What are your thoughts on changing gyms? I just left one I've been with for a while, have a few friends there but just looking for new challenges, move to the Hot Gym in town. I feel like a traitor though. Still need to cancel with the other gym though....
You are a traitor.
do a trial st the new gym, see what its about. voice your concerns to the other gym, let them know how they can improve.
that's a pretty s***** way to abandon your teammates though. but after all it's your money, so do what you like.
you left a gym....meh not a traitor.
You left a team? That may be a different story.
I am inclined to think if you are leaving for the hotter gym down the street that you werent a part of a team in any meaningful way. That you probably didnt organize guys to train, corner your teammates, compete, train friends for fights, live the life of a brother with other teammates.....so fuck it go squid somewhere else. Maybe there is pussy there!
I recently got fucked over by my gym owner/ coach (as did everyone at the gym… ) and it taught me that loyalty in this sport is extremely overrated and pretty much bullshit.
As close as you can your coaches and teammates are, you’ll find as good of friends and coaches at the next spot. Leave respectfully but do what you think is best for you. Staying at a gym because of loyalty is horseshit if you’re not getting the training you think you need.
clattymine -
I recently got fucked over by my gym owner/ coach (as did everyone at the gym… ) and it taught me that loyalty in this sport is extremely overrated and pretty much bullshit.
As close as you can your coaches and teammates are, you’ll find as good of friends and coaches at the next spot. Leave respectfully but do what you think is best for you. Staying at a gym because of loyalty is horseshit if you’re not getting the training you think you need.
I didn't think this thread would go anywhere which is why my first comment was sarcastic. Sorry about that, I thought it was a venting comment on behalf of OP.
I would assume like most situations in life there are a few approaches to this subject. The most important thing to consider in the story is yourself.
The fundamentals I assume is to get the best training and the best training experience for the best price. If you do not feel right you do not need to be in that position. If where you are you do not feel fulfilled, you need to change the situation. You seem to already have recognized that and moved on it.
The only person with the responsibility to look out for your well being is you. You have to put you first before anything else. This can be done without being selfish.
The answer is your approach to the transition from one gym to the next. If you are transparent and honest with your current gym/team you can keep your head high no matter how the pieces fall. You are responsible for your actions but not their reaction. Their reactions belong to them. You do not control their reactions, you can only control what you do and how you feel.
If you feel like a traitor, is it because you are doing something to make you feel like that or are they the ones doing something to make you feel like a traitor? If you are the one doing something to make yourself feel like a traitor, you can do something about that and ultimately have the power to change how you feel. If they are making you feel like a traitor, their reaction belongs to them and not you which means you have the serenity to shrug it off and not feel bad about it. If they are making you feel like a traitor, all you have to do is change your perspective and take away the power they have over how you feel. Regain that control and you give yourself that much more power.
Have fun :)
Why not cross-train at both places? 
Unless you were deeply involved with guys competition careers, this is almost surely not going to be a big deal.
In six months, who's going to care? This is a hobby for you, so the only person that you've got to satisfy is yourself. If you want to go elsewhere, then that's what you should do.
One of the best things I've been doing this year is going with my wife to every one of her out-of-town triathlons. We usually have to stay one or two nights in a different city. I always run "bjj [city name]" ahead of each trip, find a good school, and send them an email about dropping-in.
The result has been that I've trained at a bunch of other gyms all over the place. I've learned a lot about the atmosphere at different schools, teaching styles, cleanliness, gym management, etc. It's actually made me really appreciate my "home" gym. It's a great place that's on par with any of the places I've dropped-in at.
Still, if you're looking to change schools locally, I'd do the same thing. Send an email ahead of time, drop-in at every local academy, and find the place that really is the best fit for you.
Six months from now you'll be glad you did.
JStrongMMA - Why not cross-train at both places?
$, time ect...
Letibleu -JStrongMMA - Why not cross-train at both places?
$, time ect...
I guess it depends on the situation. Most of the gyms around me welcome fighters from other teams to come in and spar and roll for free. It's a good chance to work with new guys and get different looks.