Rules for main forums
- Be nice
- No advertisement
- No events
- No fundraisers
- No topics asking for votes
- Only posts related to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Far gym, near gym, how's that gonna end? Question about dual memberships
4 year(s) ago • 6179 views • 11 replies
JKBlack beltVerified
4 year(s) ago
Hey all, I've been rolling at the same academy since I started over 6 years ago. However, since 2 years ago I moved 33 miles away and though that's not terribly far it makes going to the academy a 4 hour ordeal. E.g. for a 7pm class I leave at 6 and I get home around 9:30p - 9:45p.
For this reason I can't go as often as I like since I have other obligations.
There are a lot of other academies much closer to me. And one in particular is a world class academy just 5 miles from me.
Anyway, I've talked to my professor and the professor at the other academy. I have their green light to become a member at both. Just not sure how that's gonna be over time, etc...
Anyone else with dual memberships that cares to weigh in?
For this reason I can't go as often as I like since I have other obligations.
There are a lot of other academies much closer to me. And one in particular is a world class academy just 5 miles from me.
Anyway, I've talked to my professor and the professor at the other academy. I have their green light to become a member at both. Just not sure how that's gonna be over time, etc...
Anyone else with dual memberships that cares to weigh in?
THBlack beltVerified
4 year(s) ago
I have a similar issue, in my case I started in an excellent academy 11 years ago (and I still train there), but I moved 30 miles away. So going to the 8pm training requires me to leave home at 6:30 while coming back at 11pm.
So I started to help out and doing the training at a local gym and I trying to slowly build up their BJJ group with the blessing of my professor.
Actually I'm pretty happy with it. In the end it is about time on the mat.
So I started to help out and doing the training at a local gym and I trying to slowly build up their BJJ group with the blessing of my professor.
Actually I'm pretty happy with it. In the end it is about time on the mat.
CBBrown beltVerified
4 year(s) ago
I actively train and am a member of two gyms. The first is where I started and is what I consider my main gym. It's the one I get my rank from, and it's the one I register under for competition.
After moving to a new city, I need a two hour drive to get there, so I would stop by when I was in the area for work, which before the pandemic was twice a week, but right now I'm only there about once a week. The other days a week I split between a local BJJ gym where I've made some friends and my local judo club.
My coach is cool with everything, and I don't have any real downsides.
After moving to a new city, I need a two hour drive to get there, so I would stop by when I was in the area for work, which before the pandemic was twice a week, but right now I'm only there about once a week. The other days a week I split between a local BJJ gym where I've made some friends and my local judo club.
My coach is cool with everything, and I don't have any real downsides.
OHBlack belt 1st degreeVerified
4 year(s) ago
i've been in that case, but in a "different Era" :-D
in your case, I would not hesitate and I would change gym to do less road. I wouldn't forget to talk about it with the instructor and not just "disappear"
in your case, I would not hesitate and I would change gym to do less road. I wouldn't forget to talk about it with the instructor and not just "disappear"
Edited 4 year(s) ago
JFBlack beltVerified
4 year(s) ago
I like that you have been upfront and honest with both instructors and I’m sure it will come as no surprise to your first instructor if you tell him you need to change gyms due to the drive.
JKBlack beltVerified
4 year(s) ago
I have a similar issue, in my case I started in an excellent academy 11 years ago (and I still train there), but I moved 30 miles away. So going to the 8pm training requires me to leave home at 6:30 while coming back at 11pm. So I started to help out and doing the training at a local gym and I trying to slowly build up their BJJ group with the blessing of my professor. Actually I'm pretty happy with it. In the end it is about time on the mat.
Time on the mat! you said it brah. Thanks.
JKBlack beltVerified
4 year(s) ago
I actively train and am a member of two gyms. The first is where I started and is what I consider my main gym. It's the one I get my rank from, and it's the one I register under for competition. After moving to a new city, I need a two hour drive to get there, so I would stop by when I was in the area for work, which before the pandemic was twice a week, but right now I'm only there about once a week. The other days a week I split between a local BJJ gym where I've made some friends and my local judo club. My coach is cool with everything, and I don't have any real downsides.
Thanks for the feedback. I suppose the only tangible downside is the additional membership fees.
JKBlack beltVerified
4 year(s) ago
i've been in that case, but in a 'different Era' :-D in your case, I would not hesitate and I would change gym to do less road. I wouldn't forget to talk about it with the instructor and not just 'disappear'
I get it. I wouldn't dream of just disappearing. That would be like disappearing from your extended family.
JKBlack beltVerified
4 year(s) ago
I like that you have been upfront and honest with both instructors and I’m sure it will come as no surprise to your first instructor if you tell him you need to change gyms due to the drive.
I guess I am just biting the bullet for the extra membership fees but still show up at my normal gym the same twice or 3x a week. Just hit the local shop two or three more times on top of that.
JJBlack beltVerified
4 year(s) ago
I train at 4 academies in the same county that are all within 10 minutes of each other on the regular basis with 2 full time memberships.
But the other 3 know who my promoting instructor is and theirs no issue.
Also train at 10+ other academies randomly within 90 minutes of the region.
Cross training makes you better. Some instructors may not like it but as long as your honest with them they should tolerate it at the very least if not be open to it as you bring back different looks at everywhere you train.
Every academy has pros and cons and you normally need to mix and match at least 2 academies to get well rounded training at minimum as every environment is slightly different with different styles and intensities. The only thing that matters is that the instructors know who is promoting you and that your not going to cause any trouble.
But again depends on your goals, if your goal is to compete a lot or get better quicker you have to be a little bit more "selfish" and train at more places. If you don't care about any of that and are just looking for some "tribe" or really social atmosphere then your better off staying at 1 academy mostly.
But the other 3 know who my promoting instructor is and theirs no issue.
Also train at 10+ other academies randomly within 90 minutes of the region.
Cross training makes you better. Some instructors may not like it but as long as your honest with them they should tolerate it at the very least if not be open to it as you bring back different looks at everywhere you train.
Every academy has pros and cons and you normally need to mix and match at least 2 academies to get well rounded training at minimum as every environment is slightly different with different styles and intensities. The only thing that matters is that the instructors know who is promoting you and that your not going to cause any trouble.
But again depends on your goals, if your goal is to compete a lot or get better quicker you have to be a little bit more "selfish" and train at more places. If you don't care about any of that and are just looking for some "tribe" or really social atmosphere then your better off staying at 1 academy mostly.
Edited 4 year(s) ago
CBlack belt 1st degreeVerified
4 year(s) ago
Pick the gym(s) with the least amount of bullshit going on.
PDBlack belt 3rd degreeVerified
4 year(s) ago
Just be honest with your Coach and he will probably remain friends. I am sorry this is America and if a Coach can't understand life's complications and put the best for his students first he is not a good coach
