Why You Should Drop Into a BJJ Gym Overseas Alone
Rolling with strangers in a foreign language will teach you more than technique.
I rolled alone in Bali, Tokyo, and Madrid. Each time I trained like a local, I went out of my comfort zone and came out feeling better. Here’s what happened when I leaned into the unknown!
You Will Own Uncomfortable
Bali: Classes were in English so no translation needed. But this was my first time trying a BJJ gym overseas and I did not know what to expect.
Tokyo: I understood zero Japanese. Thankfully there was someone who spoke my second language so I could partially understand what was going on. I learned that body language speaks louder than words.
Madrid: My beginner Spanish barely covered “no entiendo que dice” and “gracias.” Thankfully my training partner was patient and guided me through each technique in Spanglish.
Outside of my home turf, I relearned a key lesson and became more comfortable with it: do what excites/fears you. It takes courage to put yourself in an unfamiliar space and be open to discomfort.
In Tokyo and Madrid, it was clear I was the only visitor, but I didn’t let the intimidation get to me. Maybe it’s like exposure therapy. The more I do it, the easier it gets. I’m excited to try more BJJ gyms around the world!
You Will Be More Open Minded
Bali: The sun streamed into a spacious gym where Gonna Fly Now pulsed through the speakers. Between the full-size boxing ring, MMA cage, and open mats, athletes from every corner of the globe drilled with fierce energy. After class, I wandered the streets, chased the sunset on a black-sand beach, and sipped fresh coconut water.
Tokyo: My 7:30 am class in a cozy basement gym felt like a local secret. With just a handful of die-hards, I got a glimpse of daily life for BJJ lovers in Japan. The morning wrapped up with matcha, exploring the neighborhoods, and the reminder you can make always time for whatever your priorities are.
Madrid: The daylight-basement gym was tighter and buzzy with a close-knit crew. I rolled in a mix of Spanish and English, imagining daily life here since I love Spain so much. I felt a flash of fear at the thought of starting from zero: learning a foreign language, making new friends, and building a new lifestyle. But then I remembered I did this before in England and thrived. I left class feeling happy and grateful, knowing I could do it again.
Each gym’s vibe and teaching style rewired my muscle memory and demonstrated there’s no single “right” way to do things. Just like travel, BJJ teaches adaptability: a skill you carry into work, friendships, and every curveball life throws.
You Will Feel More Connected to the World
You will remember the fleeting connections with these strangers. I will never forget the kind words from my training partner when I finally nailed the technique in Madrid, or taking film photos with some sweet people in Bali.
Suddenly the world shrinks, and you’re part of a living, breathing community that spans continents. Yeah, you might not be best friends or keep in touch at all but you both love BJJ. Next time you travel, you already have a community waiting at the mat.
Tips for Your First Solo Drop-In
Plan: Research a few BJJ gyms in the city you’re next headed to.
Reach out: Send a quick email or WhatsApp asking when you can drop by.
Show up: Walk in with a smile and roll. Treat people with respect and trust that other students will welcome you.
Solo drop-ins are like tiny bets on yourself: one gym, one roll, one fist bump at a time. Leaning into discomfort fuels your confidence everywhere else in life. You’ll return home richer not just in BJJ experience, but in humanity.
Where do you want go next and try BJJ?
love this!!