Post: #1

I'm considering leaving my current school to train at another school and would appreciate any advice on whether or not its the right move. I'm still hesitant as i've been at my current school for over a year. My main reasons for wanting to switch are that my current place doesn't offer enough classes and is a long drive vs this new place which is very close by and a lot more classes. They both cost the same. I have a lot of free time these days and have been trying to train as much as possible but where i'm at almost all classes are just at night. The new school has way more classes, the quality of instruction seems pretty high after I visited for a class, but I also don't know anyone there unlike where I'm currently at. The place I'm at now, I know all the guys, and is a smaller school with a more personal touch. You get the chance to ask the instructor lots of questions and he'll take the time to help you. I don't know if the new place is the same in that regard. Any thoughts?

Post: #2

Dude just try it for a month and see. You can always switch back if you don't like the new one.

I've switched BJJ gyms 4 times due to my travels. Some are definitely better than others.

It's nice to stick with one to build up relationships with the guys there but on the flip side changing gyms exposes you to new styles and ideas so that can be beneficial for your training too.

Post: #3

Definitely give school #2 a try.

I don't know in what part of the world you live in, but the BJJ community is relatively small and school loyalty has always been a sensitive topic (see the term creonte).

I've had to change schools a couple of times but I would make sure to talk to your teacher and explain why you are leaving - the new school will be closer, more in line with your schedule, etc. If you keep at it you're sure to bump into him or your old training partners again, specially in events and tournaments, so it's always best to leave on a good note.

Post: #4

Unless you're an elite competitor or have some specific need for the best instruction (or you're choosing between a terrible gym and a great gym), the best gym for you will tend to be the one that you can train at most often. This is especially true if you're a white or blue belt and are still learning basic technique. 5 hours a week at a decent gym is going to make you better than 2 hours a week at an excellent gym.

Edit: Just re-read your original post. There is something special about a smaller, more intimate setting where everyone knows everyone. I would say try the new one for a week so you can get a sense of the people and the vibe.

Post: #5

I think changing academys because of proximity and class offerings is fair and most instructors would understand. Just make sure you like the school and the vibe by trying it out for at least a week. Some schools have very aggressive students while others are extremely laid back. So you need to see if you fit in to the schools style. Lastly, although belt rank should not be a motivator in your BJJ journey, just keep in mind that practitioners who jump around tend to take a way longer time to get promoted.

Post: #6

Ringo and Balls make good points. Once you get a blue belt, try and stick with your school until brown or black. Pick well the first time because BJJ has too much politics in it, in a way.

I took private lessons and did seminars with famous guys or other rivals before and after I got a black belt. That's another way to avoid the itch to switch schools. Nobody respects constant switchers in BJJ. It still has a heavy team/gang vibe that came from the Gracies who started that. I myself stuck with my school to the end and ended up being the head instructor at one point until I had to pass the torch. It won't always be pretty and rosy (the school as a whole). Good years, bad years, etc. Staying around for a long time builds more character and discipline than being "that dude with money that every school in the area knows, but he does not have a black belt from anyone".

If you have MMA aspirations, it becomes even more crucial to find a camp/affliate and stay in the system. For example if Team <name> is good friends with <insert famous fighter>, you can go cross train with that guy for a while, just tell him you train with his old buddy. Lots of fighters/BJJ guys are good friends with other ones and build alliances. Anyone in an Official GJJ school can go to another one easily with their rank.

The GJJ people and the Machados are 100 times worse than anyone else when it comes to loyalty (MMA and competition wise). Consider yourself warned on that. You could find money not even welcome at some private pay to learn seminars. The good news is that they don't know something you cannot find out somewhere else anyway.