Featured Traveller: Al Ghuneim – BJJ Globetrotters
Al Ghuneim – BJJ Globetrotters
Age: 35
Belt: Blue
Profession: I have a Masters degree in marketing that I haven’t used much. Otherwise, I’m a business person who does everything from trading, investing, translating, and some marketing.
How many years in BJJ: Six
Other martial arts: I did Tae Kwon Do when I was 5! Does that count?
Where do you live: I’m a digital nomad. I live wherever feels right.
Where are you originally from: Jordan
Other fun or curious information you would like to share: My favorite submission on people who don’t know Jiu Jitsu is the Mother’s Milk.
Al Ghuneim – BJJ Globetrotters
Tell us what inspired you to travel and train?
I got bored with my old life and had a break up after a long relationship, then decided to change everything and go!
Tell us about your most recent travel and your upcoming travel – where have you been and where are you going?
I was in Colombia for a nice 10 months as the airport was closed. I am now in Rio training with many Brazilians and other COVID refugees like myself.
What are the things you enjoy about traveling?
Seeing new things, meeting new people, and learning new cultures (Brazilians are crazy)!
Can you give us some examples of experiences you had that makes it worth traveling and training?
Walking into BJJ clubs in Rio and training with world champions is pretty cool.
Al Ghuneim – BJJ Globetrotters
What has so far been the most surprising experience for you when traveling?
Getting robbed! No matter how many times it happens it’s always surprising haha! But with that said, I’m the kind of guy who’s not afraid of walking into Cartel territory in Mexico, Favellas in Rio, and less than reputable neighbourhoods in Medellin and funnily enough, I was never robbed in the dodgy areas… Only in the fancy gringo places.
Are you a budget traveller – and if so how do you plan for a cheap trip?
I don’t do the backpack thing! I go to a new place and usually rent an apartment for 3 months. This really cuts down on hotel costs. Going to a new location every few days gets really straining on the body and it isn’t good for BJJ. I like to go to cities that have good BJJ gyms, then stay there for a while in order to learn their systems. Switching gyms every few weeks isn’t good.
If you were to pass on travel advice to your fellow Globetrotters, what would it be?
You can save money on everything while travelling, but make sure to have good equipment. Good shoes, pants, shorts, and phone. Take half of what you plan on bringing with you, because you will accumulate stuff on the way.
