So long, farewell, alf wiedersehen, goodbye

It's all over. My final session at RGDA-UK finished without incident (ie I thankfully didn't get injured). And, I must say, with a little tear in my eye, I will really miss the club.

For over the past 6 months my house move has been dragging on and on and now it is finally happening, it has dawned on me that due to the distance, I will no longer be able to attend my beloved Hackney BJJ club.

I started training there about 3 years ago and, although I had done a bit of BJJ at Carlson Gracie’s before, I was pretty much a raw beginner and was classic matt fodder as I got subbed time and time again. But I loved it then and I still do now. I’ve enjoyed my training there so much and really appreciate how Eddie and all the crew made me part of their ‘family’. It’s been a great ride. During my time there, I’d got to train with Royce, Royler and Rolker Gracie and rolled with numerous guys and girls who have become good friends. More importantly, I truly adhere to the club philosophy that BJJ should be more than just winning competitions and subbing everyone in sight. It is much deeper than that, and Eddie teaches it the way that Helio, Royler, Royce etc all teach it - as a martial art and self defence system to be enjoyed by all.
Thanks to everyone there, I consider myself very much still part of the RGDA crew and definitely hope to pop down every now and again.

So, the question is, where to now?

A quick scan on google reveals very few subgrapp or BJJ clubs in the Hertfordshire area. It got so depressing at one point I half considered joining a TKD or karate club (which there are in abundance in Herts), but, shudder the thought, I quickly put that one to rest.
There are however one or two clubs within driving distance that I may try. So, a new journey awaits and Meerkat will of course continue to report all his martial arts endeavours for your reading pleasure.