Is It Worth It To Go To A BJJ Seminar?
- Matt S
- Jun 2
- 3 min read
Here's What I Remembered In Calgary
As a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt teaching in both Toronto and Montreal, I’ve had the opportunity to train, teach, and learn in many incredible environments. But recently, teaching at the Rolling for Vida Charity Seminar in Calgary reminded me of something that’s easy to forget: how transformative a single BJJ seminar can be—not just technically, but emotionally and spiritually.
About the Rolling for Vida Charity Seminar
Held on Sunday, May 25, 2025 at Upper Alliance Jiu-Jitsu in Calgary, the Rolling for Vida seminar was more than just a gathering of martial artists. It was a powerful tribute to Vida Rondon Monje, a child who never had the chance to take her first breath but whose name—meaning “Life” in Portuguese—now stands for resilience, love, and community.
This event brought together families, fighters, and friends with one goal: to raise money for the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation. Last year, the event raised nearly $3,000. This year, the goal was doubled to $4,000—and the energy in the room showed we were going to reach it.
My Experience Teaching at the Seminar
It was an honor to be invited as one of the guest instructors, teaching alongside the incredibly talented Diana Trang from Satori YYC. Sharing the mats with Diana and watching her teach was nothing short of inspiring—and let’s be real, Calgary showed up with energy.
Personally, I was excited to teach a portion on de la X guard—a position I’ve relied on for years and developed deeply. It’s a dynamic guard that gives you options whether you're a newer white belt or a seasoned competitor. Seeing old friends from Toronto who came out to support the cause made it even more special.
Why BJJ Seminars Are Worth Your Time
This seminar reminded me of why I always recommend attending seminars, especially if you train in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Toronto or Montreal. Here’s why:
Rapid Learning: In just a couple of hours, you’re exposed to techniques and concepts that might take weeks or months to surface in regular class.
Menu of Options: A good seminar is like a buffet—you don’t need to eat everything. You just need to pick what resonates with you. Find one or two moves that fit your game, and refine them over time.
Community & Inspiration: It’s not just about the moves. It’s about connecting with people who share your passion, hearing their stories, and building lasting friendships through the art.
Looking for BJJ Private Lessons in Toronto or Montreal?
If you’re based in Toronto or Montreal and are looking to take your game to the next level, I offer private BJJ lessons tailored to your goals. Whether you want to refine your guard game, sharpen your submissions, or simply gain more confidence on the mats, one-on-one instruction is a powerful way to accelerate your learning.
Reach out to book your private Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu session in Toronto or Montreal—whether you're prepping for competition, looking to improve a specific position, or just starting out.
Final Thoughts
The Rolling for Vida seminar was a reminder that Jiu-Jitsu is about more than technique—it’s about heart. It's about showing up for others, for causes bigger than ourselves, and growing together as a community.
If you ever wonder whether going to a seminar is “worth it,” the answer is simple: absolutely. You’ll walk away with more than just new techniques—you’ll walk away with perspective.
A huge thank you to Rafa and Jennie for organizing this beautiful event, pouring your hearts into every detail, and giving all of us the chance to honor Vida in such a meaningful way. You brought the community together for something truly special—and I’m grateful to have been a part of it.
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