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| | | BJJ Globetrotters Newsletter // September 2025 | | Dear Globetrotters,
And it's a wrap! Seven camps and 1400 participants in one summer, that was a bit crazy, but also a lot of fun. I might not ever do that many camps back to back again, haha.
While it is technically a rest period with no camps for a few months right now, we are also quite busy at the office preparing for next year's many events. Most of them are announced already, and ticket have been selling fast this month. Here is the updated availability for all the upcoming camps: | | | |
What you'll find in this month's newsletter: - Photos from Summer Camp in Heidelberg
- Featured Globetrotter: Kelsey Munn
- Photos from Austria Family Camp
- Globetrotters Academy in Focus: Nerds of Jiu-Jitsu
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| | | Together with more than 200 Jiu Jitsu enthusiasts, we’ll will spend a week together in the forest with more training and activities than you can possibly handle. We take care of absolutely everything – food, accommodation, laundry, and Jiu Jitsu. All you need to do is show up and get in your gi or shorts! |
| | | Photos from Summer Camp in Heidelberg—the biggest camp we've ever done! |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | TWO Winter Camps next year: One for families and one for adults! |
| | | Our Family friendly summer camp in Austria has been incredibly popular, so we decided to do another edition in the Winter! It will be directly followed by our usual adult Winter Camp. Join one or join both!
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| | | | | | Featured Globetrotter: Kelsey Munn |
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| | Age: 31
Belt: Purple
Profession: Industrial Electrician
How many years in BJJ: 7
Other martial arts: High school wrestling
Where do you live: North Alberta, Canada
Where are you from: Less North Alberta, Canada
Other fun or curious information you would like to share: I have 4 Sphynx cats. The breed is also from Canada. |
| | What inspired you to travel and train? As a Canadian, I'm no stranger to escaping the long winters through travel. My teammate introduced me to Globetrotters a few months into training, which led me to soloing Maine and Austria summer camp as a fresh white belt. That same year we both did the Caribbean camp and now we are going on 6 years of dating. Tell us about your most recent trip and what's next – where have you been and where are you going?
A few years ago, I shared my love of BJJ camps with a few women from my gym. This last camp in Heidelberg, Germany marked the 3rd ladies’ trip that we've done together. What started as a small group of four Canadian friends has evolved into a growing travel BJJ crew, each camp adding new friends from past adventures into our ranks. Next up is back to ol' faithful for the 4th time: Caribbean camp. I don't have a single day of vacation left for the year, but I’m sure things will work out one way or another. |
| | What do you enjoy most about travelling? As much as I love desserts, I would have to say the greatest part of traveling is meeting new people. Globetrotters camps are especially magical though. It's like you are surrounded by 100 best friends despite being strangers. I cannot believe how many lifelong friendships I have built over the last few years. Whether I’m travelling solo, with my partner, or in a group. Every single person I've met has made a lasting impression on my life.
Any particularly memorable experiences that made it all worth it?
Nothing will ever top the Camp 100 finale. After four chaotic days of swimming, wrestling, training, and raving, Christian took the stage and delivered a beautiful heartfelt speech. Before we could applaud, he points to the sky to and surprises us all by yelling “And I spent all your money on f***ing fireworks!”. We all went wild as the sky erupted with the most epic display of shimmering explosions above him and cascading down all around. The perfect unpredictable cherry on top to an unforgettable adventure.
What has surprised you the most while travelling? I’m always surprised just how easy it is to make friends, regardless of age, gender, religion, language, or lifestyle differences. Even with all the terrible stuff going on in the world right now, people's kindness continues to shine through more than ever. |
| | | Are you a budget traveller – and if so how do you plan for a cheap trip? I like to think I’m a budget traveler, in the sense where I will fly with my knees to my chest in ultra basic and sleep in any unimaginable conditions, all so I can splurge on the adventure itself. I justify the merciless non-stop itinerary with the fact that I'll probably only get to visit this place once in a lifetime. Then I’m compelled to try every meal, taste every dessert, and go on every tour possible in an impossible 18-hour day. Pro tip: if the currency conversion sucks, simply don't look at your bank statements until you get back. Wait until you're at home to be sad.
Any advice for your fellow Globetrotters? Whether you are an introvert, extrovert, or somewhere in between, stay weird, find those who fill your social battery, and keep meeting new people. It's easy to fall into cliques and familiarity, but Globetrotters is all about breaking down borders, belt hierarchies, and affiliations. No advice, but my personal mantra at camps – if you can’t smile mid match, you're rolling too hard :D |
| | | | | | | Photos from the Austria Family Camp |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | February Caribbean Camp is sold out - still tickets for December! |
| | During this week on the tropical island headquarters of BJJ Globetrotters, you’ll get to experience multiple Jiu Jitsu classes each day, a sunset Open Mat overlooking the Caribbean Sea and complimentary surf lessons every morning on some of the world’s most stunning beaches.
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| | | | BJJ Globetrotters Academy in Focus: Nerds of Jiu-Jitsu |
| | Where is the gym located?
The academy is based in Chavornay, a small village in the French-speaking part of Switzerland.
How many people train there?
Around 50 people train at the gym, with 6 to 10 students attending each class on average.
Is the gym growing - if so by how many new members each month or year?
Yes, the gym is growing steadily at a comfortable pace. We welcome about two new members each month.
What are the highest and lowest belt grades training? We have students ranging from white to brown belts, all sharing the same classes. Everyone brings something valuable to the mat, and we focus on learning from one another.
When did the gym open?
We opened in October 2022, so the gym has been running for almost three years now.
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| | Some facts about you:
Name: Yohan Chevallier Age: 34 Belt: Brown, two stripes Profession: Teacher Years in BJJ: Around 8 years now Other martial arts: Krav Maga Currently living in: Yverdon-les-Bains (Vaud, Switzerland) Originally from: Switzerland |
| | Please tell us the story of how your gym came into existence Long story short: I’m a nerd. I’ve always needed deeper explanations: how things work, the systems behind them, the strategies, and what actually works at the highest level, backed by data and real results.
From blue belt to brown, I was in charge of the kids' class, and that responsibility sparked a strong desire to teach only quality, effective techniques. To do that, I turned to the best resources I could find: instructionals from Danaher, Musumeci, AOJ, and others. Over time, I realized that to train and teach the way I truly believed in, I needed full freedom. That meant stepping away from the limitations and frustrations I experienced in other gyms.
So, I left. I opened my own gym. And I built it the way I always wanted: thoughtful, structured, and focused on real growth – for everyone, especially the one discovering the art of Jiu-Jitsu.
Tell us about the people that train in the gym – who are they? They’re simply amazing. I feel incredibly lucky to work with every person who steps on the mat. They’re kind, respectful, and genuinely look out for one another. They train with intention - technical, curious, and always striving to improve. Every day, they grow stronger and challenge me both physically and mentally.
I’m not a fan of calling it a “family,” since that word can feel a bit forced, but the truth is they’re exceptional people. They’re the reason this project keeps moving forward.
Why do they train?
Everyone comes with their own reasons. But I think, deep down, they love solving problems. They enjoy being face to face with themselves, learning to handle stress, navigate strong emotions, and stay calm under pressure. There’s something deeply satisfying about catching a partner with a move they’ve worked hard to add to their game.
Some come to feel better, to accept themselves, to overcome past trauma or build confidence. Others come to meet friends and simply share a great time on the mats. Many also train to let go of the pressure from daily life, work, and family responsibilities. It’s their space to breathe, reset, and reconnect with themselves.
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| | What are some of the challenges of running a BJJ gym in general, and in your area specifically?
For me, the biggest challenge is ensuring real, tangible progress for every member. That means more than just running classes. It requires building a clear system. I had to codify the art, define what’s expected at each level, and map out the key concepts, systems, and solutions to a wide range of problems. That part takes time, careful thought, and constant refinement. But it’s also what makes the experience meaningful.
The rest is more straightforward. Cleaning the mats, for example, is easy. I have a giant robot named Francis, equipped with dedicated cleaning products. He doesn’t get nearly enough credit for keeping the place spotless and germ-free.
In my area, one of the biggest challenges is simply generating enough interest in BJJ to get people to try it, or to bring their kids. Prices are high, and rent is expensive. On top of that, we receive no support from the government. BJJ is still not officially recognized here, certainly not at the level of sports like Judo. It’s something to seriously consider if you’re thinking about opening a gym.
How do you see the future for BJJ in your area?
I can see interest growing, especially in bigger cities, which is a good sign for the sport overall. That momentum eventually reaches smaller cities like ours. As more people discover BJJ, curiosity spreads. It gives us a chance to show what we offer and to build something solid, even outside the main urban centers.
What’s the best thing about your gym?The people, without a doubt. They’re some of the best human beings I know, regardless of rank, belt color, age, profession, or family situation. On the mats, we’re all equals. They help me grow just as much as I help them. That mutual respect and connection is what makes the gym truly special.
What would you recommend Globetrotters to see in your area apart from the inside of your gym? There are plenty of great gyms to visit nearby, especially in Lausanne and Yverdon. But if you’re here, take the time to enjoy the region. Swim or paddle on Lake Neuchâtel or Lake Geneva, hike through the Jura or the Alps, and don’t miss out on a proper cheese fondue. And of course, eat way too much Swiss chocolate and drink a little too much local beer. It’s all part of the experience...
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Thanks for sharing! If you'd like to visit Nerds of Jiu-Jitsu, you can contact them here. |
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