Featured Traveller: Natalie Shahid – BJJ Globetrotters
Age: 30
Belt: White
Profession: Mechanical Designer
How many years in BJJ: Around 2
Other martial arts: Muay Thai
Where do you live: Wherever my van is
Where are you from: Germany
Other fun or curious information you would like to share: I live in a van with my labrador, Cookie.
Natalie Shahid – BJJ Globetrotters
What inspired you to travel and train?
Back in 2020, I went to a BJJ camp and met so many amazing people. That experience made me realize how training is one of the best and easiest ways to connect with others and really get to know a country. You don’t just meet locals and fellow travelers—you also learn from different styles and perspectives. It just felt like a win-win.
Tell us about your most recent trip and what’s next – where have you been and where are you going?
My most recent trip was to the Canary Islands, where I spent about three months, mainly on Fuerteventura. I trained at Sutemi BJJ in Corralejo. It honestly felt like becoming part of a family. The coaches, Matteo and Luis, welcomed me with open arms and even connected me with other gyms across the islands. I trained three times a week in both gi and no-gi and learned a lot.
Since the islands are small and attract a lot of tourists, people came and went constantly—but everyone was welcomed like they’d been part of the gym forever. Unfortunately, I injured my knee while kitesurfing after two months and couldn’t train properly anymore. Still, I was welcomed to join classes, watch, learn, and even try techniques that didn’t stress my injury. That meant a lot.
Natalie Shahid – BJJ Globetrotters
What do you enjoy most about travelling?
Definitely the people. I’m very social and love building real connections. In Germany, things can feel pretty rigid—work, eat, sleep, repeat. In other places, people live with a different mindset. They work to live, not live to work. That energy inspires me.
Traveling also forces me out of my comfort zone. I constantly learn new things, get inspired by people I meet, and sometimes end up trying their hobbies—like kitesurfing because a friend raved about it, or freediving after meeting someone passionate about it. And let’s be honest: warm weather and good food are huge bonuses. I’m a big foodie and I love having fresh fruits and veggies every day—so much better in sunny places.
Any particularly memorable experiences that made it all worth it?
Traveling alone in a van can feel isolating, but BJJ gyms are like built-in communities. You immediately have something in common with the people there. Most practitioners are respectful and genuinely interested in helping each other—not just trying to crush everyone. It’s a privilege to learn from so many people, and sometimes I even get to share something with them in return.
What has surprised you the most while travelling?
Before I hit the road, people warned me that traveling solo—especially as a woman in a van—would be risky. But after more than 1.5 years on the road, including a whole year living in a Skoda Fabia with my dog, I’ve never had a seriously bad experience.
Surprisingly, I’ve found that most people are kind. Sure, some cultures are more open than others, but there’s always someone willing to help if you ask. You’re never really alone, and nothing is impossible.
Natalie Shahid – BJJ Globetrotters
Are you a budget traveller – and if so how do you plan for a cheap trip?
Yes, I live on a budget. Since I live in a van, I avoid expensive and crowded campgrounds. On the Canary Islands, I only parked in wild spots and used the gyms for showers. Often, people from the gym would suggest safe and quiet areas to park or places to avoid.
Last year in Portugal, I made a friend and ended up staying with them for a couple of weeks. Later, I tried BJJ matsurfing and went to Sicily, where I met Enrico. He let me stay in his empty house for two weeks, showed me around the island, and we later met again at the Heidelberg camp. These kinds of connections are priceless—and they save a lot of money too.
Any advice for your fellow Globetrotters?
If you want to train somewhere, just ask. I usually message the gym or the coach directly on Instagram before arriving—just to introduce myself, ask if visitors are welcome, and check what kind of class it is (gi or no-gi). Out of 27 gyms I’ve visited, 25 welcomed me with open arms. None ever said “no.”
So don’t be shy or lazy. Reaching out can lead to amazing experiences. You’ll get more than just a good roll—you’ll become part of a global community.
