Featured affiliated academy: Curepipe BJJ Mauritius
Where is the gym located?
Curepipe, Mauritius.
How many people train there?
Curepipe BJJ Mauritius has 4 adults, 12 kids.
Is the gym growing – if so by how many new members each month or year?
For now, the number is more or less constant.
What are the highest and lowest belt grades training?
The highest belt is blue belt, and the lowest of course is white.
When did the gym open?
Curepipe Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Mauritius opened about 2.5 years ago.
Some facts about you:
Name: Govind Rummun
Age: 31
Academy: Curepipe BJJ Mauritius
Belt: Blue
Profession: Management support officer
Years in BJJ: 4 years
Other martial arts: Karate and Japanese Jujutsu
Currently living in: Curepipe, Mauritius
Originally from: Mauritius
Please tell us the story of how your gym came into existence:
First, you have to understand the situation in Mauritius. For the longest time we didn’t have a BJJ black belt in Mauritius. It’s only been a couple of years since we’ve had one. And yes, this guy is my teacher.
So I was training at this place where our teacher had set up a gym. He’d come regularly for classes, but eventually left the responsibility to the most experienced/oldest member (he was 50+ years old). My teacher would come from time to time to supervise, but it was really up to the members to do their training.
For a time it was good, but little by little everyone just stopped coming and we were left with only a few guys. Eventually, at some point, being one of the most senior there, I was given that responsibility. I did what I could at that time until the club was back on track. That’s when my teacher told that I should set up my club in Curepipe (my hometown). Since then, I’ve been doing my own thing.
Tell us about the people that train in the gym – who are they?
Curepipe BJJ Mauritius has your typical kids classes. Chaotic, messy and lots of shouting and ordering! As for the adults, you get a broader range of people. From adolescents to a 40-year-old ex-army man.
Why do they train?
Some come to keep fit; some for competition. The kids come mostly because their parents brought them, but they really like it.
But my most interesting student is the 40-year-old guy, Joe. He’s been with us since the beginning. He’s been to a few competitions, but that is not his objective. He also likes to keep fit, and has been to the gym more than once. I’d say he likes to train just for the sake of it. There is this thing in BJJ that just makes you want to keep coming!
As for me, I love BJJ because it’s such a wonderful art. I’d done some other martial arts prior to this, and don’t get me wrong, they were good, but BJJ just hits the right spot. It’s safe, practical, and you’re always learning something new. I meet new people all the time and have lots of fun at competitions. The introvert that I am gets to express himself in another way.
What are some of the challenges of running a BJJ gym in general and in your location specifically?
The biggest challenge is getting your name out. Most people here don’t know what BJJ is, and it’s very hard to get new people to join. We usually get confused with Karate because we wear the gi.
How do you see the future for BJJ in your area?
The future is the kids. Right now I can see how they’re developing an interest in the art. At competitions, and by training in other gyms, you can see how the athletes are developing. We have a couple of international-level athletes here, but the next generation is definitely going to be better.
Our Federation is on the right track by doing its best to make BJJ known throughout the island. We have lots of competition from other sports and disciplines, but little by little we’re making our way.
What’s the best thing about your gym?
The training atmosphere, I would say. I, the coach, don’t believe in running a hierarchical gym. Sure there are belts, but the essential thing is that we’re all here to learn. And also have fun!
What would you recommend Globetrotters to see in your area apart from the inside of your gym?
We have wonderful beaches here in Mauritius. People are usually very friendly, and most of the natives speak both English and French. You can find some good deals online for hotels. We also have a big BJJ community, where anyone knows anyone and you can train at any gym on the island.
