Featured affiliated academy: Ronin Grappling Glasgow BJJ
Where is the gym located?
I currently rent mat space at two different strength and conditioning gyms in the southside of Glasgow, Scotland.
How many people train there?
About 15 or so folk at the moment, though some prefer the morning classes and others the evening classes – I only started running classes a month ago, so it’s very early days!
Is the gym growing – if so by how many new members each month or year?
As mentioned above, Ronin Grappling Glasgow has only been running for about a month. Week on week though, numbers have been increasing by about 1-2 new members a week.
What are the highest and lowest belt grades training?
We’ve predominantly got white belts training, with a couple of blue belts, and a couple of purple belts dropping in for classes/open mats from other gyms.
When did the gym open?
Ronin Grappling launched in October this year.
Some facts about you:
Name: Giles Garcia
Age: 32
Academy: Ronin Grappling Glasgow
Belt: Black
Profession: IT Manager
Years in BJJ: 11
Other martial arts: 12 years of Shotokan Karate (black belt), 1 and a half misguided years of Ninjutsu (green belt), seven or so years of Muay Thai, Jeet Kune Do, and Balintawak
Currently living in: Sunny Glasgow, in Scotland
Originally from: Santa Cruz, Tenerife and Glasgow, Scotland
Please tell us the story of how your gym came into existence:
My old instructor and I had a difference of principle on several important matters, and after a few very stressful weeks I decided to leave.
I have so many gripes about BJJ and BJJ clubs in general. Too many clubs didn’t try to welcome people from different gyms and affiliations. Some clubs made the mistake of focusing all of their efforts on new students, forgetting about their long-serving experienced practitioners. On top of all this, BJJ still has a major problem of being male-dominated and full of macho nonsense, which I can’t abide by; from the harassment of female students to homophobic or transphobic environments. I wanted a place where anyone would truly feel welcome
Tell us about the people that train in the gym – who are they?
Ronin Grappling Glasgow has a mix of students – some brand new and some who moved from other gyms or resumed training when I opened after taking some time off. I want classes to be accessible to everyone, including the infrequent hobbyist, so I offer a pay-as-you-go option to ensure no one gets priced out of training. I find this is especially important for shift workers who might make it 4 times one week and none the next depending on their shifts.
Why do they train?
The main reason seems to be because they enjoy learning. I am adamant that students need to understand techniques and why they work, but I try to do that without boring the absolute life out of them. I also throw in some flashy techniques every so often, and people seem to like that!
What are some of the challenges of running a BJJ gym in general and in your location specifically?
Generally speaking, administrative tasks such as answering queries, tracking costs and profits, and keeping relevant financial/legal/tax paperwork in order can be difficult at times. I still work full-time, so the admin side of running the team takes its toll.
One of my greatest challenges is also developing class plans that are effective at helping me teach students, regardless of their capabilities. I ultimately want my students to understand the principles of grappling, and give them the ability to solve problems – so I work hard to ensure I teach effectively. I really enjoy this aspect of teaching though, so unlike the admin side I don’t find it draining.
How do you see the future for BJJ in your area?
There are a good few clubs in Glasgow, some more established than others, with a good spread between competitive and more self-defence-focused clubs. As BJJ continues to become more recognised in popular culture I’m sure the scene will continue to grow, as it has done for the past 15+ years!
What’s the best thing about your gym?
The relaxed atmosphere. I am not a fan of the ultra-traditional style of teaching, nor of being put on a pedestal. I want all my students to know there is a flat hierarchy at the gym, and I encourage questions, comments, and suggestions. I want people to feel like they can speak up any time.
What would you recommend Globetrotters to see in your area apart from the inside of your gym?
Glasgow is absolutely full of culture to see and experience – from the Gallery of Modern Art to the Burrell Collection to the Kelvingrove Art Gallery, you will not run out of things to see! The city is also home to many excellent restaurants, serving everything from high cuisine to robust and traditional Scottish cooking to fusion cuisine. You’re never far from a great meal in Glasgow!
