I think the title says it all.

The reason is that I'm currently un-employed and I live 40km away from the city that the gym is. I go there twice a week and even though that's not as often as you think it's still pretty expensive.

For me BJJ has been more than a hobby, it's been more like my first true love. I love BJJ! It has been the first sport I have ever done seriously and competed in (not that greatly though ). I was always bullied in school and with BJJ I found a place where I belong. And even though I'm positive and out going guy I've always been shy because of the bullying but with BJJ I've met A LOT of great people! People I look up to, people I like to train with and people I admire.

Luckily I might be able to go to school in that city next fall so I'll have to move to the city. It's just funny to realize now how much this sport means to me.

Anybody else who has some similar feelings for their sport? Please cry your hearts out

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Sorry to hear about the job loss. Try to go as often as you can, the expense will be worth it. Bjj helps keep me sane, its great therapy. I also compete, I dont do well either but the point is we do it. Good luck. Where do you train?

I'm from Finland actually. I train in the city of Mikkeli.

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Take this for what it's worth, but please read:

I relocated back in November, after taking a new job. While I make more money and the benefits are better, the cost of living here in my new home is considerably higher. Also, the martial arts gyms here cost a ton more. I have been involved in martial arts for over thirteen years, have competed in amateur MMA, submission grappling tournaments, and open martial arts tournaments. I also taught defensive tactics to law enforcement in Virginia, so to say that martial arts is more than a hobby for me is an under-statement, so I can completely relate to your current situation.

I haven't rolled in over four months. It's difficult, and I miss it. However, I wouldn't call it quitting. You can still study videos online, watch the pros grapple, study the basics, work on shrimping drills, and stay in shape. Improve your anaerobic and aerobic conditoning, flexibility, and functional strength so that when you hit the mats again (and you will), you'll be ready.

You're not quitting, you're just in a bit of a slump, but you can make it your advantage. I remember going into the service, and leaving my boxing gym back in New York back in '04. I was so dedicated to the sport of boxing, and really wanted to compete in the local golden gloves in my home town. However, I got to my duty station and found that there was no where to train. At first, I had the same mentality as you, saying I was quitting for a while. But then I got the itch, and started shadow sparring on front of a mirror, and started honing the basics in front of the mirror, making sure that each punch was as close to perfect as I could make it. I worked on slipping, rolling, footwork, etc. Had friends hold focus mitts, too.

Find other avenues in which to improve, but don't quit.

Good luck!

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"Fall down seven times, stand up eight." ~ Chinese proverb

Wow, you really cheered me up! Thank you so much for this!

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No problem, glad I could help. Good luck!

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"Fall down seven times, stand up eight." ~ Chinese proverb

If anything try to at least drill to retain some muscle memory. Jay Sculls has some great solo drills on Youtube as well as an entire dvd of them.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EXjP50SOwK4&feature=plcp

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Don't smell like sunsets and baby powder. Smell like jet fighters and punching. -Old Spice

I've been away from it for almost 6 years, and I still miss it.

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"I'm not conceited, I'm convinced!"
-Ali