I look at 2 things immediately. First are there any famous gyms/instructors around. Second and potentially most important is the schedule. I'm traveling with family so making sure there is a minimal impact on family time is important.

Aside from that I'd recommend asking at your gym if they know any schools in the area you'll be visiting. Facebook groups can be helpful to see where others have visited. Once you narrow it down checking reviews and social media can be good to ensure you aren't walking into somewhere that is never cleaned or full of not cool people. 

And let them know you are coming and read their academy rules if they are posted on their website. 

This will be our last week of 50-50. Let's review, trouble shoot, and see what else we can add!

My Facebook and IG are LOADED with people who used to train. Sometimes they comment on things or a message here or there but that fades too just like the class attendance. It can be really hard when the leave, but if true friendships developed you'll still see them.

While it's part of your journey it does open up space and time for new people to enter your life. I'm a big believer in timing, so maybe those people who come and go are the ones you needed in your life at that time. Developing a core group of partners I think can be really helpful. As a white belt there was a group of us that would text a lot and try to go to support people competing. I think this helped because it kept us all involved. Even back then we were all pretty hooked, but I think it just kept our motivation strong. Plus you can check in on each other both on and off the mats.

I can't pin point a particular one, but a time period that would be super interesting is when judo and bjj were starting to split off. I think going back to one of those first training sessions with the likes of Mitsuyo Maeda or Jacyntho Ferro might change the way we look at the history of jiu jitsu. The outcome would be the same, but the history seems to get so murky because we are really only provided one story in the mainstream but there are a few more versions out there. It'd be cool to see the actual origin and evolution. 

The last few weeks have looked at attacks from 50/50. Now let's flip it and look at how we can pass, defeat, or keep ourselves protected while in 50/50.Last week has a lot of faces we haven't seen for awhile, lets try to get even more!

Wait there are activities outside of jiu jitsu?

Much like everyone else family time is huge. We all love being outside especially in, on, or near water. Fishing is a big one for us. 

Since finding jiu jitsu I've also discovered I really like baking and grilling/smoking. Probably good I found these food related hobbies after the exercise one. 

Slowing down or keeping calm. It's something I saw in the blue belts I felt were really good early on as a white belt. Slowing down really allowed me to focus on what needed to be done and I moved from get out as quick as possible to get out the best/smartest/most efficient way possible if in a bad spot. 

This week in advanced gi we will focus on putting the finishing touches on our 50/50 leg lock system and really make sure it is dialed in and understand how each plays off the last. This will be a week to focus on getting reps in!

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I always look at the defense when I want to learn a new move. It helps me learn what to watch for as I learn the move. I think you're right, you'd have some great attacks after a year of defending!