Grappling Scout – Congleton

Through the fantastic network that we are a part of known as the BJJ Globetrotters, through various chance connections, I met an inspiring grappler called Jodie Bear. Jodie, as luck would have it, doesn’t live too far away from Fighting Fit, only the next county up.

From befriending her on Facebook and all that jazz I found out she was running a charity Grapple at her gym in Congleton. I kept this at the back of my head for a week or 2 till eventually, it became too much, and I just had to go see what they were getting up to.

So, last night I packed up my Gi and drove all the way up to Congleton to Warrior Martial Arts, arriving at roughly 00:30. Walking inside, it was eerily quiet, especially considering their event of choice was a 24 Hour Roll. I saw numerous bodies, sleeping in various uncomfortable positions around the gym, and a few of the hard core and brave still rolling around on the mats. I was instantly greeted by the gyms owner and main Coach, Keith Hipkiss. A friendly gentleman, despite it being the middle of the night after what must have been an awfully long day, he invited me to go get changed and grab a partner.

At this point I spotted Jodie, our first actual meeting, grappling with a rather nimble and agile Purple Belt on the floor (more on him later).

Taking to the mats, I had my initial roll with this purple belt. He had, the softest Gi, known to man. Wow. It was deserving of a complement, which he apparently hears quite frequently. It wasn’t until after the event that I discovered this purple belt was actually SlideyFoot, a very well known and accomplished grappler in the UK, who I had actually known about for the best part of 4 years. I wish I had made more of an effort!

Either way I then had some fantastic rolls with those who had managed to stay awake, including teaching some of my unorthodox techniques to those who would listen. I have been invited back to go teach at some point, so I look forward to that.

Jodie and Keith informed me that they are actually attending the Fall Camp in Copenhagen next month, so I look forward to a lot more interesting rolls with them in the not so distant future. That’s of course if I don’t make it back to Congleton before then.

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Grappling Scout – Copenhagen

Some people may remember me mentioning Christian Graugart, the BJJ Globetrotter. Well, Fighting Fit is now part of the BJJ Globetrotters organisation, and Christian has taken to holding camps over at his home gym in Copenhagen, Denmark. So guess where I’ve just been!

What an incredible journey. Just, I cannot put into words what that trip has meant to me. The training, the city, the gym, the new friends. I think I’m in love with the place.

I arrived early on Thursday morning, and went to my hostel in the main city area to drop of my bags. Once I had checked in, I caught the train over to CSA.dk. I had just missed one of the first sessions, with MMA coach, Carsten Ettrup. Fortunately, I was ready for all of the following.

From then I attended as many sessions as my body would allow, culminating in an 8 hour roll for Charity at the end. The sessions were held Carsten, Christian Graugart, Kari Gunnarsson, and Robson Barbosa. To say I have progressed, is an understatement. To say my body is broken, is an understatement. To say I won’t be going again, is a lie.

I’ve found a new annual pilgrimage. And I look forward to seeing more of all my new Globetrotter buddies.