Featured Traveller: Shawn Clow – BJJ Globetrotters

Age: 35

Belt: Black

Profession: Department manager/valet attendant/kids Jiu Jitsu instructor

How many years in BJJ: 13 years

Other martial arts: Wrestling, boxing, kickboxing, MMA

Where do you live: Waterford, NY, USA

Where are you from: Troy, NY, USA

Other fun or curious information you would like to share: I’m a big fan of the multiverse theory and the universe in general. I have one blurry eye from a tear in my eyeball from an MMA fight. (I won the fight, by the way!) I’m also a fan of dark, mysterious and strange history 🤷🏼‍♂️

 

Shawn Clow – BJJ Globetrotters Iceland Camp

 

Tell us what inspired you to travel and train?
I always had this pull from inside to travel and seek out new experiences. To connect with people from different cultures and see things from a new perspective. Same for training in martial arts. Once I discovered Brazilian Jiu Jitsu it was only a matter of time before I merged the two.

My first international trip was to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, with a group from my home academy, Atlas Jiu Jitsu. It was an incredible experience with highs and lows. I originally thought I’d travel to fight, but after a bad eye 👁️ injury, I knew I had to seek a new path. In my final MMA fight, I won, but I also got tagged in my left eyeball as soon as the fight started. I managed to finish the fight via straight ankle lock, but the damage was done. I had a 270° tear in the retina of my left eye, and I wasn’t able to get into surgery until eleven days later.

After three eye surgeries and seven months’ recovery, I went to the Castle Camp in Italy (three weeks after my last surgery). Goggles in hand, I went on to attend four BJJ Globetrotters camps that year haha. I had discovered BJJ Globetrotters a few years prior. I can’t remember exactly how, where or when – I was probably scrolling through social media, or perhaps I overheard it mentioned at my academy. Regardless, once I saw all the different camp opportunities, I was sold!

Tell us about your most recent travel and your upcoming travel – where have you been and where are you going?
Most recently I had the pleasure of attending the BJJ Globetrotters Summer Camp in Heidelberg, Germany. It was hands down, my absolute favorite trip to date, partly because it’s my most recent and partly because I’m coming off a breakup haha. This trip was everything I didn’t know I needed. I was left with a feeling of truly being connected with a group of complete strangers, who are now good friends. I’ve had this feeling before, but not quite as strong I guess.

So far I’ve been to Iceland (‘21 & ’22), Castle Camp in Italy (‘22), Maine (‘22), Zen Camp in Poland (‘22), and Estonia (‘22). As for the other places I’ve traveled, I’ve also been to Brazil, Canada, Mexico, and Ireland. My next destination is Denmark for the BJJ Globetrotters camp in Copenhagen! I might try to get something else on the menu before then, but that depends on finances and work schedules.

Shawn Clow – BJJ Globetrotters

What are the things you enjoy about travelling?
I love traveling for all those cliché, yet very real reasons. Meeting new people, exploring new places, eating different foods, and seeing the benchmark sights. I love the feeling of escaping my hometown and embarking on an adventure into the unknown. It’s a quest! With lots of side missions and places to explore. Usually these places are brand new to me, yet they feel familiar, in a nicely strange way. Almost like I’ve been there before, or I’m supposed to be there.

Since I started going to Globetrotters camps I’ve mostly gone solo, apart from three times. Both times in Iceland, I went with a couple of buddies from the gym. In Estonia, I went with the girl I was dating at the time. I found myself enjoying the camps more when I was alone, because I had to fully immerse myself into the environment. With no one to lean on or be social with, I’m forced to forge new connections. Connections that happen organically and flow naturally. That’s the magic spark for me. Developing new friendships in strange new places, with people who are different like me haha. Because let’s be honest, you gotta be a little strange to constantly roll around on the ground with other humans.

Can you give us some examples of experiences you had that make it worth traveling and training?
As mentioned before, it’s all about the connections for me. Iceland was my first time at a camp, and I went there with two guys I hadn’t really hung out with since High School, twelve years or so ago. We had a great experience, top tier coaching, tons of new techniques to learn, great rolling at the open mats, friendly people all around, good food, and awesome landscapes. We made friends with countless people. I wouldn’t have made as many friends or actual connections with people without training with them. Sure, I might have some sort conversations with random people in different situations, but I find those events rare. At least for me. The training is a way to have that common ground and respect on both sides.

From Iceland to Germany, I’ve met so many interesting people. I can now honestly say I’ve got friends all over the world. So why travel and train? We train, we talk, we laugh, then we probably get a beer later and laugh a little more. I can’t put a number on how many times I’ve done this exact sequence of events, or try to recall any one or two exact moments, because my memory isn’t that great haha. I just know that rolling at different places with different people makes magic happen. Training will always be a part of my travel plans.

What has so far been the most surprising experience for you when traveling?
The most surprising experience while traveling has to be the odd sensation of belonging. At home, it becomes very cut and dry and I often feel like Bill Murray in Groundhog Day – every day is almost exactly the same, except for when I’m on the mats. When travelling, it’s a whole different experience. I don’t know what it is exactly, but I always get these moments where everything falls into place. A traffic light turns green so you don’t miss that one class, the coffee shop almost ran out of the best pastry but you get the last one, the restaurant is completely booked with reservations but we manage to get a table. You get the idea. It’s the little things like that.

Also, watching my roommate almost die in Germany was pretty surprising… great guy, but I wouldn’t want to relive that experience again!

Shawn Clow – BJJ Globetrotters Iceland Camp

Are you a budget traveller – and if so how do you plan for a cheap trip?
I thought I was at one point, but now I can see I walk a middle ground between budget and “spare no expense”. If my budget is tight, I’ll first look into accommodation. Airbnb, hostels, and such. Flights are kinda set as is. I’ll watch them and wait for the right time to grab a good deal, but I don’t always count on it. Next is food. I like to eat out, but sometimes you gotta hit the grocery stores or local markets to get cheap eats. If I’m on a tight budget then I’m not drinking, or maybe just one or two… or three or four… or blow the budget on booze… in one night haha. For me, I usually have a healthy amount of funds to put into each trip. Or I simply don’t go. Research, research, research!!

If you were to pass on travel advice to your fellow Globetrotters, what would it be?
Travel often and let the wind be your guide at times. The money will return, but your time won’t. If you have an able body, a good heart, and a sense of humor (with a sense of direction haha) you will always find yourself exactly where you need to be. With good friends, warm meals, and strong drinks. Don’t be discouraged or afraid to get lost in a new country. I’ve been lost plenty of times but you take a deep breath and keep going. Ask for directions, look at maps, try to read road signs that are in a completely different language. It’ll all work out. If no one will go with you on your trip, go alone. You know Jiu Jitsu, you’ll be alright! (Unless they have weapons, then you should’ve taken a weapons defense course instead.) Go the road less traveled and get away from the tourist traps. Fall into a deeper trap in the middle of nowhere. You know Jiu Jitsu. You’ll be alright. Seriously though, the world is full of good people and great experiences. I can’t wait to meet you all out there

Thank you to Shawn Clow – BJJ Globetrotters for making this interview!