The holidays are one of the busiest travel seasons of the year—but that doesn’t mean your Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) training has to pause. Whether you’re visiting family, vacationing, or heading out on a work trip, you can keep your Jiu-Jitsu journey moving forward with smart packing strategies and a little planning. With the right approach, you’ll not only stay on the mats during your travels—you’ll also expand your network and connect with BJJ communities around the world.
In this guide, we’ll break down how to travel efficiently with your Jiu-Jitsu gear, how to keep your gear clean and organized on the go, and how to find and train at new academies wherever you land.
Why Train BJJ While Traveling?
Training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu during holiday travel offers more than just a good workout.
It allows you to:
- Stay consistent with your skill development
- Experience new teaching styles and training partners
- Build friendships across the global BJJ community
- Reduce holiday stress through mindful movement
- Maintain your conditioning during a time when routines get disrupted
Staying active and connected makes your holiday experience even better—and it all starts with smart packing.
How to Pack Your BJJ Gear Efficiently for Holiday Travel
1. Choose the Right Gi or Go No-Gi
If you’re traveling with limited space, bring a lightweight gi or stick to no-gi gear.
- No-Gi Option: Rashguards and shorts take up far less room and dry quickly after training.
- Travel-Friendly Gi: Look for ripstop pants, lightweight jackets, and quick-dry materials.
2. Use Compression Bags or Packing Cubes
Compression bags keep everything compact and organize sweaty gear away from clean clothes. Dedicate one cube to:
- A small mesh bag for “used gear” to prevent odor spread
- Clean Gi/No-Gi sets
- Another for post-training clothing
3. Bring Fast-Drying Essentials
Holiday travel often means limited laundry access. Pack gear that dries overnight:
- Quick-dry rashguards
- Ultralight gis
- Antimicrobial spats
- Microfiber towel
4. Don’t Forget Hygiene Essentials
Cleanliness is key—especially when you’re training at different academies. Pack:
- Travel-size body wash
- Antibacterial soap or wipes
- Mini laundry detergent
- Mat-safe disinfectant spray
- Nail clippers
- Flip-flops for the locker room
These items keep your gear fresh and help you make a good impression at any academy you visit.
How to Keep Your Gear Fresh While Traveling
1. Wash the Gi Whenever You Can
If you don’t have access to a washing machine:
- Rinse in the shower
- Hand-wash critical areas (collar, armpits, inside sleeves)
- Hang dry near a vent or window
2. Use Odor-Control Hacks
If you’re stuck without washing options:
- Sprinkle baking soda inside your travel bag
- Keep dryer sheets between layers of gear
- Let your gear air out ASAP after class
3. Rotate Gear When Possible
If you have space, bring:
- Two rashguards
- Two pairs of shorts
- One light gi
This gives you enough rotation to stay clean and comfortable.
How to Find and Connect With Jiu-Jitsu Academies When Traveling
One of the best parts of BJJ is the global community. Whether you’re traveling across the U.S. or internationally, you’ll almost always find a welcoming gym.
1. Start With a Simple Search
Use terms like:
- “BJJ academy near me”
- “Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gym in [city]”
- “Jiu-Jitsu classes [destination]”
Most academies list schedules, visitor fees, and contact info online.
2. Check Social Media
Instagram is especially helpful. Many academies post:
- Class schedules
- Drop-in policies
- Holiday special schedules
- Open mats
You can also DM the academy to introduce yourself.
3. Ask Your Coach for Recommendations
Your home academy may already have friendly connections in the city you’re visiting. A personal referral goes a long way—especially for holiday open mats or competition-focused sessions.
4. Bring a Respectful Attitude
When visiting a new BJJ gym:
- Arrive early
- Introduce yourself to the instructor
- Explain your experience level honestly
- Avoid going too hard with unfamiliar partners
- Follow their rules and etiquette
Good impressions help the community grow—and you’ll likely be welcomed back.
Holiday Travel Training Tips for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
- Look for morning classes so you can train before holiday events.
- Keep a flexible mindset—schedules may change during the holidays.
- Stay hydrated and eat well even while snacking at family gatherings.
- Bring a backup no-gi set in case a gi class doesn’t fit your schedule.
- Plan rest days—travel can be taxing, and your body may need extra recovery.
Final Thoughts: Staying Efficient, Connected, and Engaged in BJJ While Traveling
Traveling during the holidays doesn’t have to break your Jiu-Jitsu routine. With the right gear, smart packing, and a willingness to explore new academies, you can turn your holiday trip into part of your Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey. Every city you visit is an opportunity: new training partners, new techniques, and new connections that enrich your practice.
So pack smart, stay open-minded, and keep rolling—no matter where the holidays take you.