Hump: OK, maybe the picture is a bit much, but I cannot stress how important it is to train at other gyms. A controversial topic amongst a lot of people, training at other gyms should definitely be a staple in your Jiu-Jitsu diet. Everyone has something different to offer no matter the belt level, age, or weight; so why not try to come in contact with as many people as possible? Now there definitely is a balance, so if you find yourself training at other gyms more than your own, then maybe you need to access some things about your academy because you are probably subconsciously telling yourself you don't want to train there. There is no doubt about it that Jiu-Jitsu has evolved, and part of the theory of evolution is VARIATION. If there is no variation, there cannot be evolution, catch my drift? If you are constantly training with the same people over and over again, eventually your rolls will begin to look like a stale french fry under the seat of your car. This is part of the reason why people compete, to test their skills against people they have never seen before (because rolling with the same cats is like only being able to watch reruns of Happy Days, oh God!)...and it is the number one reason why people who compete are usually the best (at their belt level) in their gym. Yet competition still doesn't provide you with everything you need, and because of the competitive nature of it, the only thing you learn is what you need to improve upon. When you train at different gyms not only do you get to roll with different people, but you also get a different type of instruction. This allows you to have an advantage over people who don't train at other schools, because you are getting this "VA-RI-A-TION". Another benefit is it actually helps your gym in the process because the more new shiet you bring back, the better everyone else gets too. So before you pass judgement on the guy that trains at a few other gyms a couple of times a week, just realize you are being a hater because you didn't think of it first. Payce!
