April 2025 | Episode #12
Spring is the season of planting. And as any gardener knows, you don’t get blooms without putting in the work and getting a little dirt under your nails. In Jiu-Jitsu, that means coming in when you're tired, pushing through tough rounds, and learning to get comfortable with discomfort. It’s not always exciting or glamorous. And sometimes it’s not obvious either. But every rep, every round, and every small win adds up. Because when the pressure ramps up mid-roll or your outside life gets a little chaotic, you’ll draw strength from the seeds you’ve planted and the person you’ve become in the process.
Rolls on the Road:
How to Find a Gym When You’re Traveling
With the weather improving, did your family plan a Spring Break road trip? Or maybe your job is sending you to visit a client in another state?
Schedule changes can be difficult to deal with, but it doesn’t have to interrupt your Jiu-Jitsu growth. In fact, it can enhance it!
Like stumbling upon a great restaurant, finding the right gym on your travels can make for some wonderful memories. In a way, you get a chance to experience another culture, while also sharing a bit of your own. By being a Jiu-Jitsu practitioner, you're tapping into a worldwide community of people who share a similar passion.
So how do you find good rolls?
Here are a few tips to help you find a good spot, train smart, and be a solid guest while you’re on the road:
1. Finding a Gym
REFERRALS - If you’re going to a major city, it’s possible someone else has been there before. Ask a coach or an upper belt if they have any suggestions to start your search.
LOCATION - Create a radius from where you’re staying or where you’ll be spending time at.
‘Jiu-Jitsu near 123 Main St, Honolulu, HI’ or ‘BJJ gyms within 10 miles of 123 Main St, Honolulu, HI’ are a few ways to narrow down the choices.
AVAILABLE INFO - Is their schedule clearly listed on the website? Is it easy to learn about their class offerings? Do they say anything about visitors? The more transparent their offerings, the better!
VIBE CHECK - Are they dedicated practitioners or does the gym give off McDojo vibes? Do they promote the energy of their classes or their self-defense seminars? Look at their socials to get a sense of their gym culture.
RECENT REVIEWS - People like to help other people and reviews can be a great indicator. ‘Friendly, welcoming, accepts visitors, great for all skill levels’ - are all key feature to look for.
2. Send a Message Before You Show Up
While it may be acceptable for some places to show up unannounced, it’s generally best to reach out via phone or send a message through email or social media. You don’t want to start off on the wrong foot before you even step onto the mats! Being clear on your experience level may help guide the staff on which class is best for you. Also some gyms may have classes that are closed to the public or require certain uniforms to be worn - all of which are helpful to know in advance.
"Hey! I’m in town for work and would love to train while I’m here. I’ve been training for 3 years and am a 2-strip Blue Belt — are drop-ins welcome? Please let me know about your drop-in fees and if there’s a waiver to complete in advance."
Most gyms will respond quickly and give you the info you need, but some will not. If you can’t get ahold of anyone or they make the process overly complicated, that could be an indication to look elsewhere.
3. Pack Smart
What if they don’t have a shower? Anti-bacterial and anti-fungal wipes are a pro-move if the gym doesn’t offer a shower. You definitely don’t want to be bringing any mat-funk back with you!
What about your dirty clothes? Washing quickly is ideal, but packing a few gallon-sized zip lock bags can be handy to keep things separate.
Rent a gi? Packing a gi can be bulky, but some gyms will let you rent one instead. The rental fee will likely be nominal compared to the extra space in your suitcase + the laundry required later.
4. Roll Smart
Etiquette - Do you bow before you enter the mats? Can you heel hook white belts? Every gym has its own culture, so be sure to ask if there are specific points of etiquette you should know about.
Match the Intensity - Especially in the first few rolls, do your best to get a sense for the speed and intensity of your training partners. Save the Flying Triangles for when you get home.
Ask before filming - While some gyms may appreciate the publicity, it’s always best to gain consent before filming or taking pictures.
Tap early, Tap often - an L at the gym won’t be the low point of your trip, but an injury certainly will be. Roll hard, but don’t be dumb.
5. Tell Others About Your Experience
Leaving a positive review on the business’s Google or social media pages is one of the best ‘Thank You’s’ you can give. It helps local people find out about their business and it informs travelers (like you) who are looking for a fun place to train. Regardless of whether you’ve paid a mat fee or not, this free act of kindness goes a long way!
Final Thought: Be the Kind of Guest You’d Welcome
One of the best parts of Jiu-Jitsu is that you can drop into a random gym across the country and still feel at home. But that experience only works when we respect each other’s space, approach training with humility, and remember we’re all just trying to get better - no matter where we’re rolling.
Coach Ryan visiting Coachella Valley Judo and Jiu-Jitsu | Palm Springs, CA
Speaking of reviews… would you recommend us if someone asked? If so - consider leaving us a review!
“Amazing coaching staff and facility! I greatly appreciated the hospitality my family and I received during our visit. Incredibly knowledgeable coaching and everyone was extremely kind! Whether you are a BJJ hobbyist, looking to get in shape or compete, this is a great place with a family-like familiarity”
“Phase 2” - Facility Updates
We told you that we weren’t done yet! Thanks to the hard work of our members RILEY JOYCE and JAKE NOVAK, our Members Lounge is right on track. The last month has seen the construction of a beautiful railing around the perimeter and down the stairs, plus some critical electrical workfor our various appliances (aka… the espresso machine). Stay tuned for more progress photos as we complete drywalling and begin decorations!
New Merch - Shipping Soon!
The LŌKAHI Spring merch line is almost here! You can expect our new rashguards, hoodies, grappling shorts and more to be shipped and delivered in the next few weeks.
Didn’t get yours? There’s still time! Head to the SHOP to reserve your limited edition items before they’re sold out and gone for good.
Upcoming Tournaments
April 19th - Nebraska Jiu-Jitsu Championship Spring Open
Lincoln, NE
May 31st - Grappling Industries
Omaha, NE
Upcoming APRIL Birthdays
Wishing all of our Collective Members a very happy birthday!
1st - Matt Hansen
1st - Nick Hay
3rd - Kelci Wrap
12th - Caleb Kleven
19th - Bowen Bents
20th - Isabelle Locklear
20th - Cole Johnston
24th - Thomas Ortner
“Great coaches, great facility and a great place to train solo or with your family!”