Featured traveller: Geeta Bhat – BJJ Globetrotters
Age: 45
Belt: Purple
Profession: Dentist for children
How many years in BJJ: 9 and counting
Other martial arts: None
Where do you live: Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
Where are you from: New York State, USA
Other fun or curious information you would like to share: My fan name is Jiu-Jitsu Cowgirl. I love to train Jiu-Jitsu but I’m also passionate about country-western dancing and can Two-Step and West Coast Swing with the best of them. I boast an impressive collection of cowgirl boots.
Geeta Bhat – BJJ competition
Tell us what inspired you to travel and train?
After I had children I lost 75lbs through diet and exercise, and Jiu-Jitsu was part of my get-fit journey. I live a super busy life, so I made a decision to train Jiu-Jitsu faithfully twice a week (no more and no less) starting in 2012, and I’ve been training consistently since then for 9 years with no breaks. Even on a limited schedule I managed to win the IBJJF Masters Worlds at blue 3 times for my age group, with double gold in 2019. I’m so proud of that. I also love the social aspect of Jiu-Jitsu. There is nothing I love more than going to class to talk, laugh, hang out, and maybe get some rolling in. The ability to go anywhere in the world and drop in and train and meet new people is priceless. I try to train wherever in the world I go, and even got to train in Ireland and India.
Tell us about your most recent travel and your upcoming travel – where have you been and where are you going?
I enjoy bike adventures, so I most recently rode the Kentucky Bourbon trail along with a bike trip through Oregon. I will admit that I cheat with an e-bike, but sometimes we all need a little boost! I also went to St. Barts for the Globetrotters Carribean camp this past February, and last week I just got back from a trip to Las Vegas… just because!
My upcoming travel plans include a bike trip through Ojai Valley in Santa Barbara, a beach trip to South Beach Miami, and a visit to NYC to see my college friends.
Geeta Bhat – BJJ Globetrotters
What are the things you enjoy about traveling?
I’m a huge foodie. Also meeting people, socializing, relaxing, and a change of scenery.
Can you give us some examples of experiences you had that makes it worth traveling and training?
I just got back from the Globetrotters St. Barts Trip and still talk to people I met on that trip even after the fact… shout out to campers Charles and Natasha! Especially with social media, you find that people you know, know other people you know, and it just snowballs into a big community.
What has so far been the most surprising experience for you when traveling?
How easy it was to make friends and meet people. I was the oldest camper (even older than the coaches) at the camp but I never felt out of place. I just thoroughly enjoyed myself.
Geeta Bhat – BJJ Camp in St. Barts
Are you a budget traveller – and if so how do you plan for a cheap trip?
Not even close! I live large and make no apologies for it. There were people at the camp from all economic backgrounds and no one was judged, period.
If you were to pass on travel advice to your fellow Globetrotters, what would it be?
Do it! You will be happy you did. I just signed up for Castle Camp in Italy and I cannot wait!
Thank you to Geeta Bhat – BJJ Globetrotters for making this interview!
