Featured Traveller: Kelsey Munn – BJJ Globetrotters
Age: 31
Belt: Purple
Profession: Industrial Electrician
How many years in BJJ: 7
Other martial arts: High school wrestling
Where do you live: North Alberta, Canada
Where are you from: Less North Alberta, Canada
Other fun or curious information you would like to share: I have 4 Sphynx cats. The breed is also from Canada.
Kelsey Munn – BJJ Globetrotters Camp 100
What inspired you to travel and train?
As a Canadian, I’m no stranger to escaping the long winters through travel. My teammate introduced me to Globetrotters a few months into training, which led me to soloing Maine and Austria summer camp as a fresh white belt. That same year we both did the Caribbean camp and now we are going on 6 years of dating.
Tell us about your most recent trip and what’s next – where have you been and where are you going?
A few years ago, I shared my love of BJJ camps with a few women from my gym. This last camp in Heidelberg, Germany marked the 3rd ladies’ trip that we’ve done together. What started as a small group of four Canadian friends has evolved into a growing travel BJJ crew, each camp adding new friends from past adventures into our ranks. Next up is back to ol’ faithful for the 4th time: Caribbean camp. I don’t have a single day of vacation left for the year, but I’m sure things will work out one way or another.
Kelsey Munn – BJJ Globetrotters Caribbean Camp
What do you enjoy most about travelling?
As much as I love desserts, I would have to say the greatest part of traveling is meeting new people. Globetrotters camps are especially magical though. It’s like you are surrounded by 100 best friends despite being strangers. I cannot believe how many lifelong friendships I have built over the last few years. Whether I’m travelling solo, with my partner, or in a group. Every single person I’ve met has made a lasting impression on my life.
Any particularly memorable experiences that made it all worth it?
Nothing will ever top the Camp 100 finale. After four chaotic days of swimming, wrestling, training, and raving, Christian took the stage and delivered a beautiful heartfelt speech. Before we could applaud, he points to the sky to and surprises us all by yelling “And I spent all your money on f***ing fireworks!”. We all went wild as the sky erupted with the most epic display of shimmering explosions above him and cascading down all around. The perfect unpredictable cherry on top to an unforgettable adventure.
What has surprised you the most while travelling?
I’m always surprised just how easy it is to make friends, regardless of age, gender, religion, language, or lifestyle differences. Even with all the terrible stuff going on in the world right now, people’s kindness continues to shine through more than ever.
Kelsey Munn – BJJ Globetrotters Summer Camp
Are you a budget traveller – and if so how do you plan for a cheap trip?
I like to think I’m a budget traveler, in the sense where I will fly with my knees to my chest in ultra basic and sleep in any unimaginable conditions, all so I can splurge on the adventure itself. I justify the merciless non-stop itinerary with the fact that I’ll probably only get to visit this place once in a lifetime. Then I’m compelled to try every meal, taste every dessert, and go on every tour possible in an impossible 18-hour day. Pro tip: if the currency conversion sucks, simply don’t look at your bank statements until you get back. Wait until you’re at home to be sad.
Any advice for your fellow Globetrotters?
Whether you are an introvert, extrovert, or somewhere in between, stay weird, find those who fill your social battery, and keep meeting new people. It’s easy to fall into cliques and familiarity, but Globetrotters is all about breaking down borders, belt hierarchies, and affiliations. No advice, but my personal mantra at camps – if you can’t smile mid match, you’re rolling too hard :D
