Should You Be Loyal to ONLY 1 BJJ Gym?

Got a question about loyalty to a BJJ gym.
Today's question is from Ethan who is getting ready to start training Brazilian Jiu-jitsu and he is wondering if he should should at only 1 gym or if he can train at multiple gyms.
In this video I approach the question from the angle of the fact that the relationship you have with your coach is similar to any relationship. Yes there is a monetary element there. But at the same time, we often become close to our coaches as teachers, mentors, etc.
I know that for me. My BJJ coaches have helped me in far more ways than just my Brazilian Jiujitsu rolling or competitions.
And as a coach I hope to do the same for my students. But I can tell you that if I saw someone who was 1 foot in 1 foot out of the gym. I wouldn't go out of way to bring them into my fold.
Because just like a relationship with a significant other or maybe a friend. If you don't feel like they are "all in" then you're probably not going to be either.
So if you're in a situation like this. I would ultimately try out both gyms then settle on 1 to be your home gym. I mean you can still train elsewhere here and there. But it's your home base. And it allows you to grow roots with people and have relationships that benefit you far beyond just BJJ training.
-Chewy
-----------------
Free Ebook: www.chewjitsu.n...
Video Courses and Products: www.chewjitsu.n...
T shirts: www.chewjitsu.n...
/ chewjitsu
/ chewjitsu
/ chewjitsu
Intro/Outtro Music : bknapp.bandcam...
If you’d ever like to train with the team and I. Check out my gym Derby City MMA in Louisville,KY.

[@tchadwic82]

I train at two gyms. Reason being I live in the real world and schedules don’t always work unless I only train one day a week at times. Nobody batted an eyelid because I was honest to both guys about why. Everyone happy and stops you being institutionalised.

[@mickswetz2302]

I've seen situations where gyms try to couch things in terms of "loyalty" and other virtue-signaling language, when in reality they just wanted to limit a student's options out of insecurity. I'm fortunate enough to be in an area where numerous gyms, all with different affiliations, go out of their way to train with each other to everyone's benefit. I also know several gyms that even have coaches who officially maintain a different affiliation than the gym. I agree that relationships are important, but relationships are between people, not entities like academies or teams.

[@joes2686]

I agree. There are some things certain gyms and coaches are better at than others. And tbh, personal or not, this is a business for them cuz let's face it, this is their livelihood not a hobby, would they be able to function without the funds to have the gym or means to live a lifestyle?

[@jnkoa33]

If you choose to compete, even once, how do you decide what gym you represent?

[@biggooba6706]

prob the ones that promote you but sometimes you can also represent both@@jnkoa33

[@HandsomeNature]

The timing for this video could not be more perfect, I'm dealing with this right now with a friend

[@twobirdsstonedatonce]

Same man!! this has happened way too many times now lol I think Chewy is a wizard

[@HandsomeNature]

@@twobirdsstonedatonce I found the channel the same day I had my first BJJ class, 3 weeks ago,

[@twobirdsstonedatonce]

@@HandsomeNature wow that is one heck of a coincidence lol He's super helpful though, awesome channel. Good luck in your training

[@Chewjitsu]

Thanks brother!

[@Ace2Trill]

When I first started BJJ I ran into this problem, I was training at 2 different gyms and one instructor would teach a technique different than the other. (I won’t name the schools, but big schools) when I asked about it to each instructor, one told me “that’s just the way you do it, not that way”....as for the other one he showed me how and why this technique was performed that way and why the way the other one taught it was incorrect. Needless to say I stuck with the instructor that explained WHY it worked

[@davideric8250]

ITs crazy.. how every instructor I have had teaches techniques so diffferent lol I mean the same move and its very different .. ITs very hard to grasp and I have decided to just pick the most popular one based on ytube

[@iix23]

"If you are not all in, I won't be all in." Sorry mate but that would equal me saying to a customer that comes in my restaurant "If you don't only come to my restaurant, I'll give you the mash potatoes but not the gravy." I find it sad that you operate like this. For example, as mentioned, I own a restaurant. As you can guess, scheduling classes in a small market like where I live is pretty complicated and I have to use 2 gyms to make my 6 hours of mat time a week. I know it's not pleasing to both my gyms, but on the other side, should I cut my mat time in half to keep a person I pay to train me because it hurts his feelings? How about being a professional and give it 100% to everyone that comes in the door and pay you for your time. There is no reason I should get less service and attention because we are not friends. We are conducting a business transaction. I also find it weak that a student would have to protect the feelings of his coach.

[@kyladavenport2812]

Totally agree. Some often over complicate and forget they are just offering a service for money.

[@kyladavenport2812]

Sorry you are wrong. You are offering a service (teaching) for money. Stick to that. Anything else is ego.

[@Highstakeshobbies]

nup i dont agree, bjj gyms are not a brothel or a restuarant where you just pay for a service and leave.

[@paulorawdogcosta3630]

Before I joined MMA gym I was going to 3 gyms, one for Muay Thai, one for Muay boran and one for bjj... The result of that was I was broke

[@Todo_fighting]

Im in the same situacion, its hard to find a good mma gym.

[@CyclingMartialartswithMusic]

Im honestly thinking about this option. Like doing drop ins in multiple gyms. Ya, its expensive. The reason is I want to learn from a pure jiujitiero, practice clinching in a muay thai gym and have a gym with equipment like a boxing gym.

[@bigfat4172]

How do people even have the money to train at multiple gyms lol.

[@MoooseBlood]

dalton fordyce some places have lower prices because of their limited time slots. But idk maybe he just has extra money around.

[@jimster805]

Drop ins.

[@chilldudie242]

Work a job, get income, be smart.

[@mikebelmont5919]

In my country, it's popular that you get some kind of sports card in your workplace (as a work benefit) and that card allows you to go to whatever gym you want.

[@fabiolito28]

Rich parents

[@EagleTrue]

When I started BJJ I thought that "connection" thing was really weird. Because I've done taekwondo, kung fu, kickboxing and muay thaï, and I've never needed to really be super connected with my instructors. The relationship with the instructors are different between BJJ and other martial arts.

[@Chewjitsu]

It reminds me of wrestling. You battle and bond and grow super close to each other. It's hard to explain to someone who doesn't do it.

[@skantiloak]

It's worth noting that other martial arts don't have the amount of competition and rivalry between different bjj teams/organizations

[@10Sethg]

Also keep in mind that in those other martial arts you aren’t commonly shoving your opponents face into your crotch and vise versa. Really forced the bonding aspect.

[@jnkoa33]

Crotch bonding

[@johnnyvarila821]

Training all over would probably be good for seeing different mindsets and routines, which might contribute to one’s own insight into the art. Teams might be good for community but bad for knowledge in my opinion.

[@tikitaka9360]

I would feel disappointed that a coach would penalise me ( in terms of attention, friendship or learning opportunities) for not sticking to their one gym only. In my mind, you can't possibly expect me to only come to train with you if you only, say, have classes on monday-friday, but I have my weekends free and am busy most of the other days and half of my training time can only be on weekends. Who's being selfish here- me for trying to improve and giving my best shot at it or you for not considering to provide classes on weekends for whatever reason. That's exactly my situation. I go to one gym because they have classes on weekends and to another because they offer classes at 6-7am in the morning but not on weekends. I make the best of both offers and only do it because neither has the complete package for my situation. Judge me as much as you want, but think about it first- is it a loyalty issue, or a supply and demand one. In addition, I was upfront with both gyms about it and neither had any issue with it. They said something that you didn't: just come and train, don't worry about it.

[@JohnnyRugged06]

I love your videos. You're a good dude. I have been back at jiu-jitsu a little over a month and have been enjoying your videos. On another note, I absolutely love the group I've been training with since coming back and it helps me to get a lot more out of the experience. It will increase my odds of continuing on with the art and being successful with it.

[@MycatisPippin]

I have a home team where I do the bulk of my training, but I also visit other gyms at least once a month (often once a week). I'm always very clear about which gym is my home gym, and my professor is very encouraging towards cross training, so there's never any drama. It's pretty great!

[@joes2686]

Wow, which gym do you belong to? That's a good open minded coach. Even for the likes of Bruce Lee, he always encouraged peeps to try different things that could work for them because everyone is different and learns accordingly, you should always find the best fit that could work for you.

[@danieloh169]

I agree with the team mentality. It's unique :)

[@kghkfyxk]

At the end of the day they're paying you to learn so you're obliged to treat everyone equally, regardless of whether they're training somewhere else or not. Analogy: should a McDonald's employee make me a shittier burger just because I eat at Burger King as well?

[@MrPlastyfikator]

Bad analogy since you aren't supposed to share a bond with McDonald's or Burger King employees. But with your MA instructor or classmates you kinda have to, it's normal.

[@blaydes4612]

i feel like the fact he wants to join a second gym to get MORE bjj time. Id say hes all in.

[@Chewjitsu]

stephen blaydes sure. He’s all in for himself. But his team probably won’t be for him.

[@model84]

if you have time to go to other gym, then something is wrong. Mon->Fri your primary gym, but seperate sparring sessions on Sat on different gym is definitely a go, to try with different ppl. Unless your gym has classes like 3times a week:(. In my country the habbit is normal classes (2-3times a day) Mon->Fri and on Sat (sometimes Sun too) sparring only (1.5-2h only sparring, no technique etc) and it's open to every one (especially to other gyms, to share expierience)

[@blaydes4612]

@@Chewjitsu fair enough.

[@blaydes4612]

@@model84 loyalty is great but Life happens. Work, family, school etc.. you don't know his situation

[@zrgbrg]

This vague notion of loyalty is ridiculous. We are technically all disloyal, since we are not watching our schools youtube vids on grappling, but someone else's. Or do you draw the line in physical visits?

[@SCBiscuit13]

Hey man thanks for the great content. You convinced me to give it a go and I'm going to advanced class tomorrow because that's the closest class I can get to and I know I'm going to find excuses If I will not do it soon. The coach warned me that I'm going to tap a lot tomorrow but thanks to you I know that's normal and I can't wait to try it. Thanks again for putting effort into the channel.

[@TorontosTerrestrialReefs]

Your intro is terrifying on full volume with headphones.... Nice video though!

[@Chewjitsu]

NERD ofalltrades I’ll work on it

[@alexveniegas3012]

Never wear your headphones on at full volume.

[@mmajunkie6122]

Chewjitsu i like your old intro a lot better man. Like if agree.

[@chilldudie242]

Don't use full volume on your headphones.

[@richardbartholomew542]

Where I live BJJ is still such a niche sport that no one in the local area can make a living solely from teaching BJJ. If it wasn’t for interpersonal relationships, a sense of community and a common goal there wouldn’t be any gyms round here. Anyone that comes to the gym gets the best instruction we can offer. But, if you’re not regular and are hopping between different clubs and disciplines it’s highly unlikely the coach is going to go that extra mile. It’s not conscious or malicious, it just is. Love the videos big man.

[@jessegandy7361]

There's 3 really good jiu jitsu gyms within 50 miles from my home. I'd really love to just pay each gym for a single day of attending any class they happen to be holding for that day. I could then cycle through my local 'circuit' of grappling training week by week just hitting each one up consecutively and then cycling back.

[@chilldudie242]

This is not how business works, if you provide an inferior product to someone shopping around, they'll just take their money to the Jujitsu dojo where they are treated properly. If every business operated this way, nothing would ever get done. Examine your principals, and always go ALL IN.

[@Monasster]

Love the videos dude. Just started doing BJJ but got injured rolling shortly after lol. It was my fault. I must have strained my intracostal muscles from twisting quickly etc. Out for a month but more excited than before to get back into it.

[@mikebelmont5919]

I lose every sparring (I train 3 months) and I'm tired of that, but I'm not gonna quit.

[@davideric8250]

Dont worry so do I lol

[@randmcnally6542]

Hope you're still at it, i bet you're not 'losing' every round anymore :)

[@anthonyheard360]

I'm a white belt I started my training in Chicago but then moved to Michigan. I train Michigan but often go back to Chicago to train at my old gym as well.......I'm loyal to both

[@dorjedriftwood2731]

Nobody has to, or should be, loyal, you have to follow your heart and listen to gods wishes for your life.

[@TheStevePodcast]

The fact that the person is going above and beyond to get more sessions in is a statement that they are all in. Squeezing as much knowledge out is not about being disloyal it’s about maximum input. Both gyms will benefit from the cross share of knowledge with that student as the bridge. As long as you respect each gym and it’s culture individually then you should be good.

[@aqdjbcr]

Kind of a related question for anyone here. I’m a blue belt in a new area with a kid on the way in 5 months trying to figure out where/how to train. Money is tight. Place I liked a lot and was nice to me for a while is far away and a new place I like is a lot closer. Don’t know what to do. New place is leglock heavy and I’m a guard player so I like it a lot lately but the older place is more too pressure and stuff which would round out my game. Both are respected no gi places which is my focus. The older gym has showed less help lately but that may be just me wearing out my welcome at open mats.

[@blitzthekraken9832]

Some dojo’s are big enough that they have multiple training centers around the state. You can have a main dojo, and explore others, without extra fees. Because bjj isn’t standardized like judo, different prof teach games, learning different games is fun, but also time consuming. My suggestion is when you get to a level where you have seen the cirlicum a few dozen times, at your main dojo. you should start exploring and testing your skills at others. But the main dojo is your immediate family. Those others are like aunts and uncles.

[@chilldudie242]

Jujitsu is standardized, like Judo. This bastardization is just a game.

[@blitzthekraken9832]

Chill Dudie I disagree, bjj game and self-defense is taught differently, depends on professors. Judo is pretty much taught the same at every dojo, because they adhere Olympic rule book. If your a green belt it really does mean your a green belt anywhere in the world. Hard to sandbag in Judo.

[@chilldudie242]

@@blitzthekraken9832 Judo and Jujitsu are ancient Japanese martial arts, they are strict disciplines. BJJ is a bastardization of Jujitsu. It is not Jujitsu.

[@darby1229]

I just commented about this in another video that was similar, but here is my case; I have been to many gyms, and I like experiencing from all sorts of people. I left my gym to go do mma but was put out by hernia surgery. Shortly after that, I moved states. The state I am in now will not be home for longer than 2 years. I am not military, my wife and I just want to find a place that we both like and can tolerate (I like sand, she likes snow, our jobs allow the opportunity to move states, but that is another story 🤣). I am 100% loyal to whatever gym I'm at. I have never kept a medal that I have won. I have given my medals to people that put in time for me and help me achieve my goals. To me, that is the highest way that I can honor someone who gave me everything. I do not need to be reminded of my victories, but I would like to be remembered by those special people no matter how many miles come between us while I experience MY journey. I like to compete and I am pretty good at what I do. I am not the type to have multiple memberships because I'm not rich, but I do like going to other gyms open mat when available. Being loyal to 1 gym at a time is a great way to not get overwhelmed by different techniques and you can focus on the lessons that gym has to offer, but I know the next few I go to are just pit stops in my martial arts journey. Should I keep my nomad tendencies a secret? Is there a high possibilty of backlash to being a traveling student? Will I be overlooked as someone the coaches want to put in time for, even if I can contribute to bettering their gym as another knowledgeable brain on the mats? I don't want to be on the back burner just because I don't want permanent residence in the states I travel to. Please help.

[@joeshithragman3264]

"I do not need to be reminded of my victories, but I would like to be remembered by those special people no matter how many miles come between us while I experience MY journey." WOW! That's a quote that ranks right up there with Mark Twain. Sir, from all you said here, I have to tell you that you ARE rich. Maybe not in dollars, but you are rich in character.

[@jnkoa33]

You're done? Nothing else to tell us???

[@darby1229]

@@jnkoa33 what do you want to know? I have achieved a lot in the last 3 years

[@frankygreen1572]

I honestly feel that its ridiculous to look down on someone that trains multiple gyms, even the greats do it. Gsp jon jones khabib frankie edgar Israel adesanya all have trained different places.

[@mp9810]

Where I am it seems to be frowned upon if coaches try to restrict or look down on students training at other gyms. Especially colored belts - they seem to go where they like. Everyone has their home where they pay membership, but a lot of colored belts often show up and train at our gym. The way my coach answered my question about it was by saying, "I wouldn't want to train at a gym where I couldn't drop in on other gyms when I wanted." Chewy might have a point when they're splitting their class time 50/50 and haven't gone "all in" on a home gym. Depends what the overall culture of the area is like I guess.

[@nomorelies1867]

Ok but check this out. In my mind if I'm paying to be there. I dont think something like loyalty should matter. Especially if under a six month or year contract. If a someome has the time and money to train at two gyms I would say more power to them.

[@badassoptic]

I will show loyalty to people. Not gyms, gyms are businesses. It will be pointless to be loyal to a gym where I don't have any deep relatable relationships with people there, and I have lives outside of BJJ. The most important thing is to develop relationships with people. It's the same thing when dealing with business, firearm training, flight school, and other things.

[@llHYS7ERIAll]

Hey Chewie your videos have convinced me to check out a couple of the BJJ gyms in my area. I practice Muay Thai and have become interested in learning BJJ due to your channel and videos!

[@bubblewhip382]

Find a gym with affiliates to your main gym. We generally reconvene on events and competitions and everyone knows we are on the same team.

[@ianoconnell3437]

One guy started training BJJ in the same club that I am training and after 5 months he just show up on the mat with a blue belt. Our Professor asked him to explain why he was wearing a blue belt. His answer was because he was promoted in another club where he was training. Our Professor asked him to take off the blue belt if he want to train with us our move to the other club if he would choose the keep the blue belt. I completely agree with our Professor as the student didn't have level to join to our advanced class. I don't like this idea about train in different clubs. I never saw Manchester United training with Liverpool. In the end the student understood and choose to stay with us with as a white belt. Best choice as he made as he got promoted to blue belt with us and killed all blue belts from the other team in a recent competition.

[@Mothas_Milk]

I mainly train at one gym but once every couple weeks I like to hit up other local gyms open Mats and events and seminars to support local bjj and marathon rolls are very fun to attend

[@pedrovillelabjj3163]

Been loyal doesn't mean you can't attend to open mats on other gyms and go from time to time to a class you were invited. As you get to know people in your martial arts community invitations to such events happens frequently, but in the end ofthe day who's patch do you wear? who is giving you your stripes and belts? I'm part of Strauch team 9th degree red belt, but twice a week I train at the black belt gym, a competitor only training with purple, brown and black belts that fights on rooster, feather or light weight only. it is not a class it's a training, competition driven, under a set of ruler and specific program but not under a teacher/coach. Once a week I train NoGi with the guys at Rio fighters (Miltinho Vieira Gym/place). But they know that in the end of the day I'm strauch, I compete under his banner and it's ok to everyone involved. Been loyal is not the same of training exclusively with the same guys.

[@rye-bread5236]

What about cross training? What's your opinion on that? For example training at a boxing gym while also training bjj at let's say a gracie barra?

[@davidlmatteson]

Better not try this with a gracie barra gym. Gracie barra got butthurt and booted me out when they found out i trained bjj at another gym.

[@the1nsan81]

thanks for the info I wanted to know the truth. currently train at a good bjj gym and I wanna grow and stick with one only.

[@juaan.olvera]

Having a team behind you is one of the most motivating things, my team is like my family! Team Carvalho México 🤙🥋

[@jnkoa33]

[It's] my family. It's all that I have. I'm a star on the wall is my autograph. - Ice T

[@scottanderson2796]

I train during the week at my gym but l travel sometimes to do open mats to test myself against other compensation 🤙

[@edmuquit5134]

Don't think he minds that, he talks about it in one of his videos. He encourages people to do open mats elsewhere to improve your skill.I think he means the "home base" gym, where you are actually building your foundation.

[@Chewjitsu]

That's great!

[@davideric8250]

I have never done open mat and I can barely handle 25 min of live rolling let alone more

[@gregquinn7817]

Many gyms especially in smaller cities may only have a couple of days of training. So if you want to do more you may need to join another gym.

[@BillySoundFarm]

I don't think everyone is the same way on this topic. In life, I'm someone who can go "all-in" with people without there being some presumption of permanence. As much roots as can be grown with people even in a day, I'm willing to grow them. I guess I'm the weirdo, though?

[@terencemorrissey4413]

My kids BJJ instructor didn’t think they were all in when they started training in wrestling on days there were no BJJ classes.

[@tipshikes3682]

I live 37 mins from work gotta be there at 6AM til 4:30 but in the opposite direction is the gym I love Alliance45-1hr drive,but 30min from work is tsunami Bjj I want to move closer to work so I’m thinking Alliance on Friday&saturdays and tsunami Monday&Wednesday my thing is I gotta be able to squeeze in my lifts and cardio it’s a tough one I almost would rather quit my job but for the time being I gotta do what I gotta do.

[@ijdiaz1]

What if your gym isnt big on competition, but you want to compete?

[@MMAFun]

Totally agree.

[@jtaylor4972]

@Chewjitsu, hey man, I have a similar question. I feel really dissapointed and let down by our coach, it's a new club and we are mostly white belts, my son is grey belt. We have been at this club for six months and my son hasn't progressed, and has been going over basics to bring up his class mates. I have spoken to the coach a few times, but never gives my son even a little attention. It's the same for me and a few others, that we ask for help and are lucky to get it. Some of the club have started to compete, and the attention and recognition goes to those that get medals. Unfortunately the next gym is 45min away.

[@costcolawschool]

i have been training for about 9 years, 3 stripe blue belt. this seems like a bad take to me. possessive, coaches, individual standards for belts, it all adds to the cult like nature of jiu jitsu. i am here to pay people to improve my skills, not be their best friend. i see it all the time, kiss your coach's ass and help the gym, and you will get your purple belt way faster than the guy who doesn't, even if he has more skills and you don't even understand leglock positions. it makes me want to quit, but i have decided not to give a shit anymore and just keep going at least until i get my black belt. if i ever start a gym i am doing things very differently.

[@FFNEAL1]

Hey Chew, my name is JT I am a new white belt and after a fair amount of research I have finally found a gym that seems to be a great fit... Personalities, atmosphere, schedule,etc are all spot on for me! However, I feel like I am drowning in a sea of new information. Being that I am soooo new and have little to no combat sport experience, I feel like I am playing "catch up" every session! For example, last week I was told to "shrimp out" and I didn't even know what "shrimping"was...! Unfortunately, this school does not offer beginner/basic classes and I get the feeling I maybe lacking some core knowledge the professor assumes I already have... Is this a red flag? Is this a common feeling? Am I selling myself short by not finding a beginner clas? Or should I just be enjoying the "newness" and trust the process?!? ( Everything else at this gym just feels right) I'd love to hear your opinion. And thanks for all the great info! -cheers-

[@agr9201]

Chewie, I'm interested in your opinion on what the student can expect in return for their loyalty. I find myself in an inverted situation: I got back into a martial art after a few years in hiatus, and joined a gym that is built on respect. As such, I spent the last few months showing that I'm all in (buying the uniform, showing up even if I was hurt to watch or help out where I could, observing all the written and unwritten rules of the culture) and I have been told directly that I am not considered part of the group, and that I would be considered a provisional student. The reasoning given was that since I had experience with another gym, my loyalty needed to be established before I would be accepted. How much investment or effort should someone continue to spend, and what do you think is a reasonable time frame for acceptance to a new gym?

[@livetroy]

I’m new to Jiu Jitsu but not new to leadership. This is weak on their part. If no changes, I would follow my gut instincts and find a better place to train.

[@RyanJamesOfficial]

No, train multiple styles do what you want. Don’t fall for the belts. Chewy they pay you a significant fee, you are in service to your customers.

[@Howleebra]

You should train everywhere in town until you find the guys you can't beat then stay there until you can beat all those guys and then repeat the process

[@Deckyy16]

Just started bjj on Tuesday 🥋

[@kylefee4822]

Gl

[@alexveniegas3012]

Get ready to be strangled.

[@TorontosTerrestrialReefs]

Did you happen to see Stuarts Dad?

[@Chewjitsu]

Awesome.

[@Deckyy16]

Chewjitsu your videos helped a lot, thanks so much.

[@nicholasnj3778]

most people could probably only afford to train at one gym .... guess it would be more due to someone's work schedule ....

[@davideric8250]

I can afford many gyms but I cannot handle too much rolling at my age. I cannot even attend any open classes because I get terribly sore for many days.

[@Michael89240]

One time I would go to every bjj gym to get the first 7 day free lessons.

[@denisecraddolph517]

Thanks i had no idea he was a human now that we have established that would it also be fair to say he is your prof. I only thought of this because I have never met a trainer in any martial art that have private training for free unless you were an instructor under them. Not saying he's out for money it's clear he is a passionate instructor and I doubt he is any anyway associated with a mc dojo but I have had the pleasure of training at a few and loyalty and family seems to be from the mc dojo handbook preaching and holding students forever at a rank all the while collecting money and selling their products to the same people at top dollar or worse letting the people buy their way through the ranks without any real fighting ability. Again I have to stress i am not accusing this man of foul tactics i have never met him i just find his videos helpful and funny. When I think about it I may have projected my own experience on to this video. But to someone who's trained in a lot of styles with different master they all talk family and loyalty but few really mean it or there would be no need for some of these crazy gym contracts and hidden fees

[@aknightwing9077]

I feel like i’m giving it my all, but my instructor acts like he feels differently. I’ve been there the longest of everyone in my class besides 3 people and i’m just not getting what I need

[@elsuperpollo2273]

There's two gyms in my area both offer BJJ and Muy Thai but there scheduling times for classes don't conform to my schedule but they hold classes at 5:30 am which is awesome but it isn't a beginner class. I'm just 42 year old with a midlife crisis that doesn't want a Ferrari but wants to learn muy Thai and BJJ

[@suplexed]

Yeah but everyone pays you the same. If I go to a gym I'm paying them to give me the best training they're capable of giving me. I understand how people feel, but that's definitely something they should change. Martial arts training is a business first and foremost.

[@akitots2356]

Hello gentlemen. I’ve joined a gym 6 months ago and ive lost interest. My problem was the format of the lessons. The classes start with drills, then move of the day, practice and lastly sparring. This has been going on for 6 months. The problem is there never was a time to learn basic concepts. This is the first time ive done grappling sports ever in my life and i always feel lost and not learn anything of meaning. The coach is charging 150usd per hr to have a private lesson. Is this normal?

[@deltalordtrading]

This is exactly my problem. Been doing BJJ for a month and learning nothing. Luckily I found a second school that teaches BJJ fundamentals, the basics, which I need desperately. I'm gonna check that out next week for a while and see if I like it while I stay at my regular school and then eventually make a decision on one school.

[@meatheadcanada]

Great video!

[@grapplinggorilla4613]

This is one of the few things I really dislike about BJJ training, this idea of loyalty to a gym. It's simply tribalism and quite frankly its ridiculous. People are paying customers at the end of the day if they choose to train at multiple gyms that's their choice, people who want "loyalty" are often either running some sort of BJJ cult or are scared other instructors are better. Imo train where you want when you want it's your journey, different partners professors teaching methods etc will only enhance your experience. I normally always agree with you chewy but to say someone's not all in cause they train multiple gyms is so far from the truth, these are often the people who are all in. Maybe not all in on your cult but all in in the BJJ journey.

[@Chewjitsu]

Grappling Gorilla I appreciate your comment. I think calling it “my cult” is a little extreme. I’m all for cross training. All I’m advocating for is the benefits of having a place to call home. Not blind loyalty. I’ll have to express this in another video more clearly.

[@grapplinggorilla4613]

@@Chewjitsu i wasn't directing that towards you mate I was speaking more broadly and probably should of alaborated on that more. I as everyone have my own biasis based on my experience. What is gonna be interesting is to see if my opinion sways when I open my own academy. (which I'm in the process of.) As I said I generally agree with almost everything you say across the board. Keep fighting the good fight ✊

[@Chewjitsu]

Grappling Gorilla I think your opinions will remain the same as mine always have. Train wherever you like. But there’s a value to having a home team. Look at most of the best guys. They’re usually apart of teams for a good length of time.

[@MaadLuck]

Hey yeah just more on this. How would I go about being able to train under someones wing. I've started at a club/gym but the instructors charge hourly rates out of class. How would i go about getting their attention and want to actually teach me out of class. I'm more into the judo side of things. But the clubs main thing is bjj. One judo class a week

[@willr.9903]

eeehh yah but no one knows everything so if i have the opportunity to learn from alot of people like i did at knuckle up im gunna do that some instructors get it some take it personally but thats not my concern my concern is getting better and learning experiencing alot of types of opponents and partners and there is something to be said for that too

[@leecarter1145]

Chewy! I train 60/40 at two gyms because I spend 5 months of the year in another country! And the instructor at my away gym has promoted me. Which belt do I wear when I return home? I’m nervous...

[@Chewjitsu]

Talk to your home gym coach and consult him to see what his thoughts are.

[@smokiebrains4101]

This hits close to home.

[@mpforeverunlimited]

What if you go to all the classes for both? I do this for judo because its only offered like 3x a week where i go and one of them is a kids class

[@zrgbrg]

@Jaywalk You are not commited to your school as well, since you are here on youtube watching some other school's thoughts and techniques. Pick the school that you are most dedicated to and consider leaving youtube. This is exactly how you sound. This is the same logic.

[@edmuquit5134]

In that situtation I don't see that being a problem. Its like taking a seminar with a known BJJ guy to improve your skill, its not like your changing your home base gym. Lets say your home gym doesn't offer wrestling, and another school offers it 3 times a week. I don't see a problem attending that school to learn wrestling. I'm pretty sure MMA guys do this all the time. Didn't GSP train all his disciplines differently with different instructors, while his home base was Tristar?

[@daranandresaxby-strangio8845]

The way I see it is, do you want to be a big fish in a tiny pond or do you want to visit other gyms and have people come back to your gym and up everyone else’s game.

[@chefchefchef]

For me I'm considering cause I go to my friends gym in a different city that teaches in the mor ing. And the new local gym that opened here only has classes in the evening

[@guyguy4759]

Hey chewie. I am 15 years and training jujitsu with adults. I train almost daily for 3-4 hours a day and My coaches keep saying to me you dont have to roll today you have your whole life ahead of you. But i See the adults Rolling like 1 hour a day and i roll about 10 to 15 minute a day and i keep thinking am i lazy or just week for not going full speed ahead all the time so the question is should i try to train harder or more carefully

[@leemcmichael5382]

Take good care of my boys Daniel and Andres!

[@Eleven-dk4be]

Thank you for this video

[@thebusinessfinder2543]

My main gym is only gi, I wanna train gi,nogi & Thai. I’ve found another gym that has all 3. What to do?

[@josephejoseph839]

Great question

[@ba8e]

@chewjitsu I train mon-wed-fri in my home gym. I'd like to join another gym tue-thu-sat, since my gym doesn't offer it. Would this be frowned upon?

[@tintan197]

I currently have the same problem but I really believe the 50/50 training gi and no gi is necessary to grow as a grappler i dont care what my belt color is. Gi schools don't have enough o gi training in my area same with the no gi school. So what do I do?

[@wearblackclothes]

Let me reframe the question. What if i can only train say from 6pm to 7pm every weekday. But the gym i want to train at only has adult classes at 6pm to 7pm on tue.wed.thru. and then mon.fri. the only adult classes are like at 8pm and i can't make it. Should I then. If i wanted to go to another gym that has those hours available for me to take class? Obviously this is hypocritical cause training everyday is not something i can do. But what if?

[@chrisblack426]

What if your all in but your coach is only available 2 days a week and the guy is great i not got stop going to the classes but i want to train more

[@marcelogarcia9436]

I’m happy with the Bjj School I’m currently at but I feel like I’m not being pushed enough since there’s quite a few beginners in my classes so we tend to slow things down for them. Wanting to switch to a bigger school that might push me harder, any suggestions?

[@brianbrady3331]

Yea Chewy I have a similar question. I've been training at this gym for about a year now and I love it there (its where I started). But I just found out that a jiu jitsu club at was school was recently put together and it's free. Should I have loyalty to the school that started it all for me or should I go to what is more economically sound.

[@Accion_y_Pasion]

Brian Brady if it’s free. Why not both but if it’s a club then obviously it might not be the same as your gym so maybe both to learn at your gym and them share your knowledge with others at that free club

[@tryharder3214]

Hey guys, does someone know, if i got a question, for QandA or something, where can i ask it?

[@metaphysicalphilosopher2356]

How do people even afford being able to train in multiple gyms? Wouldn’t you be spending upwards of $400/month?

[@darthwolfX2]

Awesome video

[@musicmeanslife65]

Hi Chewy. New whitebelt here. The instructor has asked competitors for their medals to be displayed on the gym. Not that I have any, but I'm interested. What are your views on this? Thanks!

[@Chewjitsu]

Your medal brother. Display it in the gym or hang it over your bed. Your choice. I'd always prefer to hang it in the. That's my preference.

[@musicmeanslife65]

@@Chewjitsu Thanks! I like your channel. Keep it up!

[@davideric8250]

If a gym is not good enough and your not learning then find another one

[@unr4veled161]

I know you covered some dick moves on this channel but I'm dealing with a younger guy at my gym 18-19 yrs old idk. But every time we roll he just get on top and digs his elbows into my face and neck and then just reafs on my collar when he doesn't have the choke, so he's giving me burns essentially on my face from him rubbing and ripping my gi across it, any solution to this, or should I just avoid rolling with him. Btw this is my one stop shop for all jiu jitsu videos and techniques. Keep up the great work Chewy!

[@Burzurk1987]

I don’t agree with this in one respect. My 10 year old son trains Gi at Gracie Barra. Because of his age, he does not train NoGi at GB. Only adults train both Gi and NoGi at GB. I wanted my son to train in NoGi, so I joined him up with 10th Planet in the limited class where he trains only once a week. At his Gracie Barra School, he trains in the Gi Monday through Friday. Then he trains at 10th Planet only on Saturdays. The 10th Planet people had no problem at all. But I’m not sure about GB. I would hope they don’t think we’re not “all in”! How could they think that? We go there 5X times a week!! Plus, I have spent over $2,000 on private lessons from my son at GB. PLUS GB does not teach NoGi to kids. That’s the reason I take my son to 10th Planet once a week. I have even paid for private lessons for my son at 10th Planet. Neither school should be saying we are not all in.

[@Chewjitsu]

To be fair I never said you couldn't train somewhere else. But from the sounds of it you're still committed to 1 gym more than the other. And if they offered more no gi classes they'd be serving you better as well.

[@Burzurk1987]

@@Chewjitsu I’m not sure how that makes me more “committed” to one more than the other. Because I just paid almost $1,000 to the 10th Planet gym for a package of privates for my son in NoGi. In my opinion, my “commitment” is to my young son. Plus, GB has no intentions of giving NoGi classes to the kids. GB follows strict rules from HQ. I have also spent over $2,000 in private lessons for my son at GB. I’m just going to tell GB and whatever happens is fine. They will lose my business and support if they try to tell me I am not “committed” to them.

[@Chewjitsu]

@@Burzurk1987 then they aren’t doing a good job of serving their members

[@DR-jz1es]

Im going through that right now. I get to go once to twice a week sat and sun. However there are times its only one day and some weeks no days and thats due to my work schedule. However, i have time after work but my coach doesnt....... So am i wrong for wanting to train more or a half in half out because i dont wanna train one or two or no days a week????

[@ctabjjdanny6261]

See the problem is when people train and the gym starts getting good and some people get promoted to a higher belt the loyalty goes away they all of a sudden think they can’t get to many good rolls at the gym they started training at so they go to “better gyms” and that’s all fine but for the guys who are trying to build themselves up and get rolls with high belts it’s sucks because then the high belts leave and then it leaves the gym with nothing but white belts and a few colored belts only. Our gym is dealing with that and we have a lot of cousin gyms that have a open door policy and even with that I’m like okay cool your training there but dude u ain’t here with us I’m trying to get better with y’all but instead y’all getting better over there while I’m getting better here at my home gym

[@ohayosumodayton1226]

I disagree. I look at bjj like boxing. I'll go to where ever and whomever I need to get trained. When I've gone "all in" on a gym I get coaches getting too personal, trying to tell me to quite my job to train more or teach a class for free. I'm not trying to grow their business or change my life, quit my job, for a hobby I enjoy. So, as soon as coaches get personal I'm out.

[@Chewjitsu]

Frankie Fourfngrs I agree. I’d never encourage a coach to make you do something you’re uncomfortable with. Sorry if that happened. How long have you been training?

[@edmuquit5134]

@@Chewjitsu , are you against one of your students training outside of your gym if you don't offer a particular class? What I mean is (I see MMA guys doing this all the time), say one of your highly competitive students wants to learn the Danaher Leg lock system/Marcelotine techniques with Marcelo, and wants to train with him for a couple of months, would you be against this? At the end of day he isn't changing his home base(your gym), but just wants to improve his craft. What are your thoughts? I mean GSP did this with his boxing, wrestling, and some BJJ, but kept his home gym Tristar(he always returned back there to tie everything together).

[@Chewjitsu]

Ed Muquit of course I’m not against that.

[@ohayosumodayton1226]

@@Chewjitsu Started training Japanese Juijitsu from 1999-2004. I went all in, helped to babysit my coaches kids and teach classes on the weekends. But the creepiness started slowly. At first it was teaching 1 classes, then it became 3. Then my coach suggested I quit my job, worked as a mechanic at the time, so I could teach more and possibly help him open up another location. That's when I had to leave. Just got into BJJ 3 years ago. I only train one or two days a week, I'm a truck driver now and my work week is typically 60+ hours. Most of my training is yoga for all the previous injuries from rolling years ago, torn L2 in my back, torn hamstring, bad shoulders etc.. My new coach has been regularly mentioning that I come in more and should probably find a new job. I love my job, I love the money and it helps afford me the lifestyle I enjoy. So, that coach and gym had to go. I get where you're coming from, truly. For someone like me who's been burned a few times from coaches, I just see it differently. Love the channel, thanks for the regular videos.

[@kyladavenport2812]

You want to train where and when you want you can. Don’t over complicate. Your students are your clients. They pay you to teach. Stick to the basics.

[@Eldeibi84]

It matters if you compete. If you compete is a complete dick move to win for another school, or defeat someone that you trained with under a different school. Complete hypothetical. Let’s say that you train regularly at Gracie Barra affiliate, and then you train also at for example Alliance, and you compete under Alliance. And you go in a tournament against someone from Barra, and beat him... imagine that you beat them with something you learned from them... see how that can create issues? Most schools have open mats, and open seminars where you get to cross train with other schools, and they don’t care about affiliations. If your school is affiliated with a large team that has multiple schools in your area then, I don’t see an issue with training at all those different schools under the same organization.

[@bsilver10]

Chewey, hi, how is someone not "All in"?

[@MinhaFamiliaAQBJJ]

Why not train at your gym Mon-thurs and hit up otber school's open mats fri-sun?

[@Chewjitsu]

That's fine if it's what you want to do. As I said in the video. It's not about not training somewhere else. It's about having a home crew you can depend on and grow with.

[@MinhaFamiliaAQBJJ]

@@Chewjitsu if I trained at your school I would never even wanna leave 😊 I would move in and sleep in the closet 😂

[@torsionthepyro]

I'm loyal to my coach, not the owners of the gym.

[@denisecraddolph517]

Not here to attack you but when u charge money for a service it should be the same for everyone going the extra mile for people in the class is what good teachers who love to teach do in normal schools of universities and I think your titles are professor isn't it kinda the same thing I have trouble understanding when people talk loyalty and money

[@kghkfyxk]

I agree a

[@iriam2911]

what you don't get is that he said he will give everyone the same amount of teaching, what he is referring to is his time before and after the class..... instructors are human beings also, they are not obliged to be there for you 24/7, and he simply chooses to be there an extra mile on his free time for those who went an extra mile for him

[@theGAM3RG1RL]

Curious for input! I'm very interested in learning BJJ and have started looking into the local gyms and hoping to go in to watch or attend a trial class to get the feel of each one. However based on their class schedules and my work schedule in order to train 2 or 3+ times a week I'd have to be training at 2 different gyms. I really want to learn and while I know I'll need to train to build up to multiple sessions a week, I'd still like to try to shoot for 2x a week. I guess I would ask... is it better to only train at 1 gym to avoid the 'loyalty' concerns or for someone like me who has scheduling issues, is it more acceptable to train at multiple gyms? All I know, is that I'll always give it my all regardless of what gym I'm at. I've played on multiple sports teams and I've never seen myself as not 'all-in' for each one. Maybe that's naive on my part, but I want to do the best I can to work hard and support the people I'm with as much as I am able! (*My work schedule isn't flexible and isn't something I can move around to be able to go to 1 gym more frequently.)

[@noneofyourbusiness6807]

Do you think I could do jiu jitsu and taekwondo at the same time? I’ve been wanting to do jiu jitsu for a long time, but I don’t know if doing jiu jitsu could effect my taekwondo.

[@patw9934]

Absolutely you could. They are totally different. I am a bjj instructor and see several students taking kempo or other arts at the same time. Hope this helps

[@noneofyourbusiness6807]

Pat Ouellette thank you very much! I’m a wrestler and have been interested In jiu jitsu for a very long time. Thank you for this feedback! Helps a lot!

[@patw9934]

Anytime. Happy training!

[@monkikobytes]

I do BJJ, Judo, and a Korean martial art that has elements of Tae Kwon Do as well. I like learning the different aspects of the various martial arts but also if you train to understand what you are doing and develop your skills, there are times where you'll see how you improve in one martial art due to your training in the other. My traditional martial arts system taught wrist locks, throws, falling techniques, as well as striking and that helped me learn some of the BJJ techniques more easily and definitely helped when I started doing Judo as I already had years of experience throwing, sweeping, and falling. If you do different styles, don't expect to progress in either as quick as someone who specializes as your attention and training are divided. Happy training!

[@noneofyourbusiness6807]

Monkiko thank you!

[@Luis-mz6dx]

On this situation right now

[@ClimaxingTillDecline]

I mean maybe a second gym for a different art. But it doesn't make sense to train the same style in different gyms. If the instruction and atmosphere is bad go to a different gym altogether. Other than that I'd only started training bjj again after a year off. I'm a purple belt but the guy who trained me all the way up had to stop teaching for personal reasons. So there is a thing of loyalty that's hard to overcome if you really feel invested with your instructor and gym atmosphere. You tend to get what you give.