The Top Spots to Roll
BJJ Training While Traveling:
The Top Spots to Roll in South America
Traveling doesn’t mean you have to leave your passion for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) behind. South America is one of the most exciting destinations for BJJ enthusiasts, combining incredible training opportunities with rich cultural experiences and breathtaking scenery.
Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or a curious beginner, these top destinations will make your journey unforgettable, starting with BJJ Camp XP in Colombia—a camp like no other, where training meets adventure and community impact.
1BJJ Camp XP
Calima, Colombia
At the heart of Colombia’s stunning Lake Calima, BJJ Camp XP offers more than just world-class BJJ training. It’s an opportunity to connect with a global community of practitioners while experiencing the vibrant culture and natural beauty of Colombia.
Why Choose BJJ Camp XP?
World-Class Training:
Learn from top instructors like Anderson Munis and Giulia Gregorut, who tailor sessions for all levels. Whether you’re a white belt or a seasoned black belt, you’ll leave with new techniques and unforgettable experiences.
Adventure and Culture:
The camp is as much about adventure as it is about Jiu-Jitsu. Between sessions, you can paddleboard, kitesurf, explore waterfalls, or join a salsa night.
Giving Back to the Community:
BJJ Camp XP is committed to empowering the local Calima community:
The camp actively supports Calima Combat, a grassroots BJJ project helping children from humble beginnings.
Kids are invited to train alongside world champions, with transportation provided by the camp.
Local practitioners can train for free, ensuring access to high-quality instruction for those with limited resources.
The camp’s vision is to nurture Calima’s youth, paving the way for them to become some of the strongest Jiu-Jitsu athletes in the world.
When you train at BJJ Camp XP, you’re contributing to a mission that extends far beyond the mats.
Learn More: Visit BJJ Camp XP to explore the details and join the movement.
2Guardian Gym
Máncora, Peru
Located in the serene beach town of Máncora, Guardian Gym isn’t just about training—it’s about transforming lives. This community-driven project, led by Salvatore Sanguinetti, uses Jiu-Jitsu to provide hope and opportunity to kids living in extreme poverty.
Why Train Here?
- Community Impact:
Guardian Gym offers free BJJ training to over 100 children, giving them a safe space to grow and learn discipline, confidence, and valuable life skills. - Meet Salvatore:
A 2nd-degree black belt, Salvatore Sanguinetti is the heart and soul of Guardian Gym. His dedication to the community has made a profound impact on the lives of Máncora’s youth. - Train and Volunteer:
Visitors can train while supporting the gym’s mission by mentoring students or helping with classes.
At Guardian Gym, your experience goes beyond the mats—it’s a chance to make a real difference.
Learn More: Visit Guardian Gym Peru to support this incredible initiative.
3Connection Rio
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
As the birthplace of BJJ, Brazil is a must-visit for any Jiu-Jitsu enthusiast, and Connection Rio provides an ideal gateway to the sport’s roots. Located in the vibrant city of Rio de Janeiro, it offers access to some of the best academies in the world.
Why Train Here?
- Access to Elite Academies:
Train at legendary gyms like Gracie Barra and Nova União, learning from some of the sport’s most celebrated instructors. - Flexible Accommodations:
Stay for a week, a month, or longer with options that cater to travelers. - Cultural Experiences:
In your downtime, explore Rio’s iconic landmarks, like Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain, and Copacabana Beach.
Learn More: Visit Connection Rio to plan your stay.
4Checkmat Santos
Santos, Brazil
Another Brazilian gem, Checkmat Santos is home to some of the strongest competitors in the sport and offers an unparalleled training experience for those seeking to sharpen their skills.
Why Train Here?
Learn from top coaches in a competitive yet welcoming environment.
Coastal Charm:
Santos offers beautiful beaches and a laid-back atmosphere to complement your intense training sessions.
Learn More: Visit Checkmat Santos for details.
Why Combine BJJ Training with Travel?
- Stay Active: Keep up with your fitness and skills while exploring new places.
- Cultural Immersion: Training at local gyms lets you experience the culture from a unique perspective.
- Global Community: Meet practitioners from around the world and create lifelong friendships.
Plan Your BJJ Adventure
South America is a dream destination for Jiu-Jitsu practitioners, offering a unique combination of world-class training, cultural immersion, and breathtaking landscapes. Whether it’s training with world champions in Colombia, supporting community-driven initiatives in Peru, or exploring the roots of BJJ in Brazil, the experiences here will inspire and enrich you.
If you’re ready to explore South America through the lens of Jiu-Jitsu, start with BJJ Camp XP. It’s the perfect mix of adventure, community, and world-class training, set against the stunning backdrop of Lake Calima. Join us and see why BJJ Camp XP is more than just a camp—it’s a movement.
Learn More: Visit BJJ Camp XP to find out how to join our next camp.
Let’s roll. See you in Calima!