u/CruC1Ble79

I'm 21 years old and I started training in November of 2024 for hobby. I'm from Cyprus, it's a tiny country but there are a couple Sambo gyms around, particularly in Nicosia and Limassol.

I'm not going to name-drop any names or gyms, though I'm pretty sure what I've experienced in my gym isn't much different than other gyms in Cyprus.

*Accessibility*: I know the sport is predominantly found in the post-soviet/Eastern-bloc countries, and for anyone living in the Western hemisphere may have issues with accessibility. Surprisingly it's not that bad in Cyprus! Since we have a sizable Russian speaking population; especially in Limassol, and also the Coaches here have done a good job promoting the sport to local Cypriots; I don't think anyone who wants to start Sambo here is going to struggle. An hour's long drive at its worst.

*Culture/Norms*: It's a very hospitable environment and I was welcomed with open arms at my first day. Socializing isn't one of my greatest strengths, but I integrated into the gym's little community without friction. Respect and humility are two virtues that characterize the sport. Of course it took me some time to get used to training, I remember gassing out on my first day from the warm up. Though my coaches and fellow Sambists help me along the way with great patience. Overall, it's a positive and respectful experience, especially if you're in just for the fun and hobby. Obviously if you're competing, your experience is probably very different, with different demands and challenges.

*Skill descepancy/ Mismatches*: I see two types of Sambists in my gym: Hobbyists or Seasoned Veterans. Of course it's not a Sambo specific instance, I think It's a Cyprus-small-island issue. I find myself either training with the same 1-2 beginners like myself, or getting rekt by former-Judo-blackbelts. And that's okay, totally expected XD

It's a little demoralising at times to be honest, however I believe my persistence is going to pay off over time. You have to be willing to suck at it for a while.

*Miscellaneous*: Despite being a hobbyist, I competed two times, at an International level tournament in Larnaka and an Inter-gym tournament at my gym. I got absolutely OBLITERATED at the international tournament, and I knew exactly what I was walking into, and at the inter-gym I did way better since I've sparred all my guys before. I'm 1-5(L) lol.

I feel very satisfied with my experience so far and I'm absolutely hyped for the future. I hope the sport grows even further!

I'm at pages 480-490 in the novel, I'm reading about the ETA morning practice Hal and his buddies have to endure.

I used to be serve in the army for a year, mandatory service. Well, I must say reading this chapter felt relatable haha. Coach Schtitt could've very well been an army Colonel. I also found tragic and funny the part were he told the kids that they'll have to literally *live* inside the courts if they don't get any better at Tennis.

What I also found quite relatable for me is when the novel takes time to describe the surrounding landscape of ETA along with the narrative. Indeed when you're low-key stressing, especially when you're in a tight program, nature is just the only thing that'll bring you some peace.

Speaking of landscapes, I've noticed that most of the novel takes place *inside* some premises and buildings. Of course a major exception would be Marathe and Steeply on the shelf.

I think a significant contributing factor to IJ's dimness and depressing atmosphere is that it places us inside, for the most part, either Boston AA or ETA.

But, when they book does eventually describe the landscape, it's beautiful and mesmerising. I think it gives that *light at the end of the tunnel* effect.