Featured affiliated academy: Aukan Jiu-Jitsu Pichilemu
Where is the gym located?
Pichilemu, Sexta Region, Chile.
How many people train there?
20
Is the gym growing – if so by how many new members each month or year?
Yes, but very, very slow.
What are the highest and lowest belt grades training?
We have white, yellow, grey, up to black.
When did the gym open?
2022.
Some facts about you:
Name: Renato Ruz
Age: 45
Belt: Black
Profession: Physiotherapist
Years in BJJ: 20
Other martial arts: No
Currently living in: Pichilemu, Chile
Originally from: Santiago, Chile
Aukan Jiu-Jitsu Pichilemu
Please tell us the story of how your gym came into existence
The gym came into existence when I came to live in Pichilemu. Since 1998 I had been coming to Pichilemu to surf, and in 2020 I moved here permanently with my family. There was nobody legit to train with (teacher), and no academy. I felt the necessity to train, so I started doing private classes. Then I started with a kids group and adult classes.
Tell us about the people that train in the gym – who are they?
They are all from Pichilemu. Some are teenagers still in school, some are carpenters, food sellers, lodge administrators, language teachers, English teachers, or surfers.
Why do they train in Aukan Jiu-Jitsu Pichilemu?
They train because they like and love the positive impact that Jiu-Jitsu has in their lives.
What are some of the challenges of running a BJJ gym in general, and in your area specifically?
The main challenge is to make Jiu-Jitsu known. Nobody really knows about it here. Also to make people aware of how to choose a legit teacher (too much ignorance). Also to try to introduce Jiu-Jitsu to the surf community.
How do you see the future for BJJ in your area?
The future is uncertain. Here people have too much ignorance about Jiu-Jitsu.
What’s the best thing about Aukan Jiu-Jitsu Pichilemu?
The nature where we are (location), as well as the students and the vibe in general of our circle.
What would you recommend Globetrotters to see in your area apart from the inside of your gym?
Go and surf! Here we have some of the best and most constant waves in the world.
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