Originally Posted by
Sean Marshall
Florida is pretty much stuck 15 years in the past on most things. I think its some kind of time vortex caused by all the old people constantly coming here and living here in charge of things. South Florida isnt too bad, but Florida gonna Florida
From my experience, I've trained at some of the most hostile, non-welcoming schools by being overtly humble and having a respectful posture in approaching the head of the academy. Not trying to impose ideas on them and making my intentions clear that I hope to make friends and network and not be in a competitive mindset has allowed me to train at academies that others have told me they were turned away from. There is an etiquette associated with respectfully approaching any academy owner, jiu jitsu is a universal family and some schools that are notorious for turning people away deep down have good hearts and will not turn you away if you approach them respectfully, follow their academy etiquette, and accept whatever customs they follow given it's their house you're showing up at, it's not them coming to your doorstep. You're going to them. They bow in before coming on the mat? I'll bow in even though I don't do it at my academy. They bow out to some picture of a Gracie? Cool, I'm not gonna make a statement and go against the grain. They wear a certain gi with a certain logo? I'll look on ebay and see if I can get a deal on a piece of equipment with their logo. That has worked out for me. Given some of the notoriously stingy schools I've successfully navigated to form a friendship with and have a place to train on occasion, I'd be very, very surprised if someone turned you away strictly on the notion that they are not '10p friendly.' It's a weak argument and becoming obsolete with the success that 10p is having. Approach them the right way, and these schools will stay in the minority and continue to shrink in number. If you travel to a different country, you wouldn't say "This is how we do things in America, so that's how I'm gonna do it." If you're smart, you'll respect and observe the laws and customs of that nation. There should be no academy off limits to you if you approach them in a tactful manner.
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