place of most families, it was also the the go to spot for the younger lads to cure their hangovers under a tree. This was morning for the “holiday” mode groups while the mat rats indulged themselves in a day long of world class level of instruction of bjj. The conference room sessions I found to be something that I enjoyed too. It satisfied a lot of my curiosities about jiu jitsu and life in general coming from people who lived the life I often wondered about.
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We went down to the lake called Jägersee along with another family. And there we were standing at the same spot as the Summer camp poster. We all sat in silence at one point and absorbed the experience. I started to contemplate how lucky I am to be there at that exact moment. As a Filipino growing up nobody really plans on going on holidays to places such as these. With obstacles like getting a visa and socio- economic reasons it’s not common for us to a place called “Wagrain” . In most cases the only way you’re going to another country and leave the islands is for work and I can’t thank the universe enough that I was there with the people I cared about the most. Life is perfect.
The place was so beautiful I went back the next day along with my friends from camp. The day was hot but the water was ice cold. We went for a natural “ice bath” and it was exactly what we needed after a series of classes and open mats.
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Before we knew it, it was the final open mat. One last chance to roll with old and new friends. The atmosphere was filled with music and steam from a tribe of people rolling.
As the sun went down the beers flowed, the Jagermeister shots dropped and the BBQ grill lit up. David Bruun- a soft spoken Canadian and a butcher by profession started grilling up steaks from grass fed cows in the Alps and hundreds of sausages. David was a god. He worked the grill like a machine making sure all meat served was cooked to perfection. It felt like a family barbecue on a weekend. Kids running around lost in their own world hunting for insects and bouncing on the trampoline. The younger crowd were crushing beers and Jager bombs, parents sharing life experiences and raising kids. The board game geeks were just a mix of everybody.
At one point I saw my daughter Nico (7 years old) at the dining area sitting alone with a smile on her face. I sat across the table and decided to have this moment with her. She was drinking a mix of juices and soda she concocted from the beverage dispenser and I had a beer. I asked her what she was thinking and she said “today I learned a new technique in jiu jitsu…”. I smiled and said “I like it too when I learn new techniques”. Then we went on to close our eyes and tried to remember everything that happened in the camp from the time we got to the camp, from when we got out of the car and to that very moment in the mess hall. We tried to remember in our minds how beautiful the lake was. We tried to describe it as we remembered it. Mario overheard us and joined in a bit and shared how his experience on the lake was. Later on I told her that this is one memory I’d like to keep forever. And she said “me too”.
My older daughter was with her own gang of girls exchanging contacts with promises to see each other in the next camps until they get older.
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The morning came and it’s been a quiet one. From the people in the dining hall to the people hanging out in the patio to the kids sitting quietly on the bench silence was broken from the occasional logistical statements like “what time is your flight?” or “Do you want to share a cab?”. It was a feeling I’ve had before. The post camp blues have begun. The realization that this will soon be over. Then it was time to go. We said our goodbyes like a million times before we actually got in the car and took off.
Disneyland is overrated.
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A new family-friendly training camp in the summer wonderland of the Austrian alps, with a legion of outdoor playgrounds, bike trails, zip lines and water parks to keep travelling companions of all ages happy from dawn till dusk.
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| Featured Traveller: Michael Velotta |
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Age: 43 Belt: 1st degree Black Belt Profession: Physical Therapy Assistant in an acute care hospital How many years in BJJ: Oh gosh... almost 24 years now? Other martial arts: High school wrestling, Muay Thai, Boxing, and a little bit of Sambo. Oh, and now a little bit of Irish Collar and Elbow Wrestling (Thanks to Ruadhán MacFadden for making that happen!) Where do you live: Currently living in Madison, Wisconsin Where are you originally from: Southern California Other fun or curious information you would like to share: I’m an avid woodworker. I have my own wood shop in my basement, and I play Dungeons and Dragons like it’s still the 80s and it’s cool… hahaha. |
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| Tell us what inspired you to travel and train? When I first joined the US Army, in 1999, my first duty station was Bamberg, Germany. I’d only been outside the country to Mexico before that, so I had ZERO traveling experience. But when I got to Germany, the wanderlust hit me HARD. Since then, I’ve been to just about every Western European country and most of the East as well. As for training, I find that almost everywhere I travel to, there's Jiu Jitsu in some form or another. For me, THAT’s the common language. I can speak the language of grappling to anyone.
Tell us about your most recent trip and your upcoming trips – where have you been and where are you going?
My most recent was probably one of my greatest trips ever. I was lucky enough to get a last-minute ticket to the 50th Globetrotter Camp in Heidelberg, Germany. It was such an amazing atmosphere, with some truly great Jiu Jitsu instruction from passionate and skilled BJJ coaches from around the world. The whole experience was completely unreal, and I met so many great people!
My next trip is coming up in September; I'm heading to London and Belfast, Ireland with some of my fellow Jiu Jitsu Brotherhood instructors from across the U.S., mostly for a vacation, but also to get some great training in!
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What are the things you enjoy about traveling? This list would take all day for me. So I’ll try to keep it simple. Getting out of the humdrum of the normal daily grind, getting on a plane and landing in another country… you simply can’t beat that feeling of exploration and excitement! As soon as I leave the confines of that airport, it’s an open map to whatever destinations I want. I love experiencing other cultures, other coastlines or mountains, other languages and foods. Whether I’m there for business or for fun, it doesn’t matter; the next new experience is just around that corner.
Can you give us some examples of experiences you had that makes it worth traveling and training?
Another long list that I’ll keep short. I’ve eaten the best fish and chips in my life at a gas station sitting across the street from an amazing, ruined castle on the coast of Ireland. Castle-hopping with friends along the Neckar River while at the 50th Globetrotter camp to do research for a book I’m trying to write. Meeting so many talented and amazing people around the world, each with something interesting to share, or teach you… I could list a thousand more great experiences!
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What has so far been the most surprising experience for you when traveling? That’s an interesting question actually. Probably one of the most surprising experiences I’ve had while traveling is learning just how tiny my known world was before I traveled. In life, you gain knowledge and you grow by doing, by seeing, by experiencing. And until you actually step out of your comfort zone, and change your comfortable little personal environment, you don’t really have a grasp of what life is like, globally.
Are you a budget traveller – and if so how do you plan for a cheap trip? Most definitely. Any trip I think I want to do, I plan months in advance. I start checking all the best flight apps, I start comparing locations and costs, and I start planning what I'll bring so I can travel as light and condensed as possible. That way, when the time comes, I can just go for it instead of being stuck on the fence about it. Doing it this way has really helped me to actually be able to plan on short notice as well. I know all the tricks of the trade - travel is a passion for me, not just a hobby!
If you were to pass on travel advice to your fellow Globetrotters, what would it be? Be open to new experiences. If you think you want to try something, TRY it. If you want to go somewhere, but aren’t sure, just DO it. “I can’t do it because (insert all the lame excuses we tell ourselves because we’re afraid here…)” and you WON’T end up doing it because you already said “I CAN’T”...
Follow your heart, follow that adventurous spirit inside you… and your feet will come along for the ride!
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New 2019 competition & travel gis now available! |
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Last 20 tickets available |
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Year six and still going strong! We’re kicking 2020 off in proper style, as we head back up to the towering white heights of the Austrian alps for our annual Winter Camp. Four days of skiing, snowboarding, and Jiu Jitsu, nights full of beer, schnitzel, and impromptu pole-dance lessons, and a hotel full of fellow Globetrotters to share it all with.
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| BJJ Globetrotters Academy in Focus: Curepipe Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu SC |
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Where is the gym located?
Curepipe, Mauritius.
How many people train there?
4 adults, 12 kids.
Is the gym growing – if so by how many new members each month or year?
For now, the number is more or less constant.
What are the highest and lowest belt grades training?
The highest belt is blue belt, and the lowest of course is white.
When did the gym open?
We opened about 2.5 years ago. |
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Some facts about you:
Name: Govind Rummun Age: 31 Belt: Blue Profession: Management support officer Years in BJJ: 4 years Other martial arts: Karate and Japanese Jujutsu Currently living in: Curepipe, Mauritius Originally from: Mauritius
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Please tell us the story of how your gym came into existence:
First, you have to understand the situation in Mauritius. For the longest time we didn't have a BJJ black belt in Mauritius. It's only been a couple of years since we've had one. And yes, this guy is my teacher.
So I was training at this place where our teacher had set up a gym. He'd come regularly for classes, but eventually left the responsibility to the most experienced/oldest member (he was 50+ years old). My teacher would come from time to time to supervise, but it was really up to the members to do their training.
For a time it was good, but little by little everyone just stopped coming and we were left with only a few guys. Eventually, at some point, being one of the most senior there, I was given that responsibility. I did what I could at that time until the club was back on track. That's when my teacher told that I should set up my club in Curepipe (my hometown). Since then, I've been doing my own thing.
Tell us about the people that train in the gym – who are they?
You have your typical kids classes. Chaotic, messy and lots of shouting and ordering! As for the adults, you get a broader range of people. From adolescents to a 40-year-old ex-army man.
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Why do they train?
Some come to keep fit; some for competition. The kids come mostly because their parents brought them, but they really like it.
But my most interesting student is the 40-year-old guy, Joe. He’s been with us since the beginning. He's been to a few competitions, but that is not his objective. He also likes to keep fit, and has been to the gym more than once. I'd say he likes to train just for the sake of it. There is this thing in BJJ that just makes you want to keep coming! As for me, I love BJJ because it's such a wonderful art. I'd done some other martial arts prior to this, and don't get me wrong, they were good, but BJJ just hits the right spot. It's safe, practical, and you're always learning something new. I meet new people all the time and have lots of fun at competitions. The introvert that I am gets to express himself in another way.
What are some of the challenges of running a BJJ gym in general and in your location specifically?
The biggest challenge is getting your name out. Most people here don't know what BJJ is, and it's very hard to get new people to join. We usually get confused with Karate because we wear the gi.
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How do you see the future for BJJ in your area?
The future is the kids. Right now I can see how they're developing an interest in the art. At competitions, and by training in other gyms, you can see how the athletes are developing. We have a couple of international-level athletes here, but the next generation is definitely going to be better.
Our Federation is on the right track by doing its best to make BJJ known throughout the island. We have lots of competition from other sports and disciplines, but little by little we're making our way.
What’s the best thing about your gym?
The training atmosphere, I would say. I, the coach, don't believe in running a hierarchical gym. Sure there are belts, but the essential thing is that we're all here to learn. And also have fun!
What would you recommend Globetrotters to see in your area apart from the inside of your gym?We have wonderful beaches here in Mauritius. People are usually very friendly, and most of the natives speak both English and French. You can find some good deals online for hotels. We also have a big BJJ community, where anyone knows anyone and you can train at any gym on the island.
Thanks for sharing with us! If you'd like to pay a visit to Curepipe BJJ, you can find them here. |
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We’re back in the most beautiful city in Germany at the most beautiful time of year. Train in the same facilities as Olympic athletes and then unwind with a castle raid or a trip to a truly legendary cocktail bar. Camp ticket includes free admission for the world premiere of the BJJ Globetrotters feature length documentary in a 350-seater Heidelberg cinema!
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Make your custom gis, patches and rashguards at our dedicated BJJ Globetrotters factory |
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It can be a mess to try and find a manufacturer of BJJ gear that you can trust on quality, delivery and attention to detail.
You can burn a lot of money going through samples from the many thousands of factories in Asia, trying to find one that will provide you with the product as you’ve imagined it. We know, because we’ve been through it all, ourselves! |
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