
Why I Left England for Life in Thailand? || NANDO BORRALHO (E166)
About this episode
🌍 What keeps a Brazilian jiu-jitsu coach rooted in Thailand for eight years when he could return to the comforts of England or his native Brazil?
🤼♂️ Nando Borralho returns for his third appearance to share the real truth about expatriate life in Phuket. Fresh food that actually spoils 🥬, beaches accessible to everyone 🏖️, and safety levels that let him leave keys in his motorbike 🔑—these simple pleasures form the foundation of Nando's paradise.
The conversation dives into Nando's journey: from training at Gracie Baha to opening Delta BJJ at Boat Avenue 🥋. He also breaks down the visa runs to Laos ✈️, the dance of work permits 📑, and his role as an ADCC referee that keeps him connected to Phuket’s fast-growing jiu-jitsu community 🌐.
👨👦 Most touching are Nando’s reflections on raising his two sons in Thailand—structured routines, early bedtimes ⏰, and educational opportunities 📚 that contrast with his freestyle Brazilian childhood, yet give his kids a strong foundation.
As Phuket changes around him—traffic jams 🚦 replacing empty roads and construction popping up overnight 🏗️—Nando stays grounded: “Every change hurts. You’re moving, I’m moving, it hurts—it’s how much you like to hurt.”
✨ This balance of gratitude for Thailand’s gifts and acceptance of its challenges sums up the expat life perfectly.
👉 Reach out to Coach Nando on Instagram to learn about training at Delta BJJ, whether you’re a beginner looking for self-defense skills or an experienced practitioner sharpening your game in paradise.
#BrazilianJiuJitsu #BJJThailand #ExpatLife #PhuketLiving #MartialArts #ADCC #DeltaBJJ #PhuketThailand #BJJCommunity #JiuJitsuLifestyle #LifeInThailand #BJJFamily #PhuketLife #BJJTraining #ExpatStories #fruitingbodypodcast
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🙏THANK YOU TO ALL OUR SUPPORTERS :)
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🎧AUDIO VERSIONS ▼
▸SPOTIFY | https://open.spotify.com/show/7jmBtVQ7cRzV1vQiearseH
▸APPLE | https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/fruiting-body-phuket-podcast/id1586653000
🔥OUR GUESTS SOCIAL▼
▸Nando's Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/coachnandoborralho/
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