BJJ Globetrotter Camp in Reykjavik

Duration: 8 days, 7 nights

Island: Iceland, ISL

Two things done of my bucket list with one journey.

First of all, I always wanted to join in a Globetrotters camp.

Second, Iceland was very high ranked in the list of country`s I want to visit.

So, my friends and I took the opportunity and went to the camp in the middle of the pandemic.

Training

 Gilma

Gilma is a traditional wrestling style of Iceland from Viking combat.

Each competitor wears a belt and allow the partners grip each other by the belt to begin the match.

The goal is the same as in wrestling. You try to throw or lift your opponent and bring him to the ground.

The first who does it wins.

Food and drinks

Hákarl (Fermented Shark): Perhaps one of the most infamous Icelandic dishes, hákarl is made from Greenland shark that has been cured with a particular fermentation process and hung to dry for four to five months. It has a strong ammonia smell and a distinctive taste.

Harðfiskur (Dried Fish): Icelanders often enjoy this high-protein snack, typically made from haddock, cod, or catfish, which is dried in the cold North Atlantic air.

Pylsur (Icelandic Hot Dog): Made mostly from Icelandic lamb, along with pork and beef, Icelandic hot dogs are unique in flavor. They are typically served with a combination of raw white onions and crispy fried onions, ketchup, sweet mustard, and remoulade.

Skyr: This is a dairy product similar to yogurt, but thicker in consistency and milder in taste. It’s very high in protein and popular at breakfast or as a snack, often served with berries or other fruits.

Kjötsúpa (Lamb Soup): A hearty Icelandic staple, this soup is made with lamb, potatoes, onions, and root vegetables. It’s particularly popular to consume during the colder months.

Lobster Soup: Known locally as «Humarsúpa,» this creamy soup is made with Icelandic lobsters, which are smaller than their American counterparts but packed with flavor.

Brennivín: Sometimes called «Black Death,» this is a clear, unsweetened schnapps made from fermented potato mash and flavored with caraway seeds. It’s often consumed alongside hákarl.

Icelandic Beer: Following the lifting of a longstanding ban in 1989, Iceland has developed a vibrant craft beer scene with breweries like Einstök and Bríó offering a range of beers from pale ales to porters.

Icelandic Water: Pure and crisp, the tap water in Iceland is some of the cleanest in the world, sourced directly from natural springs.

Coffee: Coffee culture is strong in Iceland, with Reykjavik boasting numerous cozy cafes that serve high-quality, well-brewed coffee.

Other stuff we did

The four of us booked an Airbnb with whirlpool and sauna for the recovery after training and a car.

The car helped us to come around the island.

We went to the volcano which erupted a few weeks before.

Of course, we did a daytrip to see the geysers.

Also, we went to the Sky Lagoon.

Good to know

check if you need a Visa.

The best way to get around is by car.

The currency is EURO.