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BJJ Globetrotters Newsletter // July 2017 | |
This newsletter came out a little later in the month than usual, since I was back in Copenhagen for 4 weeks to visit family and attend the Copenhagen Camp. It was a very busy trip and I didn't really have any time to sit by my computer and get this newsletter done.
In just one week, I'm off to Europe again for the annual mega-camp in Leuven. This time, we'll be around 270 people and I'm more excited than ever to go back there. It's always such a socially overwhelming experience and I'm looking forward to see many of you there!
Have a nice day, | |
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What you'll find in this month's newsletter: - June's photo competition winner
- Life on the Road with Dirk McComas
- Talking Travelling with Mairead Coyle
- Photos from the Copenhagen Camp
- Globetrotters Academy in Focus: North Vancouver BJJ, Canada
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| June's photo competition winner |
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Congratulations to the Paul Elliott, who took the best travel gi photo of June!
Every month we will give away a prize to the best travel photo starring our lightweight travel gi. If you want to participate, send your photo to mail@bjjglobetrotters.com with the subject "Photo competition". |
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| 15 tickets left for the Fall Camp next month |
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* Monday, August 21st to Saturday, August 26th * * In Heidelberg, Germany * * Beautiful town less than an hour from Frankfurt * * Huge mat space near city center * * Six days training camp * * Top level instructors * * Classes all day long * * Affordable food option * * Accommodation option directly at camp * * Everyone welcome regardless of experience and affiliation * |
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"Don't stress so much on what has to be done tomorrow or the next day, instead live in the now." - Dirk McComas
BJJ Globetrotters sponsored traveller Dirk McComas lives in a 41.5ft camper van with his family, travelling around from place to place. The journey sounds like it has already been amazing - he's even been promoted to purple belt on his travels! |
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Age: 33
Belt: Purple
Profession: Retired
How many years in BJJ: Off and on since 2006, got more serious about it in 2012
Other martial arts: Kung Fu, Muay Thai
Where do you live: Travelling around the USA
Where are you originally from: Kentucky
Other fun or curious information you would like to share: I live in a 41.5 foot camper with my wife, seven year old boy, four year old daughter, and our two dogs.
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So Dirk, tell us what inspired you to travel and train (and live in a camper van).
I have always enjoyed travelling and I found myself at a point in my life where my choices were to either buy a house and remain in one place, or buy a camper and live in it full time, bouncing from city to city. I chose the latter because it seemed more exciting (I was correct by the way). Once we decided to live this life, I was faced with the question of where I was going to train. Then the idea of training at different gyms wherever we stopped came to me!
Good idea! Tell us about your most recent travel and your upcoming travel – where have you been and where are you going?
Recently we have been travelling around in the southeast US. We went from Kentucky, to three different places in Georgia, to Florida, South Carolina, and North Carolina, before making our way back to Kentucky for a couple of weeks.
From here we are making our way through Tennessee and Alabama.
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So life in the camper van definitely seems to be going well! What are the things you enjoy about travelling?
Definitely the scenery change. I'm never in any one place too long and when I feel like leaving I pack up and go. I guess the biggest thing I enjoy is the sense of freedom, the detachment from things holding me to a stationary point. My family and I thoroughly enjoy seeing the sights as we travel, and the fact that I get to experience these sights and not just watch them on TV is amazing.
Can you give us some examples of experiences you had that makes it worth travelling and training?
The people and experiences have been a couple of things that have made travelling worth it. Everywhere we go, every gym I go to, I meet some of the coolest people! People from different walks of life, and I find it awesome to talk with them about why they train BJJ and how they got to where they are. I enjoy discussing with the professors/coaches on why they chose to do what they do. I think it helps me understand a little more about myself.
The absolute most enjoyable thing about our travels so far has been seeing my children experience different parts of this beautiful country. From seeing them play on the beach in Florida, to learning about different wildlife in Georgia, watching them grow from these experiences has been so rewarding.
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It's definitely a fun way to spend your childhood. Are you a budget traveller – and if so how do you plan for a cheap trip?
You could say I'm a budget traveller I guess. When we plan our trips we basically choose where we want to go, then look for a campground in the immediate area to park our "house". We save money by making most of our meals ourselves, plus we find it's healthier that way. We also try to take our kids places that are either free, or have little costs. Places like museums, parks, historical markers and the like.
If you were to pass on travel advice to your fellow Globetrotters, what would it be?
Have an open mind and enjoy it, do what the locals do. Don't stress so much on what has to be done tomorrow or the next day, instead live in the now. Enjoy the moment you are in, there's a chance you will never get that moment again.
Thanks for chatting with us Dirk! And we hope you continue to enjoy your travels.
You can catch up with Dirk and his adventures by following him on Instagram @bjjdrifter.
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| Super light travel gi v2 in stock in all colors and sizes! |
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| Talking Travelling with Mairead |
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"It might sound a bit crazy, but, don't wait until you have all the money you need before booking a trip."
- Mairead Coyle
BJJ purple belt Mairead Coyle is just back from a trip to Miami and one of her next stops is the BJJ Globetrotters Summer Camp in Leuven, Belgium. Let's catch up with her! |
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Let’s start out with some quick facts about you…
Age: 27
Belt: Purple
Profession: Early Years Practitioner
How many years in BJJ: Over 4 and a half years
Other martial arts: Japanese Ju Jitsu for 5 years, in which I was introduced to BJJ.
Where do you live: Donegal, Ireland
Where are you originally from:Donegal, Ireland
Other fun or curious information you would like to share:
My first sport I loved to play was football and I played until I finished school. I never thought I would end up doing Martial Arts like I have. My very first night of starting Japanese Ju Jitsu actually happened to be a Carley and Clark Gracie seminar, which I was completely unaware of and at this point had never heard of BJJ. I still remember learning a triangle set up from a lasso guard. Of course I didn't fully appreciate just how big of a deal getting to learn from them was at the time. But remember really enjoying the experience, I just wish I had concentrated more on continuing BJJ at that time. That was over 10 years ago when BJJ in Ireland was extremely new. |
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Tell us what inspired you to travel and train.
My first time travelling and training was for a Ladies Only camp held in Amsterdam with my team mate Katie. I enjoyed the experience and learnt so much and met great people that I couldn't wait to get organising another trip away. Getting to train and learn from some of the best in the world is an unbelievable experience, all while seeing new places.
It certainly is! Tell us about your most recent travel and your upcoming travel – where have you been and where are you going?
I am not long back from a trip to Miami to train with Master Rilion Gracie, which is always a pleasure and great experience. My next trip away is actually to the BJJ Globetrotters summer camp in Leuven, Belgium, which is going to be my first Globetrotters camp and I'm very excited. I am also going to another Ladies Only camp in September back in Amsterdam. Previously, I have also been to London, Houston, New York, Copenhagen, Berlin, and Brussels for training experiences.
Great! You will definitely enjoy the Globetrotters camp. What are the things you enjoy about travelling?
Mainly getting to see new places and experience their culture and lifestyle and meeting new people, so being able to combine that with BJJ is perfect for me. And of course getting some sunshine while travelling is also a plus sometimes.
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Can you give us some examples of experiences you had that makes it worth travelling and training?
When you travel around different places to compete in competitions, (which is nerve racking in itself) it's always nice bumping into familiar faces that you have met along your travels from training. So that training camp you went to or gym you visited, once again becomes very worth while long after it might have originally taken place. It also gives you the chance to possibly visit the ones you have met at camps at their own gyms that they train in. Making different connections has been a great experience for me and has provided me with great training opportunities. And of course not to forget the tips and tricks you learn along the way to improve your Jiu Jitsu.
What has so far been the most surprising experience for you when travelling?
I don't think it's really a surprise but I still always admire how welcoming other gyms are when you visit for training. Even if you don't speak their language, they still really make sure you understand the technique that has been taught. As well as going out of their way to offer to pick you up/drop you off from your accommodation before or after the training or making sure you know exactly where you are going if making your own way there and even going as far as to show you around the area. This has been really helpful to me in the past as I have been on my own while visiting some gyms for training and will always appreciate how welcoming the BJJ community is while you are travelling.
Are you a budget traveller – and if so how do you plan for a cheap trip?
I'm a budget traveller, I think unless money is no object what so ever, you have to be if you want to experience as much travel as you can. I usually have a fair idea of where I want to go a good few months or more in advance so this allows me to keep an eye on flights and cheap accommodation, rather than panic booking really expensive flights or accommodation at the last minute. I also only usually take hand luggage with me to save on flight cost. I look for accommodation that will require the least cost for travel while there, to/from airport, close to the training gym etc.
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If you were to pass on travel advice to your fellow Globetrotters, what would it be?
It might sound a bit crazy, but, don't wait until you have all the money you need before booking a trip. Always keep an eye on training opportunities (or places of interest) abroad coming up in advance and then book in stages. If it's a camp, book your place. Then book your flights when you have the money for them. And then look at accommodation, a lot of sites allow you to book and then pay when you get there or pay just a small deposit, giving you more time to gather that money. And remember there are loads of really good hostels. And don't forget to check out the sights while travelling for training. There are loads of free things to do and see no matter where you go and most places, especially in Europe, have free guided tours. So make the most of your trip and experience what you can and of course enjoy!
Thanks Mairead! We look forward to seeing you at the Summer Camp in Leuven! |
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Join us in Austria for our 4th legendary Winter Camp! |
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* January 3-7 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 * * 24 hr free fruit and non-alcoholic beverages * * Free laundry service * * Direct access to huge skiing area with 120+ km slopes * * Free access to next door Water World Amadé with sauna * * Afterski parties * * All levels of BJJ and skiers welcome * * Top ski and snowboarding instructors * |
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Photos from the Copenhagen Camp
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Less than 15 spots left for the Zen Camp in Poland |
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* Wednesday, September 27th to Sunday, October 1st * * In the middle of nowhere, Poland * * Five days training camp * * Huge tatami mat space * * 2x free white pearl weave gis * * Gi laundry service * * Free use of spa * * All meals included * * Fruit, bottled water, tea, coffee, etc included * * Yoga and outdoor movement classes * * Workshops on mental preparation for competitions * * Everyone welcome regardless of experience and affiliation * |
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BJJ Globetrotters affiliated Academy in Focus: North Vancouver BJJ, Canada |
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"Our school is filled with a full age and demographic spectrum. All the way from people who are just making Jiu Jitsu their hobby, to those that are making Jiu Jitsu their life." - Marc Marins, North Vancouver BJJ, Canada
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Have a look at this months featured gym - North Vancouver BJJ, Canada. They have a rapidly growing club with a diverse group of people training there. |
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OK Marc, let's hear some facts about your gym.
Where is the gym located:
250-5B East Esplanade North Vancouver BC Canada V7L 3G8
How many people train there:
225 people train with us
Is the gym growing? If so by how many new members each month or year:
We are growing by about 15 members each month.
What are the highest and lowest belt grades training:
Highest belts are me and Marcelo Terni, a 3rd degree black belt from Río. Lowest grades are white belts.
When did the gym open:We opened June 1st 2008 |
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Can we get some information about you as well?
Name: Marc Marins
Age: 40
Belt: Black Belt with the Gracie academy
Profession: Teacher
How many years in BJJ: 22 (Started January 1995)
Other martial arts: Judo black belt, some boxing
Where do you live: North Vancouver
Where are you originally from:
I was born in Toronto. My mom is from Scotland, dad is from Brazil.
Please tell us the story of how your gym came into existence.
Years ago before I became a black belt, I felt that I wanted to serve an area that did not yet have a Brazilian/Gracie Jiu Jitsu academy. North Vancouver did not have one. About a year after I became a black belt my friend found a location that was sub-leasing their space and the rest is history. Started slowly, but we have built the school into a thriving, positive addition to the community.
Tell us about the people that train in the gym – who are they?
Our school is filled with a full age and demographic spectrum. We have a robust women's class, kids of all ages, and all levels of practitioners. All the way from people who are just making Jiu Jitsu their hobby, to those that are making Jiu Jitsu their life.
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Why do they train?
I believe that all people start the martial arts journey for the right reasons. They get started because they want something that will work for them and their family in a real situation, and that will bring them more health, happiness, friendship, and challenges.
What are some of the challenges of running a BJJ gym?
The biggest challenge is taking the time to recuperate, rest, re-create. Thankfully we are building a team of amazing instructors so I take a rest day once in a while. Jiu Jitsu is my life, so it's always a pleasure.
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How do you see the future for BJJ in your area?
Jiu Jitsu is the future! I see more people training, especially kids and women. I see people staying on the mats for life, and approaching the journey with balance and starting with the end in mind... which is always to live and reap the benefits that the Jiu Jitsu lifestyle brings for as long as possible.
What’s the best thing about your gym?
We love our school, we really focus on our beginners, but we have a lot of advanced people as well. It's a privilege and honour to share the art with people. At our school, people feel at ease enough to have a place to relax and enjoy, but we also are there to learn and feel challenged. I think we have it all.
What would you recommend Globetrotters to see in your area apart from the inside of your gym?
Our area of the world is full of outdoor activities - world class skiing at Whistler, people watching in downtown Vancouver, hiking in Lynn Headwaters, swimming in our many beaches. Any travellers passing through our city are super welcome for 10 consecutive free days training. We love hosting people from other schools and we like connecting people who are trying to get set up in a new city.
Sounds like a great place to train! If anyone would like to get in touch with North Vancouver BJJ you can check them out on Facebook or their website. |
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