I was going to travel to Brazil for a couple of months to train last year. You know, the Mecca for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Sadly things change and I wasn't able to go on that trip. During the period that I was going to travel to Brazil I happened across Christian Graugart's book "BJJ Globetrotter", which invoked my lust and passion for travelling. 

Christian chronicles his travels around the world to different, and albeit obscure, locations around Europe, North America, South America, and Eastern Asia to train Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. It was a really great read, especially since I've visited some of the places that he travelled to.

While I can't take off 6-8 months from work, what I can do is expand my world travels and meet some great folks along the way in a matter of 6-8 weeks. And that's the goal. I will travel Europe for 6-8 weeks, from gym to gym. City to city. Country to country.

In the spirit of Christian, I'd like to ask you for your help. Taking a trip like this is an arduous task, financially, mentally, and physically. Are you from Europe and train BJJ? Can you offer me a spot in your home country to train at? Would you be willing to help me with accommodations? Could you point me to good travel arrangements? I can't offer much. I'm just a lowly "faixa azul" (blue belt) under Rodrigo Vaghi (Rickson Gracie), but I do have some glimpses of genius from time to time. Maybe I can offer some IT help or teach a kids class for you? Maybe I can show your gym a technique you're not familiar with? I could even show your gym some drills that I use on a regular basis? Let's barter!

Coming up with a name for this blog, of all things, has taken up the majority of my time. I recruited a Brasileira friend of mine for help in coming up with a decent name for this blog. After much back and forth between her and other friends, I have a name. Translated into English it would be "Tame Man". But, that title is a bit misleading. In Portuguese the word "domar" is typically used for a beast that isn't easily handled. I brought up my concern about this to my friend, and she stated that she felt it was an apt title considering my evolution in the art. Thank you Elis!

I actually asked for help from many people in coming up for a name for the blog. There were some great ideas. A friends wife (who is from Latvia) actually gave me some great insight as to content that I should include here. Some of her suggestions were:
"You will be meeting other fighters, but you should ask them questions while you are there such as: What is the perfect fight for you? What is worth fighting for? Can you win a fight without fighting? How do you fight for life, and all life?". Some great Philosophy from my friends wife (Thank you Liene!).