Featured Traveller: Kaaren Kytömaa – BJJ Globetrotters
Age: 32
Belt: Blue
Profession: Excursion / hotel representative
How many years in BJJ: 5-ish
Other martial arts: Nope
Where do you live: Gran Canaria, Spain
Where are you from: Finland
Other fun or curious information you would like to share: About 10 years ago when I didn’t train yet, I used to complain a lot to my ex about why he had to spend all of his time training and/or hanging with his BJJ friends. Doesn’t he have any other friends? The tables have turned.
Kaaren Kytömaa – BJJ Globetrotters
What inspired you to travel and train?
I’ve always loved traveling, and used to travel quite a lot with my dogs to attend dog shows. Then in 2023, a friend of mine went to a camp before me and liked it a lot and I got excited (like I often do) and we decided to gather a group of Finns and went to Beach Camp. Since then, I don’t think I’ve traveled anywhere without training gear. Through BJJ Globetrotters, the world kind of opened even more when I realized how many cool people I can and will meet.
Tell us about your most recent trip and what’s next – where have you been and where are you going?
For the past two years I’ve been traveling around almost every month. But does moving to another country count as the most recent trip? I packed my bags and moved to Gran Canaria in October. It’s been quite a wild ride so far and a lot has happened, but luckily I’ve also found a new gym that already feels like home. Although they speak only Spanish – luckily I know how to count to three, so I know when to clap.
I honestly don’t know what’s next, which is also very exciting. The only thing I know for sure is that I’ll be at Midsummer Camp in Finland in June.
Kaaren Kytömaa – BJJ Globetrotters
What do you enjoy most about travelling?
Meeting new people and eating! But also the feeling of freedom while not making too many plans. Just going with the flow with an open mind in a big world. It leads to great memories and/or to good stories. And most importantly, to good food.
Any particularly memorable experiences that made it all worth it?
Haha I feel like there are soooo many, I don’t even know which ones to tell. Last year we had an accidental little Camp 100 reunion in London because a few of us happened to be there at the same time. All the lovely people who have opened their doors to me and given me a place to sleep while I’ve been traveling. All the lovely people who have visited me in Finland. I feel like without traveling and training, I would have so much less in my life than I currently have. I also know I will make tons of new (un)memorable experiences.
What has surprised you the most while travelling?
How nice people are! Honestly I’m always a bit nervous when going to a new gym, for example, and every single time I come out thinking, why did I waste my energy on being nervous? I enjoy traveling solo, and it has been a bit of a surprise as well how safe it is for a woman to travel alone.
Back in Finland I’m also the most impatient person, and love that everything works efficiently because I don’t like to waste my precious time waiting. As soon as I leave the country, I’m suddenly the chillest person and I have all the time in the world. Mañana mañana!
Kaaren Kytömaa – BJJ Globetrotters
Are you a budget traveller – and if so how do you plan for a cheap trip?
Usually yes, but it depends. I often search for cheap flights or train tickets, but buses I skip. I often try to find someone I know and save with the accommodation costs or stay in hostels, where I also always end up meeting awesome people. If I feel super tired or want a bit of luxury in the middle of budget traveling, I don’t mind spending money on a good hotel either, but I never do it for every night. I prefer to save the money for experiences, or to be able to travel more often. But honestly, I am also the worst planner ever with very little patience, so sometimes I end up paying a lot for procrastinating or making impulsive decisions.
Any advice for your fellow Globetrotters?
If you don’t find a travel companion, go alone. In my experience, it’s the best thing you can do. Don’t wait for things for too long – make them happen. In the end, it’s your own life and you’re the one writing the story. If it ends up being the wrong decision, so what? Make the next wrong decision and try for so long that you’ll get it right. Some day you will, or at least hopefully you’ll have fun and make memorable experiences while making the wrong ones. Everybody loves a good story, right?
Also if you’re visiting Gran Canaria, please reach out!
