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| | | | BJJ Globetrotters Newsletter // September 2018 | | Dear Globetrotters,
I'm currently sitting in Austria in the hotel we're using for the Winter Camp. It's a bit surreal to be here in the late summer, out of the season, when it's completely empty. Not to mention, it's warm and green outside and the alps look completely different from in the winter. I can't wait to go back here in four months with 100+ Globetrotters for a completely different experience here.
I'm also taking a much needed rest after a wild, wild summer of many camps, almost back-to-back. Looking back, I'm not sure exactly how we managed to pull it off, but never the less, it was an amazing experience and I'd like to thank the more than 1000 people who took part in it over the last three months.
There are too many highlights to mention, but one thing that really stands out is of course the full scale wedding we set up at the Fall Camp in Germany last month. That was really something special.
Anyway, I have another week here of relaxing (ok, I'm going to work on planning the Winter Camp in January) before I head back home. Next up is Zen Camp in Poland in October!
Have a fantastic day, | | | |
What you'll find in this month's newsletter:
- Sponsored Traveller: J.W. Seo
- Photos from Fall Camp in Germany last month
- Globetrotters Academy in Focus: One Tribe BJJ, Nairobi
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| | Daily Jiu Jitsu-, Yoga-, skiing- and snowboarding lessons + more!
Less than 45 tickets left |
| | * January 2-6 in Wagrain, Austria *
* 70 km from Salzburg airport *
* Beautiful location in the middle of the alps *
* Now FIVE days of BJJ and skiing / snowboarding *
* Four nights accommodation *
* All meals included *
* Free skiing and snowboarding lessons *
* 24 hr free fruit and non-alcoholic beverages *
* Free laundry service *
* Direct access to huge skiing area with 120+ km slopes *
* Free access to water park and sauna facilities next door *
* Afterski parties *
* All levels of BJJ and skiers welcome *
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| | | | | | | Sponsored Traveller: J.W. Seo |
| | Let’s start out with some quick facts about you…
Age: 26 Belt: White Profession: Analyst How many years in BJJ: 1.5 years Other martial arts: Taekwondo, MMA, muay thai Where do you live: I've been a full-time BJJ Globetrotter for the past 1.5 years! Where are you originally from: Seoul, Korea, but I lived in the United States for more than 10 years. Other fun or curious information you'd like to share: Being new to BJJ, I did not (still do not) know many famous instructors or competitors. During my travels I had opportunities to meet a few legends (I'm too embarrassed to name them because they are big names in BJJ), and I had no idea who they were.
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| | | Tell us what inspired you to travel and train?
When I initially left New York to travel, I was a fresh beginner in BJJ. I wanted to keep myself in shape while traveling, so I packed a gi and some rashguards in my backpack. Then I realized that training BJJ around the world gave me a purpose for my travel. To be honest, it was one of those “one thing led to another” stories.
Tell us about your most recent trip and your upcoming trips – where have you been and where are you going?
In the past 1.5 years I've been to over 35 academies in 20+ countries, including Japan, Thailand, Germany, and Switzerland. I spent most of my time in Asia in 2017, and I'm planning to explore Europe this year. To be honest, it's difficult to choose my favorite destination because every city or country I visited has its own character and charm, but, if I have to pick my favorite destination it would be Koh Tao in Thailand or Appenzell in Switzerland.
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| | What are the things you enjoy about traveling?
Yes, you will witness beautiful mountains and scenic beaches. And yes, you get to experience delicious local food. However, the best part about traveling is getting to meet new people and getting to know their experiences - whether they are fellow travellers or locals. It is one of the most invaluable experience you can get from traveling.
Can you give us some examples of experiences you had that makes it worth traveling and training?
The welcoming community in the BJJ world never ceases to amaze me. People I met while training around the world always want to know more about my travel experiences and would like to share their own. The mutual interest in BJJ instantly brings people together (especially when you are sweating on their faces after you have known them for 10 minutes). There were a few opportunities to reconnect with a few Globetrotters in different countries. For instance, Evan in Osaka, Japan took me to an izakaya for beer and delicious Japanese bar food after training, and I had a chance to return the favor in Seoul, Korea.
What has so far been the most surprising experience for you when traveling?
When I was in Chiang Mai, Thailand, I was traveling with 15 people whom I met in a hostel. I was originally planning on going to Vietnam, and then I spontaneously decided to go to Laos with the group. I didn't know anything about Laos, but I ended up loving the country for its beautiful mountains and lagoons (plus one of the best parties). When you're traveling don't be afraid to make spontaneous decisions, because you never know what adventure it'll bring.
Are you a budget traveller – and if so how do you plan for a cheap trip?
If you're looking for a cheap trip, don’t be afraid to get out of your comfort zone. One night at hostels in Asia costs between $1 to $10 a night depending on the region. Although you may not have much privacy, it is a great way to meet other travelers. Also, street food in Southeast Asia is safe and cheap, which is a good alternative to going to touristy and expensive restaurants.
Also, take advantage of Matsurfing! It is a phenomenal way to connect with other Globetrotters. I stayed with four amazing BJJ hosts in different cities, and I cannot recommend it enough. If you're thinking about traveling long-term, research working holiday visas that your home country offers. I was a cocktail bartender in Melbourne, Australia for 4 months with a working holiday visa, and it allows you not only to fund your travel but also to live like a local in a different country.
If you were to pass on travel advice to your fellow Globetrotters, what would it be?
The hardest part about traveling is to get up and start it. Don't be afraid to start your own!
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| | | | * May 29th to June 2nd, 2019 in Maine, USA *
* Beautiful lakeside location in the middle of a forest *
* Approx. an hour’s drive from Portland, ME *
* Five-day intense training camp *
* Great accommodation and training facilities *
* High-level international instructors *
* Gi and no-gi classes all day long *
* Four nights accommodation in cabins or double rooms *
* Full laundry service *
* All meals included *
* Free use of paddle boards *
* Bonfire every evening *
* Lobster bake night *
* Regular Jiu Jitsu and sports-related workshops *
* Movie nights featuring martial arts classics *
* Many other available activities *
* Everyone welcome regardless of experience and affiliation *
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| | | | Photos from Fall Camp in Germany last month |
| | | | | | | | | | | Only dorm room tickets left for February Caribbean camp |
| | Come run away from the cold winter together with us! The tiny island of Saint Barthélemy in the Caribbean used to be a hideout for pirates before Sweden and France invaded. Today it is usually off limit for anyone but Hollywood celebrities and the super rich, anchoring the world’s biggest yachts and staying in ultra expensive luxury hotels.
Working closely with the local St. Barth Jiu Jitsu club, we’ve managed to book a newly built accommodation facility there and will be hosting yet another Brazilian Jiu Jitsu camp on the island! A full week of training, surfing, exploring, beaches and sailing that you don’t wanna miss. |
| | | | BJJ Globetrotters Academy in Focus: One Tribe BJJ |
| | Where is the gym located?
Nairobi, Kenya.
How many people train there?
At a regular session we’d have at least four people on the mats.
Is the gym growing – if so by how many new members each month or year?
Growing by roughly one to two new members per month.
What are the highest and lowest belt grades training?
The highest is Coach Séraphin (brown belt). The majority of others are white belts.
When did the gym open?
We’ve been around since 2013, but only since very recently in our new location.
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| | Some facts about you:
Name: Tete Age: 43 Belt: Purple Profession: Real estate development Years in BJJ: 11 years Other martial arts: Muay thai, boxing Currently living in: Nairobi, Kenya Originally from: Kenya |
| Please tell us the story of how your gym came into existence:
In the beginning (well, the beginning of 2012), I returned to the Motherland after a decade in the USA, where I had become well and truly addicted to the Arte Suave. At the time, Jiu Jitsu was but an infant art in Nairobi, with sporadic classes being taught by then-purple belt Julio Cezar DaSouza.
Then in 2013, Dave Thompson, a BTT Canada brown belt, arrived in Nairobi and went about setting up the first "official" BJJ school - Westlands BJJ. They trained out of a yoga studio in the Nairobi suburb of Westlands. Dave taught for one year, laying a firm foundation before returning to Canada, leaving Julio and myself to continue the growth of BJJ.
At that point the club was still called Westlands BJJ, but I wasn’t at all comfortable with that name. Nairobi has an unofficial border between the Eastlands (the lower economic area where the majority of people live) and the Westlands (the affluent side of town where the expats/economic immigrants live), and it was while discussing this with Stevie Kent, one of my training partners, that the name One Tribe was chosen for the club. Julio and I continued teaching at that location, with as many as 15 students on the mats at one time! It was during this time that I met Séraphin, then a visiting purple belt from Madagascar.
Unfortunately, in late 2016, due to various factors, Julio and I decided to go our separate ways, with me retaining the One Tribe BJJ name (but no location). But I had a dream, and after two years of steady grinding One Tribe BJJ finally found a permanent location. Serendipitously, Séraphin (now a brown belt), moved to Nairobi at roughly the same time, and we joined forces for the rebirth of OTBJJ. The club is now open daily at a price affordable to the locals (which was previously not the case), and now it's time to grow!
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| | Tell us about the people that train in the gym – who are they?
We have a mix of locals and foreigners, and students and professionals training with us, with a rough age range of twenties to forties. Not surprisingly, with the more affordable subscriptions we have more locals training than ever before!
Why do they train?
Mainly for the sport, although we have a competition team germinating bit by bit. Both Séraphin and I are keen competitors, and I was the first Kenyan to compete at the Abu Dhabi World Pro Jiu Jitsu Competition in 2015 (at blue belt - made it to quarterfinals).
What are some of the challenges of running a BJJ gym in general and in your location specifically? The way Nairobi is spread out, and the TRAFFIC!!! The traffic in Nairobi, especially during rush hour, is NASTY! Because it’s so difficult to get from one location to another, for BJJ to really flourish in Nairobi we need at least one gym in each quadrant of the city.
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| | How do you see the future for BJJ in your area?
Bright! We've barely tapped even a fraction of the possible practitioners, and so things will only get better!!!
What’s the best thing about your gym?
The atmosphere and the instruction. Although still a brown belt, Séraphin is a really technical instructor and we're blessed to have him here!
What would you recommend Globetrotters to see in your area apart from the inside of your gym?Well, not many cities have a game park in them, so I'd start with the wildlife. Then, on the flipside, Nairobi has a really bubbling live entertainment scene. And a whole lot between those two… Come to Nairobi and find out!!!
Thanks for sharing with us! If you would like to pay a visit to One Tribe BJJ, you can find them here. |
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