Featured Traveller: Jillian Peterson – BJJ Globetrotters
Age: 43
Belt: Black
Profession: Gym owner (Galaxy Grappling) and Human Resources as my boring office job
How many years in BJJ: 13
Other martial arts: Sambo, Kickboxing, and MMA
Where do you live: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
Where are you from: Sacramento, California, USA
Any fun facts you’d like to share: I got a tattoo done on a reality competition show and I love escape rooms.
Jillian Peterson – BJJ Globetrotters Spring Camp
What inspired you to travel and train?
I always wanted to travel and I joined the US Army when I was 20, but I didn’t start BJJ until I was 30. I decided in 2017 that I was done with the military and I booked a month long trip to train BJJ in Bali. It was a life-changing solo trip that I needed to figure out what to do next in my life. The Bali MMA crew were amazing and I highly recommend that gym to everyone! After that trip, I became hooked on solo travel. Everywhere I go, I bring a no-gi kit just in case I want to train too.
Tell us about your most recent trip and what’s next – where have you been and where are you going?
Last trip was the Globetrotters Spring Camp in Tallinn! It’s my favorite camp and I try to do it every year. The people make it so special and it’s such a fun and beautiful location.
Next is a weekend trip to Lisbon with two friends I met at my first Globetrotters camp. I went to the Iceland camp solo and met two women that live in Europe, and we clicked instantly. We try to do a camp every year together. But this is just a girl’s weekend to catch up.
Jillian Peterson – BJJ Globetrotters
What do you enjoy most about travelling?
The food and culture! I admit I was a product of the terrible American education system, and now I just want to experience other cultures and learn while I travel. And the food! Omg! I get so excited to plan all the different restaurants I want to go to. Food tells a story too!
Any particularly memorable experiences that made it all worth it?
I’m not sure about worth it, but I feel like I’ve made it because Alistair Overeem said I was terrible after a charity kickboxing match I did in Bali. I hadn’t done any kickboxing in over a year, and when I was training in Bali they asked if I wanted to do an exhibition kickboxing match on two days notice at their charity event. Sure! YOLO right?! I got demolished, but it was for a good cause. Afterwards Alistair told me I should be embarrassed by my performance. But he saw me fight!! Total win.
What has surprised you the most while travelling?
The amazing people I’ve met! I’m more of a solo traveller and somewhat introverted when I’m solo (not at camps though). But the people I’ve been able to make connections with have made it worth it.
Jillian Peterson – BJJ Globetrotters
Are you a budget traveller – and if so how do you plan for a cheap trip?
I am a budget traveller! Being a gym owner doesn’t rake in the big dollars haha. It’s all about research and having a basic itinerary. Put in the time before you go to research the best places and restaurants, but still be flexible if the plans don’t go according to plan. Research and flexibility!
Any advice for your fellow Globetrotters?
Don’t wait for the perfect time to travel! Your life will never line up perfectly, and don’t be afraid to do solo traveling. If I waited for friends to join me, then I’d still be waiting. Even go travel during the off-season and you’ll still have an amazing time. Take advantage of matsurfing. Meet amazing people and just get out there! You won’t be disappointed.
