Being a digital nomad has its perks. You have the freedom to work from anywhere on the planet, the thrill of discovering new places, and the joy of meeting new people. It’s a pretty fun lifestyle, but it does pose some challenges if you’re a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu student looking to keep up with your training.
Luckily for you, traveling doesn’t mean you need to put your BJJ training on hold. The sport’s popularity has grown significantly in the past few decades, so there’s an excellent chance you’ll be able to find a good Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu school anywhere you find yourself these days.
While training BJJ as a traveler comes with challenges, like always being the new guy, it also provides many benefits, like learning new Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu styles. No two schools are the same, and each school often has its own unique approach to techniques and training. For example, some schools specialize in the rubber guard, while others barely cover it.
BJJ Training Tips For Digital Nomads Looking To Keep Their Skills Sharp
You don’t have to let your rolling skills rust because you enjoy trotting the globe. Here’s your ultimate BJJ guide on how to keep your skills sharp as you trot all over the globe:
1) Plan Ahead
Always plan ahead by identifying gyms for consideration and defining your criteria, especially when visiting a new gym.
Your search for a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu school to train at your next destination should start before you book your ticket or make reservations for your lodging. It could be as simple as a Google search of reputable gyms there or going on social media for insights on where to train. You can also consult people you know who have trained BJJ where you plan to visit. Ideally, you want to train somewhere close to where you are staying. Somewhere within walking distance, preferably, or a short drive.
Once you’ve found a gym that meets your standards, review their schedule to ensure it works for you. Most big gyms have morning and evening classes, but smaller dojos with only one or two instructors might not. You should also consider the amenities each gym offers students during your search. For example, some BJJ schools, like Evolve MMA, have fully equipped gyms, so you don’t have to pay extra to sign up for a traditional gym to have somewhere to lift some weights and exercise.
Check out reviews of the schools you’ve narrowed down on and look at what people who have trained there in the past have to say about them.
Once you’ve decided where you’ll train, give them a call to let them know your intent. If the school has a social media page, go on there to introduce yourself to other students. They’ll probably be excited to hear from you since BJJ players love rolling with new bodies.
2) Pack Smart And Roll Smooth
Packing BJJ training gear can be pretty challenging for digital nomads since you probably prefer to travel as lightly as possible.
Most serious BJJ students train with and without the Gi, so pack at least two Gis and two sets of No-Gi gear with you. You’ll also need to take your belt with you if you’ll be training with a Gi, but belts don’t take up much space. You can use a little trick to reduce the space your Gis take up: vacuum seal them.
While packing, don’t forget to throw in hygiene essentials like nail clippers, antibacterial soap, and deodorant. Don’t be the new person who stinks up the place.
The ideal carry-on bag for digital nomads who train BJJ can double as a gym bag when you reach your destination. You should consider investing in portable laundry bags for all your sweaty gear. Don’t forget to pack a mouthguard as well. You’ll need it when you roll.
3) Show Up Early
Arriving early lets you introduce yourself and break the ice with your training partners before class begins!
Your first class with your new gym will likely include signing waivers and paying gym fees, so try to arrive about 20 minutes early so you can get everything sorted. Arriving early also allows you to introduce yourself to some of your training partners. What you don’t want to do is be the stranger who shows up after class has already started.
If possible, drive by the dojo before your first class so you don’t get lost on your way there. Showing up early shows you respect your instructors and new training partners.
4) Participate In All Activities With The Class
Fully engage in the entire lesson, starting with the warm-ups, this shows not just your openness, but it also leaves a great impression!
It’s one thing to sit out warm-ups at a gym you’ve trained with for years, but it’s a bad look when you’re the new guy in the gym. Be ready to be part of the entire class when you attend classes at your temporary gym. Don’t try to wiggle out of some activities simply because you don’t enjoy doing them.
If you have health issues or injuries preventing you from performing some training activities, let the instructor know before class starts. That way, the instructor can exclude you from things you can’t do instead of you excusing yourself and seeming too cool for school.
5) Don’t Bring Your Ego
Always enter the mats with humility; it’s through humility that we grow not just in our craft, but also as individuals.
When you train BJJ anywhere, your primary focus should be to learn and grow, not prove how tough you are. Sign up for a tournament if you want everyone to know how good your Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu skills are. You are an ambassador of your home gym when you train while traveling, so keep that in mind as you interact with your new training partners.
Don’t challenge anyone to roll; wait for the instructor to pair you up with someone or for one of your training partners to choose you. Be gracious when you roll and keep your techniques smooth and controlled.
6) Hang Out For A Few Minutes After Class
Stay after class to chat with your new training partners. Building these relationships can make the class more fun and enjoyable.
Make sure you stick around for more rolling after class and after-class conversations. This gives you more time to get to know your new training partners, so leave some room in your schedule so you don’t need to rush out once class starts.
Training At Different Schools Makes Your BJJ Better
Training BJJ while living the digital nomad lifestyle can be tricky but provides some advantages. You get to learn different styles of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu while making new friends that’ll keep you company during your travels. So, safe travels and happy training!
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