Archive for month: November, 2020

Where is the gym located?

One Tribe BJJ Kenya is located in 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.

Some facts about you:

Name: Tete
Age: 43
Academy: One Tribe BJJ Kenya
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!

Tell us about the people that train in the gym – who are they?

One Tribe BJJ Kenya has 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.

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 Kenya, you can find them here.

Let’s start out with some quick facts about you…

J.W. Seo – BJJ Globetrotters

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.

J.W. Seo – BJJ Globetrotters

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.

J.W. Seo – BJJ Globetrotters

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!

A big thanks to J.W. Seo – BJJ Globetrotters for doing this interview!

Where is the gym located?
Legion BJJ Georgia is located in Tbilisi, Georgia. Currently we’re located in a judo academy in the Dighomi area, but our location will most likely change soon.

How many people train there?
Currently we have around 45 people actively training in the academy. We are a growing team with many BJJ practitioners visiting from around the world, all year long.

Is the gym growing – if so by how many new members each month or year?
We’ve had over 200 members since opening last year in May. The vast majority of them really enjoy it and wish to become part of our team; however, contrary to popular belief Jiu Jitsu is not for everyone after a certain period. Therefore the core team is growing at a relatively slower pace than the total numbers would suggest. Currently we have 5-6 new people signing up every month.

What are the highest and lowest belt grades training?
The highest ranked student I have is a purple belt, and of course lowest belt training is a white belt. Currently most of our team is comprised of white belts, but I expect a lot of them to be blue belts by the end of next year.

When did the gym open?
May of 2017.

Some facts about you:

Name: Alexander Umantsev
Academy: Legion BJJ Georgia
Age: 37
Belt: Black
Profession: Information Security Specialist / Entrepreneur
Years in BJJ: 11
Other martial arts: Boxing, Kali
Currently living in: Tbilisi, Georgia
Originally from: Israel

Please tell us the story of how your gym came into existence:
Last year, me and my friend, partner, and student Temo Mamatsashvili were introduced to each other by an American purple belt, Kevin Meyers. Temo had been training BJJ In London at the Roger Gracie Academy, and had been looking to start a BJJ program in Tbilisi since returning, since there was no real Brazilian Jiu Jitsu team in Georgia at the time. For those reasons it was pretty much a no-brainer for us and we decided to open an academy and try our hand at developing the sport.

Tell us about the people that train in the gym – who are they?
Legion BJJ Georgia have team members from all walks of life, as you often see in BJJ gyms around the world. We have everyone from 14-year kids with achievements in mind to 40-year-old businessmen who want to train martial arts and get in shape.

Why do they train?
They came for a combat sport, but stayed for Jiu Jitsu and its unique trait of uniting everyone; all while being a legitimate martial art.

What are some of the challenges of running a BJJ gym in general and in your location specifically?
Besides the challenges that come with running every business, in Georgia the hardest part of running a BJJ gym is the fact that it’s a completely new and unfamiliar sport/martial art in the country. Furthermore, in Georgia martial arts are usually considered as being relatively cheap sports, because sports like judo and wrestling are usually funded by the government. Therefore, given the fact that BJJ is obviously not funded by the government, we have to run it like a business and it does require some adjustment in the public opinion.

How do you see the future for BJJ in your area?
We have done a lot of ground work so far, and I wish to proudly say that there is and there will be Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Georgia. We have a lot of talented guys training with us, and more are joining everyday. Georgia has an amazing pedigree and history in wrestling/grappling sports, and there’s absolutely no reason why BJJ will be any different. I predict that in the years to come Georgia will have very formidable competitors at various belt levels internationally.

What’s the best thing about your gym?
In our gym you can get a high level of coaching and a beautiful atmosphere to which all of our members contribute. All our experienced visitors truly enjoy the atmosphere in our academy and the level of skill present on the mat.

What would you recommend Globetrotters to see in your area apart from the inside of your gym?
Georgia has amazing food, nature and history. I recommend that people see different landmarks around the city, but the Old Town is a must. Visitors can also travel from Tbilisi to the mountains for sports in the winter and to the seaside in the summer.

Thanks for sharing with us! If you would like to pay a visit to Legion BJJ Georgia, you can find them here.

Let’s start out with some quick facts about you…

Derrick Kersey – BJJ Globetrotters

Age: 32
Belt: Purple
Profession: Landlord / online merchandise services (designing, branding, selling)
How many years in BJJ: 7
Other martial arts: Jiu Jitsu is my passion and I’ve developed a love for wrestling as well.
Where do you live: I live in a van with my girlfriend and our two cats lol. It’s actually a small RV called a Roadtrek and has all the amenities of home – a fridge, shower, TV, stove, solar power, AC/furnace, and toilet. We’ve been travelling full-time in our RV for approximately 1.5 years, and work from the road on our computers. We continuously travel with the warm weather. We do have a “home base” in London, Ontario, where we have family and own two rental properties.
Where are you originally from: I was born in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. I grew up in a small town 45 minutes from there named Leamington – “The Tomato Capital of Canada”. It’s mostly farmland and greenhouses.
Other fun or curious information you’d like to share: I’m very excited to return to the desert so I can try using my new bow and arrow and chiseling tools.

Derrick Kersey BJJ

Tell us what inspired you to travel and train?
The idea that I could train with some of the best Jiu Jitsu artists in the world, some of the best there have ever been, simply by choosing to (and of course paying a small fee). I see it like being able to train with Michael Jordan as an amateur basketball player. It’s a no-brainer to me. Years ago, I traveled to NYC solo as a white belt so that I could train at Marcelo Garcia’s Academy. He was my idol at the time. The experience couldn’t have gone better, and it only strengthened my lust to continue travelling and training while meeting people within the community.

Tell us about your most recent trip and your upcoming trips – where have you been and where are you going?
I’ve been driving across Canada from east to west – Ontario to British Columbia. I started out at my hometown academy in London, Ontario (Gracie Barra) and have visited a handful of gyms since along the way: Action Reaction MMA in Markham, Ontario, Gracie Humaita Winnipeg, Complete Martial Arts and Fitness Regina, and Josh Russel Academy in Calgary to name a few. Ideally I’ll spend one or two weeks at a gym and train at least once a day, then take a few days off while travelling to the next gym and exploring everything in between. A lot of my recovery time consists of long hikes with my girlfriend. Active recovery. We’re exploring British Columbia right now and will be heading down the west coast to California, then east along the south coast through Arizona, Texas etc. to arrive in Florida. Then it’s back up the east coast towards our home in London, Ontario. This whole route took us approx. 7 months the last time around.

Derrick Kersey BJJ

What are the things you enjoy about traveling?
I enjoy meeting new people and learning about them and experiences they’ve had. Learning about the different environments I’m travelling to; their ecosystems, weather, animals, and geology. Visiting rare and impressive destinations, artificial or natural, and learning about their history. Of course, trying some authentic local food in any given area as well as some craft beer is always fun.

Can you give us some examples of experiences you had that makes it worth traveling and training?
There are days where I get to wake up just steps from a picturesque beach. I might make coffee, go for a jog, then work from my laptop in the sand before my girlfriend and I go out for dinner or explore something in the area. There are other times in the desert where we’d hike a mountain to view ancient petroglyphs carved in the side of a cliff face, or mornings where I’d throw in my headphones and strap some chiseling tools around my waist, then free climb up a mountain while looking for rare stones and gems to chisel out and keep as a memento. I can go on and on about experiences like this that I am so grateful for.

But I’m also grateful for the experiences and friendships I’ve made with others within the community. One example is when I was in Tempe, Arizona for two weeks to train at Gustavo Dantes Jiu Jitsu Academy. I had an amazing time here. The training was tough, and I learned so much. I would wake up to do morning class, go for a hike with my girlfriend in the afternoon (that would of course end with some amazing view), and then train again at night or maybe go out for dinner. Before my last day there, I thanked the manager Nigel Kurtz for allowing me to train with them and being so welcoming. As soon as he heard I was leaving, he suggested that we all go out for lunch the next day – a handful of people from the gym, my girlfriend and myself – as a type of “send off” to us. After training the next day he got a few people together and we went out for sushi. This may seem like a small gesture to some, but to me, it’s experiences of meeting new people like this that become some of the most memorable.

Another specific experience I had was while staying on a plateau in a desert canyon. We happened to meet an older man camping on his own who said he basically lives there throughout the year, for as long as the weather permits. He said he was a university Drama professor, who fell in love with the desert at a younger age and now spends all the time there that he can. He was very eccentric, intelligent, and taught us about the different desert plants and animals, gave us some tips for desert survival, as informed us about some “must see” locations that may otherwise be less known to the general public. These are memories that I know I will be able to look back on and be glad I had.

What has so far been the most surprising experience for you when traveling?
It’s tough to speak in absolutes, but I did notice the surprising amount of personality similarities that we all have within the BJJ community, as well as how welcoming the community is. In most gyms I’ve visited, I heard the same conversations, friendly ribbing, sometimes even drama, but it felt familiar. We are all so much the same. Even a new gym could feel somewhat familiar after only a few minutes of conversation with someone.

Are you a budget traveller – and if so how do you plan for a cheap trip?
Absolutely. We bought an RV specifically because we determined it was the most cost-effective way for us to travel to all the places we’d like to see. There are many online resources to take advantage of: countless Facebook groups and apps, made specifically to assist you with travelling on a budget. We have dozens of apps that we use and online communities that we are a part of that contribute some way into making this lifestyle possible. Networking is important. There are resources like Matsurfing within BJJ Globetrotters that allow you to connect with others who are offering up a place to stay in their area while you train.

If you were to pass on travel advice to your fellow Globetrotters, what would it be?
Plan to your comfort level and do it. Stop thinking about reasons not to. Understand that yes, while travelling things can happen that you can’t control, and learn to accept that. Most peoples’ concerns with travel are worrying about “what if”s. Which is normal. It was – and still is – my largest concern, but I’m much better at managing that now. Travelling and training the way we are now is the best decision I’ve ever made.

“A ship in harbor is safe – but that is not what ships are built for.” – John A. Shedd

Thank you to Derrick Kersey BJJ for doing this interview!

Where is the gym located?
I currently rent mat space at two different strength and conditioning gyms in the southside of Glasgow, Scotland.

How many people train there?
About 15 or so folk at the moment, though some prefer the morning classes and others the evening classes – I only started running classes a month ago, so it’s very early days!

Is the gym growing – if so by how many new members each month or year?
As mentioned above, Ronin Grappling Glasgow has only been running for about a month. Week on week though, numbers have been increasing by about 1-2 new members a week.

What are the highest and lowest belt grades training?
We’ve predominantly got white belts training, with a couple of blue belts, and a couple of purple belts dropping in for classes/open mats from other gyms.

When did the gym open?
Ronin Grappling launched in October this year.

Some facts about you:

Name: Giles Garcia
Age: 32
Academy: Ronin Grappling Glasgow
Belt: Black
Profession: IT Manager
Years in BJJ: 11
Other martial arts: 12 years of Shotokan Karate (black belt), 1 and a half misguided years of Ninjutsu (green belt), seven or so years of Muay Thai, Jeet Kune Do, and Balintawak
Currently living in: Sunny Glasgow, in Scotland
Originally from: Santa Cruz, Tenerife and Glasgow, Scotland

Please tell us the story of how your gym came into existence:
My old instructor and I had a difference of principle on several important matters, and after a few very stressful weeks I decided to leave.

I have so many gripes about BJJ and BJJ clubs in general. Too many clubs didn’t try to welcome people from different gyms and affiliations. Some clubs made the mistake of focusing all of their efforts on new students, forgetting about their long-serving experienced practitioners. On top of all this, BJJ still has a major problem of being male-dominated and full of macho nonsense, which I can’t abide by; from the harassment of female students to homophobic or transphobic environments. I wanted a place where anyone would truly feel welcome

Tell us about the people that train in the gym – who are they?
Ronin Grappling Glasgow has a mix of students – some brand new and some who moved from other gyms or resumed training when I opened after taking some time off. I want classes to be accessible to everyone, including the infrequent hobbyist, so I offer a pay-as-you-go option to ensure no one gets priced out of training. I find this is especially important for shift workers who might make it 4 times one week and none the next depending on their shifts.

Why do they train?
The main reason seems to be because they enjoy learning. I am adamant that students need to understand techniques and why they work, but I try to do that without boring the absolute life out of them. I also throw in some flashy techniques every so often, and people seem to like that!

What are some of the challenges of running a BJJ gym in general and in your location specifically?
Generally speaking, administrative tasks such as answering queries, tracking costs and profits, and keeping relevant financial/legal/tax paperwork in order can be difficult at times. I still work full-time, so the admin side of running the team takes its toll.

One of my greatest challenges is also developing class plans that are effective at helping me teach students, regardless of their capabilities. I ultimately want my students to understand the principles of grappling, and give them the ability to solve problems – so I work hard to ensure I teach effectively. I really enjoy this aspect of teaching though, so unlike the admin side I don’t find it draining.

How do you see the future for BJJ in your area?
There are a good few clubs in Glasgow, some more established than others, with a good spread between competitive and more self-defence-focused clubs. As BJJ continues to become more recognised in popular culture I’m sure the scene will continue to grow, as it has done for the past 15+ years!

What’s the best thing about your gym?
The relaxed atmosphere. I am not a fan of the ultra-traditional style of teaching, nor of being put on a pedestal. I want all my students to know there is a flat hierarchy at the gym, and I encourage questions, comments, and suggestions. I want people to feel like they can speak up any time.

What would you recommend Globetrotters to see in your area apart from the inside of your gym?
Glasgow is absolutely full of culture to see and experience – from the Gallery of Modern Art to the Burrell Collection to the Kelvingrove Art Gallery, you will not run out of things to see! The city is also home to many excellent restaurants, serving everything from high cuisine to robust and traditional Scottish cooking to fusion cuisine. You’re never far from a great meal in Glasgow!

Thanks for sharing with us! If you’d like to pay a visit to Ronin Grappling Glasgow, you can find them here.

Let’s start out with some quick facts about you…

Astrid Nörenberg – BJJ Globetrotters

Age: 33
Belt: Blue
Profession: Scientist by training, currently working in sales and management.
How many years in BJJ: Around 5 years.
Other martial arts: Several years of kickboxing and muay thai.
Where do you live: Mainly in a city close to Frankfurt, Germany, but also part-time in Hamburg as well as on the road.
Where are you originally from: From a very small and beautiful town close to Frankfurt.
Other fun or curious information you’d like to share: Ha! I think I’m fun to hang around with and probably a decent human being. I enjoy good company a lot. I love life. Summarizing me very briefly: motorcycles, BJJ, cake, photography, travel, books.

Astrid Nörenberg BJJ

Tell us what inspired you to travel and train?
I wouldn’t say that something “inspired” me per se. Due to my job I travel a lot, and I was always frustrated not being able to really train during those weeks on the road. I forced myself into a fitness gym occasionally but that’s not really fun – at least not for me. After my first BJJ Camp in the Caribbean in 2017 and an introduction to the whole Globetrotters community I just take my BJJ gear wherever I go – business trips or holidays.

Tell us about your most recent trip and your upcoming trips – where have you been and where are you going?
The most recent trip was for business. I was in the US and Canada for 3 weeks, and covered Victoria (BC), San Francisco, San Diego, Salt Lake City, Chicago, and NY.

There’s already a lot planned for next year too. On the BJJ side of things I’ll join the Winter Camp in Austria and the Spring Camp in Estonia. Other vacation ideas include Corsica and Sicily, as well as some weekend trips to different cities. On the business side it’ll mainly be the US and some major European cities such as Copenhagen and London.

Astrid Nörenberg BJJ

What are the things you enjoy about traveling?
A lot of things! First of all, I really enjoy discovering new places. This includes meeting and talking to different people, getting to know different cultures and traditions, as well as the place itself with its landscapes and architecture. Also I’m a big foodie – a very important task is always to find the best cake!

Can you give us some examples of experiences you had that makes it worth traveling and training?
I loved the atmosphere at the Flow Academy in Marbella, Spain, which I visited with a friend. The training was great, the people were so friendly and welcoming, and afterwards we just sat and talked while enjoying some breakfast together. Another gym I really enjoy is Gracie Barra in North Babylon on Long Island (NY, USA). Every time I’m in Long Island I just stop by. Others definitely worth mentioning are Fierce Studio (Victoria, Canada), Team Octopus (Atlanta, USA) and of course my former fellows at Team Choco (Heidelberg, Germany).

What has so far been the most surprising experience for you when traveling?
I know it might sound lame and that I just repeat what others have already said, but definitely how friendly, welcoming, and open the BJJ community is.

Are you a budget traveller – and if so how do you plan for a cheap trip?
I guess I fall somewhere in the middle there. I do look for cheap flights and good deals, and I use airBnB a lot, but I don’t enjoy hostels where I have to share my room with 10 people. Mostly booking ahead of time helps reduce the costs. I love planning out my trips way in advance.

If you were to pass on travel advice to your fellow Globetrotters, what would it be?
Be open-minded, be friendly, be humble, ask for help if needed, and don’t be scared to just walk into a gym and ask if you can join the class. I haven’t experienced a single bad thing when it comes to BJJ and training. Everyone has been friendly, warm, and welcoming.

Thank you to Astrid Nörenberg BJJ for doing this interview!