Best Bjj Camps in South America
South America, the birthplace of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, offers a wealth of training opportunities for BJJ enthusiasts. Here’s a comprehensive look at some of the best BJJ camps in the region:
BJJ Camp XP
Calima, Colombia
The first step in selecting the right BJJ camp is to accurately assess your skill level. BJJ camps typically cater to a range of practitioners, from beginners to advanced competitors. Understanding where you stand will help you find a camp that meets your needs:
- World-class instructors including Alex Munis, Raul Jimenez, Anderson Munis, and Juan Miguel Iturralde
- Two daily training sessions covering both Gi and No-Gi
- Focus on creating dreamy BJJ experiences in exotic locations
Connection Rio
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Connection Rio offers year-round training opportunities in the heart of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu’s birthplace. While not a traditional camp, it provides a unique immersive experience for BJJ practitioners.Highlights:
- Access to multiple top-tier BJJ academies in Rio
- Accommodation in a house with other BJJ enthusiasts
- Flexible stay durations from one week to several months
- Cultural experiences in Rio de Janeiro
BJJ & Surf Experience
Florianopolis, Brazil
This year-round camp combines BJJ training with surfing in one of Brazil’s most scenic locations.Features:
- Unlimited daily BJJ training
- Led by Leandro Beiller, a 3rd-degree black belt under Carlos Gracie Jr.
- Surfing lessons and beach training
- Accommodation included
Gracie Barra Camp
Belo Horizonte, Brazil
Gracie Barra, one of the largest BJJ organizations worldwide, hosts periodic camps in Belo Horizonte, the capital city of Minas Gerais state.Key aspects:
- Training with Gracie Barra’s top instructors
- Intensive seminars and technique workshops
- Cultural excursions in Belo Horizonte
- Networking opportunities within the Gracie Barra community
Atos Jiu-Jitsu Camp
São Paulo, Brazil
Atos, known for producing world-class competitors, occasionally hosts camps at their São Paulo headquarters.Highlights:
- Training with elite Atos competitors and coaches
- Focus on competition-oriented techniques and strategies
- High-intensity drilling and sparring sessions
- Opportunity to experience São Paulo’s vibrant culture
ZR Team Camp
Natal, Brazil
ZR Team, led by Zé Radiola, hosts periodic camps in the beautiful coastal city of Natal.Features:
- Training with Zé Radiola and other ZR Team black belts
- Beach training sessions
- Focus on both traditional and modern BJJ techniques
- Exploration of Natal’s famous dunes and beaches
Checkmat Camp
Santos, Brazil
Checkmat, another prominent BJJ team, organizes camps in Santos, the birthplace of the team’s founder, Leo Vieira.Key aspects:
- Instruction from Checkmat’s top competitors and coaches
- Intensive drilling of Checkmat’s signature techniques
- Strength and conditioning sessions
- Cultural tours of Santos and nearby São Paulo
Alliance BJJ Camp
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Alliance, one of the most successful teams in BJJ competition history, hosts camps in the vibrant city of Buenos Aires.Highlights:
- Training with Alliance’s top South American instructors
- Focus on Alliance’s proven competition strategies
- Cultural experiences in Argentina’s capital
- Tango lessons as a complementary activity
Cicero Costha Punta Arenas
Chile
While not a traditional camp, Cicero Costha’s gym in Punta Arenas offers a unique training experience in Patagonia.Features:
- Training in the southernmost BJJ gym in the world
- Opportunity to explore Patagonia’s breathtaking landscapes
- Small group sizes for personalized instruction
- Potential to see penguins and other unique wildlife
When choosing a BJJ camp in South America, consider factors such as instructor quality, location, camp duration, additional activities, skill level accommodation, time of year, and cost. Each of these camps offers a unique blend of high-quality BJJ instruction and cultural experiences, allowing you to improve your skills while exploring the diverse landscapes and rich cultures of South America.
Remember that training in a new environment, especially in a different country, can present unique challenges and opportunities. Embrace the local BJJ culture, be open to new techniques and training methods, and take advantage of the chance to roll with practitioners from diverse backgrounds. These experiences will not only enhance your BJJ skills but also broaden your perspective on the global BJJ community.
Whether you choose the structured program of BJJ Camp XP in Colombia, the immersive experience of Connection Rio, or any of the other excellent options, you’re sure to find a camp that aligns with your BJJ goals and travel preferences in South America.
