Featured traveller: Vince Millett – BJJ Globetrotters
Age: 60
Belt: Purple
Profession: Civil servant
How many years in BJJ: 8
Other martial arts: Judo, Aikido, Nippon Kempo, Shorinji Kempo, Taekwondo, Karate, Lau Gar kung fu
Where do you live: Croydon (London), United Kingdom
Where are you from: London
Other fun or curious information you would like to share: I was once caught trying to derail a steam train but I escaped. I have broken into a working gold mine. I once sold two battery-operated toy submarines to Roger Moore. I have met the man who invented the pollen count. I saw Hilary Clinton out shopping in Vietnam. I have been inside one of the Great Pyramids of Giza. I have almost stepped on venomous snakes twice. I am a musician and have been releasing music since 1988.
Vince Millett – BJJ Gym
Tell us what inspired you to travel and train?
I read Christian’s book not long after starting BJJ. Saw an advert for a camp in Denmark and went. That started it all! I love adventures and seeing new places, meeting new people. Combining that with BJJ is the perfect thing to do.
Tell us about your most recent travel and your upcoming travel – where have you been and where are you going?
This year I’ve been to the Iceland Camp and the Estonia camp. Both quite different from each other, although that’s probably partly down to me. In Estonia I stayed in the hostel with other campers for the first time, and because the camp days ended quite early I took part in much more social activity than on previous camps. Didn’t do so much socialising in Iceland. I’m old and I don’t drink so much of the partying isn’t of interest to me, but I love all the history and architecture and food in the places we go. Haven’t booked the next trip yet, but I’m very tempted by the Estonia beach camp.
Vince Millett – BJJ Globetrotters Camp
What are the things you enjoy about traveling?
I love history and culture, architecture, and languages. I’ve loved all the European camps I’ve been on because they have opened up a whole continent to me. I also love to cook and I always try to hunt out local food in the camp locations, for example fish stew in Iceland and blood sausage in Estonia. Heck, I even ate vegan food in Estonia – although that’s not traditional, of course!
Can you give us some examples of experiences you had that makes it worth traveling and training?
I’ve loved all the training, of course – I’m still working on things I learned nine camps back! Learning directly from a range of amazing teachers in such a friendly environment is incredible. Having a go at Glima wrestling, Backhold wrestling, Collar and Elbow wrestling, and Central Asian belt wrestling has been amazing. Doesn’t matter if I get dumped on my head – how many people my age have a crack at something like that? I love that we have the opportunity to get significant conceptual ideas that are shaping modern Jiu Jitsu straight from the source; for example, Priit’s defensive jiu jitsu. However, just seeing new places and making new friends is a big incentive for me.
What has so far been the most surprising experience for you when traveling?
I was surprised to be deported from Sweden on my way to Estonia, but I managed to get to camp by a different route in time to catch Christian’s opening speech so I didn’t miss anything!
Vince Millett – BJJ Globetrotters Camp
Are you a budget traveller – and if so how do you plan for a cheap trip?
I’m afraid I am a budget traveller. It’s always difficult for me, but my job (in public health) pays overtime money when there are pandemics to be dealt with. Ebola and COVID have paid for several of the camps I’ve been on!
If you were to pass on travel advice to your fellow Globetrotters, what would it be?
If in doubt, book it and go. Life is short. Travel light. Do some research about local public transport and cheap places to eat before you get there. Seek out the real local experience – don’t be too much of a tourist. Scan all your important travel documents and have them in Dropbox – if you lose everything you’ll still have all your info to hand. Get to know your fellow campers – you’ll make friends for life.
Thank you Vince Millett – BJJ Globetrotters for making this interview!
