BJJ Near Hawthorne, CA — Kaizen Academy in Venice Is Your Best Westside Option
Hawthorne residents looking for quality BJJ are 20 minutes from Kaizen Academy in Venice, CA — one of the Westside's most respected beginner-friendly academies.
Hawthorne's proximity to the Westside makes Kaizen Academy in Venice, CA a realistic training option for residents looking for quality Brazilian Jiu Jitsu instruction. This post covers the best routes from Hawthorne to Kaizen Academy, what to expect from training there, and how to book a free first class.
If you're in Hawthorne and searching for a serious BJJ gym, the honest reality is that the best option probably isn't inside Hawthorne — it's about 20 minutes northwest at Kaizen Academy in Venice. This post skips the sales pitch and tells you exactly how to get there and what your first week actually looks like.
The drive from Hawthorne
From Hawthorne Blvd / central: north to El Segundo Blvd, west to Sepulveda/Lincoln, north on Lincoln. 20–25 minutes.
From the Crenshaw side: Imperial Hwy west to Sepulveda, north to Lincoln. 18–22.
Off the 405: north to the Lincoln or Centinela exit, then west to Lincoln Blvd. 18–23.
Park on Lincoln right out front.
Your first week, step by step
Before you come: nothing to buy. Wear athletic clothes that move — a t-shirt and shorts or leggings are fine for a first class. We'll sort out a gi later if you stick with it.
Your first class: you'll be in a beginner session built for people who've never trained. Expect a warm-up, a couple of positions broken down slowly, and light drilling with a partner. No live sparring thrown at you on day one.
Who's teaching: Andrew Menard, the head instructor — black belt, nine-plus years of teaching, on the mat for every class. You learn from him, not from whoever was free that night.
The room: capped at 15 students, so he actually sees what you're doing and corrects it in real time.
Kids too
Our kids program runs ages 3–13 — ask about times when you book if you want to train alongside your child.
The first class is free
No contract, no gear, no pressure to sign anything. 2014 Lincoln Blvd, Venice, CA 90291 · (424) 299-1563.