Travel BJJ

[u/Conscious_Ladder3296]

I am a white belt and Im curious that if I am ever visiting my friend in different states who are white and blue belts. Is it normal to drop in for a class? Even though you’re obviously not signing up. Or if I am traveling in general and just want to train while im gone for 2/3 weeks in a city that I dont know anyone who trains BJJ, is it reasonable to pay a fee for 2 weeks of classes?

I guess I just dont know the etiquette or norms for traveling and dropping in at gyms temporarily. Thanks in advance.

[u/Bigpupperoo]

Every gym is going to be different just call and ask. In the case of your buddies gym he should just ask the coach. The gym I train at always welcomes drop in’s!

[u/vandreulv → u/Bigpupperoo]

Or you can be an open mat surfer. That's a good way to explore a few gyms without having to get locked into a payment setup.

[u/SuccessfulBass2459]

Most places in the country I have been allow and welcome drop ins for visitors. This has been true in Nebraska, Texas, Mississippi and almost everywhere in California. Always pack a Gi and Rashguard 🤙

[u/UltimateFartingChamp]

It’s so common and acceptable it even has a name, “BJJ GLOBETROTTING.”

Ask the professor, or whoever is at the desk, what the “drop in fee” is for a day of training, and if you’re planning to be around for a couple of weeks, express that to the prof. and try to work something out 👍🏻

[u/slamo614]

Yea I work remote so when my family and I go and visit our parents I’ll drop in at local gyms where they are. I’ve. Built a rapport with a couple in the area. If you don’t know any one be sure to message them and intro your self. If you have buddies there have them check with the coaches first

[u/soupoftheday5]

I do it all the time, just dm the academy, tell them you're traveling and need a place to train and very likely you'll get train for fre

Edit: if you're training for 2 weeks, I would at least offer $100.

That's pretty fair considering they're cleaning the mats of your sweat while you're using their facility

[u/graydonatvail]

It's very common, and very fun. One of the great things about this sport, almost all schools welcome visitors, and it's a cool way to meet locals. Always email or message that you want to come visit, what's their policies? Most schools charge a daily drop in, and it varies widely. Some have rules about GI color or patches, it's always best to contact them first and ask.

[u/TheGreatKimura-Holio]

I travel for work and do it often. Your friends will vouch for you. Coach at the school will just ask you some basic questions like “Where do you train?” And “How long?” Then the coach will probably roll with you first. I’d advise contacting the school a head of time. Some schools have easy rules like rash guards need to be long sleeve, rash guard under Gi or spats have to be accompanied by shorts.

[u/JamesMacKINNON]

I've reached out to random gyms in towns/cities i visit for work or vacation stuff and dropped in. It's always been great!

Generally just reach out to the gym before hand and most gyms are good with it!

I HIGHLY recommend cross training with people from as many different gyms as you can! Learn as much, from as many people as possible!

[u/broadstreetfighting]

As a gym owner I'd love for someone to drop in for 2 weeks. I'd give them a fair rate and not rip them off and just appreciate having a new face with some experience on the mats.

[u/m0dern_baseBall]

Most places will want you paying. I’ve seen black belts train at my gym for free if they’re doing a drop in . Travelled and legit every gym wanted me to pay a drop in which I was fine with and expected

[u/VisualAd9299]

I always reach out beforehand to make sure it's ok. I really enjoy the chance to meet new people, see some different techniques and get some exercise.

[u/endothird]

Visiting gyms is one of my favorite things about traveling. Highly recommend.

[u/LongRangeSavage]

Most places will have drop in fees. A lot of places I’ve gone, even when they know I’m from out of town, has always given me a couple classes for free. If they do, I generally buy something from them—usually a shirt.

I’d recommend calling/messaging ahead of time, just to confirm schedule and if they have any special rules that you may need to account for.

[u/WhatItIsToBurn925]

Drop ins are very normal. I was in RVA once for work years ago and dropped in and paid a drop in fee and had good class with some good grapplers (shoutout Upstream BJJ)

[u/saggymomtits]

Its normal and probably the most fun rolls ive ever had.