How to Balance Work, Life, and BJJ Training in Los Angeles

Balancing work, life, and BJJ training in Los Angeles is a challenge, but it’s entirely possible with careful planning and a strategic approach. The city’s notorious traffic, long work hours, and vibrant social scene can make it difficult to find time for the mats, but with the right mindset, you can successfully integrate all three.

1. Strategic Scheduling and Time Management

The key to balancing BJJ in Los Angeles is treating your training with the same priority as a work meeting.

 Early Morning Training: Many top academies in LA offer classes as early as 6:00 AM. Training in the morning is a great way to guarantee you get your session in before work obligations or LA’s evening traffic become an issue. It also provides a huge energy boost for the rest of your day.

 Lunchtime Sessions: Some academies, particularly in business districts like Santa Monica or Downtown LA, offer midday classes. This is a great option if you have a flexible work schedule.

 Utilize Weekends: Don’t underestimate the power of a long, solid training session on a Saturday or Sunday morning. Weekend open mats are a great way to get in extra rounds and learn from a variety of training partners without the pressure of a weekday class.

2. Choosing the Right Academy

The location and culture of your BJJ academy are critical when trying to balance your schedule.

 Proximity to Work or Home: Choose a gym that’s conveniently located near your office or your home. This will minimize time spent in LA traffic, which can be the biggest obstacle. A 10-minute drive is a huge advantage over a 45-minute drive.

 Flexible Schedule: A gym with a flexible class schedule, including early morning, midday, and late-night sessions, gives you more options to work around a demanding job or social commitments.

 Training Partner Network: A supportive gym with a strong community can make a big difference. Having reliable training partners who are also committed to the schedule can help you stay accountable.

3. The Mindset: Quality Over Quantity

In a city like Los Angeles, you likely won’t be able to train every day, and that’s okay.

 Prioritize a Few Sessions: Instead of aiming for five classes a week and failing, aim for two or three high-quality, focused sessions. Consistency over time is more important than sporadic, intense bursts of training.

 Embrace the “Rest Day”: When you’re not on the mats, focus on recovery. Use your off days for mobility work, stretching, yoga, or light cardio. This will prevent injury and keep your body ready for the next session.

 Communicate with Your Coach: Be honest with your instructor about your work and life schedule. A good coach will understand and can provide a personalized plan to help you progress efficiently with the time you have.

 Integrate Fitness: If you can’t make it to the gym, find ways to incorporate fitness into your life. Run in the hills, do bodyweight exercises at home, or go for a bike ride. This will help maintain your cardio and strength, which are crucial for BJJ

How to Balance Work, Life, and BJJ Training in Los Angeles

How to Balance Work, Life, and BJJ Training in Los Angeles

How to Balance Work, Life, and BJJ Training in Los Angeles