Training at two clubs

[Frodocious]

I have a bit of a training dilemma. I've been training no-gi BJJ for about 2 years now at one club and recently they started a gi class which I really wanted to add to my schedule. However, the instructor taking the gi class has left and opened up his own school.

My problem is I want to take the gi class, but it would probably mean training no-gi with 2 rival schools, as I would do a no-gi class at the new place then go straight into the gi class. I feel disloyal to the gym I've been training with, so what do people (particularly instructors) think about training the same art with 2 different schools?

If it was completely different styles I wouldn't have a problem doing this, but as I'd be doing the same style, I feel awkward about it.

[the block]

Depends on the rivalry. My BJJ instructor would be a little annoyed if I trained with a few people and that is down to a strong rivalry between them over the years with disputed battles, victories and losses. He wouldn't stop me or even raise it I reckon except in a passing manner. But he covers everything (gi and no gi) so that would never happen.

My MT instructor wouldn't care as long as I'm training although him being paid by the local council may influence his attitude a tad, but I don't know. He is in his fifties so very mature.

I know what you mean about feeling disloyal but at the end of the day you want to improve your game so go wherever that is possible for you and ignore other people's misplaced sentiments.

That's what I would do and if it was raised as an issue then I would suggest to that person to provide the opportunity for me to do the training with him that I am going elsewhere for.

[kinkymisspinky]

BJJ is more forward thinking than TMAs as far as cross training in different disciplines is concerned. However, when it comes to different BJJ clubs there is an intense sense of loyalty and it's generally not accepted to train at different clubs, especially if they're big, well established clubs. Competitive BJJ is seen as a team event and your team is seen as your family so most clubs don't like their members to train elsewhere. It would be seen as okay if the clubs were part of the same organisation (e.g. Gracie Barra, BTT, Alliance, Carlson's etc.).

I don't entirely agree with the above and think someone should be able to train where they want. If you do end up training at the second club I think you need to be clear to both instructors about what you're doing, explain to your original instructor that you're interested in training gi. I can only really see it being a big problem if you were competing and had to choose which club you were representing.

Btw you'd better start competing soon! No gi BJJ brackets are organised by training age. Depending on which federation you're competing under novice is usually -1.5/2 years so you're already creeping into the intermediate category!

[Frodocious]

I've been informed, by someone on another forum, that apparently both the instructors are fine about people training at the 2 clubs. From what I've heard, there are a number of people who will be training at both places. I'll check with the bloke I'm training with on Wednesday just to make sure and then hopefully start gi training next week. My problem would be if I was doing no-gi at both places (which is the plan, due to class timings) abut which club to represent at competitions.

As for competition, I'd love to have a go. Its just that every time I think I'll start, work or injury seems to get in the way! :(

[kinkymisspinky]

That's great. Glad they are both okay about it. If you're not competing then it's not a major problem to be training at two clubs. Hopefully there will be more people of your size and level at the other club for you to spar with.

[Frodocious]

Apparently there is at least 1 lady doing the gi class, so I'm hoping she's a small person, not a hulking heavyweight!

[Frodocious]

Well, I checked with my no-gi instructor last night, and he said it was ok for me to train at the other gym. I don't think he was over the moon about it, but he did think it would help my game and he thinks that is important. He also said he really appreciated the fact that I check with him first. Now I feel even more guilty about training at both places! I really wish he'd said I had to pick one or the other gym!