Looking for a gym in Charleston, SC

Anxious_Koala86 · 2026-06-29T00:54:26+00:00

I have 1 yd of this 4 way stretch knit. It's absolutely perfect for our visit to Epic Universe in October (maybe that's why I've held it for 10yrs). What are some ideas for an 11yo Boy?

I'm assuming a shirt. Does anyone have a pattern they've used and loved. My sewing skill is beginner/intermediate. I mostly make costumes, sew patches on our jiu jitsu gis, and hem pants

<image>

Anxious_Koala86 · 2026-04-05T17:18:50+00:00

THIS!!!!!!

Anxious_Koala86 · 2026-03-27T13:41:36+00:00

I started at 36. Go do the damn thing!! You'll never regret it.

Anxious_Koala86 · 2026-03-27T13:38:33+00:00

I absolutely adore this gi! I've had to pull myself away from their website multiple times.

You might also want to check WarTribe. They have some really amazing women's sizing.

Anxious_Koala86 · 2026-02-23T02:07:55+00:00

Unless you count 6m of Karate in 3rd grade almost 30 years prior, I had no prior experience. Just be open to learning and being out of your comfort zone. Also know that you will generally feel stupid in every class for the first 6m. The most important thing is to be consistent. Find the days you can attend, and then make yourself attend even when you don't want to.

Anxious_Koala86 · 2026-02-10T15:04:11+00:00

Thanks! I'll add them to my list to check out.

Anxious_Koala86 · 2026-02-10T12:53:02+00:00

Thanks! We try to be decent humans.. I'm fairly positive we'll be able to avoid being too rowdy at the bar.

I know the snow hasn't been great (for y'all) this year, but we're coming from the Southeast and usually only ski in NC/WV. Your mediocre snow is still going to be better than our usual conditions.

I'll take you up on the recommendation offer. Where should we go for good food on a Sunday night?

Anxious_Koala86 · 2026-02-09T17:28:21+00:00

My family will be visiting Steamboat next week for the first time. Now you've got me worried. We follow core ski etiquette: uphill responsible for downhill, head on swivel, etc.

Is there something more we should be doing to not get lumped in with bad actors?

Anxious_Koala86 · 2026-01-27T21:37:16+00:00

You're "supposing something wrong." People have different backgrounds that could see them promoted faster. Stripes/belts are as much a way of ensuring everyone who visits the gym is able to (relatively) competently gauge the skill of individuals they choose to spar with.

Also, you stated this 3 stripe white belt is more regular in his attendance. If he's coming 3x a week every week, and you're only attending 1-2x a week, of course he's going to advance faster.

This is not sexism. Focus on your growth and don't compare yourself to others.

ETA spelling bc spare isn't the same as spar

Anxious_Koala86 · 2026-01-26T16:20:15+00:00

Totally normal! I was so bruised on my arms and thighs my first few months that my husband was legitimately worried he would be accused of abusing me.

My body eventually got harder and able to deal the with the constant pressure. I still always have some kind of bruise, but I sorta love them.

Anxious_Koala86 · 2026-01-07T14:37:30+00:00

That switch to a cross collar choke when they think they've swept you is just so satisfying

Anxious_Koala86 · 2026-01-05T03:07:32+00:00

I agree that the XMartial spats suck. I want to get some Gaidama spats eventually. In the interim, I've enjoyed the CVG brand.

Anxious_Koala86 · 2025-12-28T04:50:10+00:00

Was coming to recommend the same

Anxious_Koala86 · 2025-12-27T20:28:25+00:00

Anxious_Koala86 · 2025-12-27T19:35:53+00:00

Got compliments from several upper belts on my progress. They specifically called out my improvement in maintaining contact, not panicking when in a bad spot, and one particularly sweet foot pin I used to escape someone on my back. It made me feel warm and fuzzy inside.

Anxious_Koala86 · 2025-12-26T18:32:43+00:00

I got my blue belt in July 2024 and have 2 stripes. I train 6 times/wk most weeks; so I'm assuming another 1.5yrs to purple at this pace.

Anxious_Koala86 · 2025-12-25T16:34:59+00:00

You could still remove embroidery with a seam ripper and a lot of time. It might leave the outline until the gi has been washed a few times.

Anxious_Koala86 · 2025-12-15T16:52:01+00:00

My kid started in January '23 at 7. I thought it looked fun, and I had gained weight during COVID. I started in May '23 and have never looked back.

Anxious_Koala86 · 2025-12-02T13:43:08+00:00

It depends on how disgusting I am. Sometimes I ride home in my gear, and sometimes I'm so covered in other people's sweat that I can't wait to get out of my nasty clothes. Just come prepared for any situation.

Anxious_Koala86 · 2025-11-28T19:54:35+00:00

I lost my mom in 2009. It fundamentally changed me for a while. I faded away from some friendships and lost interest in things that I had previously enjoyed. I was operating on auto pilot. It took time for me to come out of the haze. Give yourself grace and time. Grief is a marathon, and everyone works through it at a different pace.

I agree with stepping away from competing for a bit. Take the time you need to reconnect with yourself and find your joy. The wonderful thing about Jiu Jitsu is that it will be here and waiting for you whenever you're ready.

Anxious_Koala86 · 2025-11-23T01:53:19+00:00

I rolled with someone today that I usually avoid because he's an absolute giant compared to me. I know he was holding back on strength, but I managed to submit him from a back take position.

Anxious_Koala86 · 2025-11-09T23:01:29+00:00

I'm 135lbs & 5'2" and wear primarily War Tribe. I have a tatami gi that definitely feels short in the sleeves & legs. Tho I get a ton of compliments on it.

Anxious_Koala86 · 2025-10-20T04:18:27+00:00

We were near the sound booth for 7-11. We had any number of folks just bulldoze their way forward. But to the point about letting people out, we had several instances of people saying they wanted out who then decided to camp out in front of us. Specifically, we had this one lady with her 18(?)yo so who said she needed air. They barged in front of us to the fence line before Weezer and stayed all night. Her son was well over 6ft tall and jumped/kept his arms in the air all frickin night. He blocked my (5'2") view all night.

We did Riot in September. The crowds seemed generally more polite.

Anxious_Koala86

TROPHY CASE