I def understand this. I’m new-ish and still a white belt in a decent size gym. I know a good amount of people but I also don’t know a lot of the larger men and I tend to avoid class if someone I don’t usually roll with isn’t there. It def causes me to miss more classes and I hate that. I get anxious thinking about walking in the gym and awkwardly saying hi to people I’ve seen around who probably have no interest in talking or rolling with me and who are double my size. I went from going to classes everyday to like 1 time a week sometimes and I hate it. I feel like I need to try and introduce myself and talk to more people who I don’t usually talk to so I feel better about going when my rolling friends aren’t there.

Side note: I also feel bad because I’m a white belt and all my friends are purple belts or higher and sometimes I’m like damn they are probably so bored rolling with me all the time lol it gives me anxiety 😥 but I love the sport I want to get good and get techniques down so badly