The story of my trip around the world to train, teach and compete in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and other grappling arts.


Colombia

The amazing around-the-world burger project: Medellin, Colombia.

This burger had a very interesting game consisting of such different styles as beef topgame, chicken bottomgame and an interesting fries guard. It was playing a lot of different cheese sweeps, but I felt it lacked a bit of vegetable fundamentals. A very solid and impressive game nonetheless. I promoted it to blue belt three stripes.


Once again, the sad feeling of leaving!!

Once again, I find myself sitting in an airport with a strange feeling of being happy and sad at the same time. Medellín here in Colombia was such a good experience. What an amazingly beautiful place, one of the most beautiful cities I have ever visited. I made so many friends here in just four days, and I am sad to leave them already.

In an hour, I fly to Ecuador. I didn’t really ever think about going there until I talked to some guys in Panama who recommended it. I have gotten a few emails from people who invited me to some very interesting places, so I made a quick decision to skip a weekend in Rio de Janeiro, and spend a full week in Ecuador instead. I don’t know what to expect from it, but statistically it can only turn out to be absolutely amazing, like every other place I have visited.

It will also be visit to gym number 50 on the trip!

Location:Carrera 36 7,Medellín,Colombia


Try to steal this phone, bitches.

I got this super sweet phone in the supermarket for $25 and I don’t think anyone wants to steal it. I pimped it a little bit the other day, when we had an epic night out with super glue.


More training today

I actually didn’t feel like training today. Was chilling by the pool on the rooftop as Carlos suddenly showed up and said we were training in 30 minutes. I got myself together and ended up teaching an hour long class on a sidecontrol escape I have worked on for my entire trip, then rolling to submission with basically everyone in the class.

UFC on tonight!

Location:Calle 7 35,Medellín,Colombia


iPhone stolen by pickpocket, might go to Antarctica.

So, first day in South America, I get my phone stolen by a pickpocket at the train station. There are a few things, that I knew would happen on this trip, such as food poisoning and theft, so it doesn’t come as a surprise to me. It sucks, of course, but I am sure some boy in the favela is happy with his new toy. Lost a few notes I had written, but other than that nothing more than the usual naked photos of myself. They might be available online shortly, for a small monthly subscription fee.

I went on a nice city tour today with Carlos and Gary, taking the cable car all the way up the mountain. This city is really, really beautiful. Staying in a nice hostel with rooftop pool for only $10 a night!

Setting foot in South America also marks a big day in my personal traveling career, since I have now visited six out of the seven continents. Only one left is Antarctica… Which is actually not that far away… Hmmmm….? :-P


Teaching in Gracie Barra Colombia

I taught a class in Carlos gym here in Medellin last night. It was a nice little group. Carlos moved here to start BJJ up from scratch alone and he has done a really good job so far.

I had some good rolls even though I was pretty tired.