Hello world!
I’m Rui (F), an Italian-born Chinese living in Denmark. I am currently backpacking solo in SEA and training BJJ along the way.
Six months ago, I stepped onto the mat for the first time, and it’s been a love story ever since. Well, I constantly get submitted and find new bruises after each training but I keep showing up, and that’s what matters ;)
I don’t have any prestigious BJJ gym or fancy qualifications under my white belt – just a girl who decided to live more intentionally and pursue the things that make me happier, with BJJ being part of it.
Why the change?
For the last six years, I’ve been studying and working in Denmark but I reached a point where life started feeling exhausting and unsatisfying. I knew I needed something more. So, I quit my job, booked a one-way ticket, and cut my hair short (the shortest in my life 😶).
It was scary at first but I was burnt out and I knew I had to make a change. I’ve been waiting for the right timing but let’s be honest, there is no such thing. So, I’m embracing a journey without a set roadmap— wandering, meeting new people, and training BJJ wherever I can.
My travels
I started my travels 2.5 weeks ago in Taiwan and am now in Malaysia.
As I write this from a cafe in Ipoh – with the AC blowing on my face and surrounded by unfamiliar smells and sounds – I can say I feel happier than I’ve been in a long time. I feel more inspired and connected. BJJ has been a fantastic way to meet local people, fellow travelers, and be part of something bigger than your usual bubble.
As for my traveling style, I’m a solo female backpacker, usually on a budget, but I’ll never compromise on safety. I’m all about finding good deals, but I’m also okay spending more when it’s worth it or when I feel like treating myself.
My setup: 30L backpack on my back, 20L on the front, and a fanny pack. Around 13kg in total.
I don’t really like the touristy stuff. I love just wandering around, feeling the local vibe, and seeing how people live. Meeting locals is way more my thing than hanging out with other tourists. And I’m totally fine with doing my things, whether it’s exploring alone or just sleeping half day.
Here’s a rough outline of my travel plans:
What’s next?
I’ll try to post weekly – though writing while on the road is tricky, I love to take these small breaks in cafés to do it. You probably can expect a post about Taiwan this week, and one about Ipoh next week. I’ll try to shared stories from my trips, info about the gyms and also some practical travel tips, especially as a solo female traveler. This is all new for me, so if you have any feedback or questions, feel free to drop me a message (link to Insta below)!
I hope my journey can inspire other women to give BJJ a try or maybe, finally take that leap into something they’ve always wanted to do.
Thank you for reading! ’til next time! *shrimps away… 🦐 … 🦐
Let’s connect on Insta 👇
