Featured affiliated academy: 300 Jiu Jitsu, BJJ Netherlands
Where is the gym located?
Leiden in Holland (the Netherlands)
How many people train there?
24
Is the gym growing – if so by how many new members each month or year?
Growing goal is minimum 40 for the end of the year
What are the highest and lowest belt grades training?
Black belt is the highest and and white belt the lowest
When did 300 Jiu Jitsu, BJJ Netherlands open?
I took over the gym from my teacher on 30/03/23
Some facts about you:
Name: Angelo Storm
Age: 39
Belt: Black
Profession: Personal trainer and owner of 300 Jiu Jitsu
Years in BJJ: 6 years
Other martial arts: Muay Thai and kickboxing
Currently living in: Rijswijk
Originally from: Holland (the Netherlands)
Please tell us the story of how your gym came into existence
It all started when one day my teacher sent me an article about soldiers struggling with PTSD and how BJJ helped them get back on track again. At the time I felt lost, struggling mentally. As a Dutch airborne veteran I did several tours. In the years before that, my teacher and friends of mine would ask me frequently to come and roll. I always said to them: I’m a stand up fighter – I don’t cuddle with men.
But after reading the article about the soldiers: I thought why not?! Things can’t get any worse. So that’s where it began at the age of 33
When I started with BJJ I directly fell in love with the sport. I wanted to learn and mostly wanted to know the “why” of the movements. I made a study of the sport. My teacher even said that I became obsessive with the sport and watched a lot of instructionals and made all kinds of mind maps. I was hungry and still am today. I discovered my talent in BJJ and grappling, and that in my mid 30s. Putting my talent to work on a daily basis for getting better as a fighter, as a person, and as a teacher. I enjoy every part of the BJJ journey
I was fighting in a lot of tournaments during those years. From local tournaments to AJP Pro, and everything in between. Four-time AGF European champion in the gi and no gi, and two-time AJP Pro champion. And I will continue to fight in tournaments.
My teacher Alex, a 3th degree black belt, didn’t feel the same passion for teaching as he did in earlier years because of personal problems. And now is focusing on the most important things in his life: his kids! So he didn’t want to teach anymore. So there was an opportunity to create my own gym. So we had a handover, and Hermanos got changed to 300 Jiu Jitsu. (Long story short)
I took my experience as an former airborne sergeant, having served for almost 10 years, combined with my experience as a fighter/ personal trainer/instructor, and mixed it all up to create a new experience in BJJ. Teaching “the gentle art” and teaching the why behind movements/grips so people learn to understand BJJ.
I have been teaching for almost 20 years in total. From skills and drill and tactics with the Dutch airborne to safety courses for people going offshore. And almost 12 years as a personal trainer. I really love to teach and share my knowledge.
Everyday I’m thankful for the opportunity and my own gym.
Tell us about the people that train in the gym – who are they?
I have a diversity of people from IT specialists and a banker and students to tattoo artist. A great mix of all kinds of personalities.
Why do they train in 300 Jiu Jitsu, BJJ Netherlands?
All kinds of reasons. For their health, some for their mental health. Some just for fun and others to go fight in tournaments.
What are some of the challenges of running a BJJ gym in general, and in your area specifically?
I just started with running my own gym. For me the most challenging so far was creating something new. What I did was work from my experience as sergeant/instructor/personal trainer and created something that will make something complex simple and logical. And also using modern technology, as we have an app with a video platform/social/agenda and more. As I look at the learning curve and listen to the feedback of my students, my method of teaching works.
How do you see the future for BJJ in your area?
I know we will outgrow this location. So eventually a new location bigger and more classes that people can follow.
What’s the best thing about 300 Jiu Jitsu, BJJ Netherlands?
The working mentality of the members and the great vibe when we train.
What would you recommend Globetrotters to see in your area apart from the inside of your gym?
You can go into Leiden city, but The Hague (our government city) is also close by for sightseeing. You can also go to the beach at Noordwijk or go to Scheveningen.
—-
