The Digital Nomad's Guide to BJJ: Best Cities for Remote Work and Training

This guide highlights some of the world's most popular nomad hubs where reliable internet, coworking spaces and vibrant communities exist alongside world‑class BJJ schools.

Training on the Road: Basic Tips

Before diving into specific destinations, there are a few general practices that make training on the road easier:

Canggu, Bali – Surf, Coworking and World‑Class Mats

Remote‑work scene:

Canggu, on Bali's south coast, has exploded as a nomad hub. It's one of Southeast Asia's most popular destinations for digital nomads, combining rice fields, yoga classes, beaches and affordable coworking spaces. Fast Wi‑Fi, a large selection of cafés and restaurants, reasonable living costs (about US$1,000–2,000 a month), and a thriving fitness community make it attractive.

BJJ training:

Bali MMA in Canggu is widely regarded as one of Asia's premier MMA and BJJ gyms. Founded in 2014, it has become a home away from home for fitness enthusiasts and professional fighters. The academy's elite coaching staff and roster of international talent have earned it a reputation as “one of the premier destinations for MMA, Muay Thai, BJJ and fitness training in Bali”. The gym accepts practitioners of all levels and offers daily, weekly and monthly passes.

Another option is Rituals Jiu‑Jitsu, situated inside Wanderlust Fitness Village. Its founder praises Canggu's rice fields and surf beaches and notes that the health‑conscious community provides everything you need to reach your goals. Rituals offers an intensive yet straightforward approach to learning jiu‑jitsu with classes based on 15 years of experience.

Lisbon, Portugal – Europe's Warm, Creative Capital

Remote‑work scene:

Lisbon is one of the warmest and most affordable capitals in Western Europe, making it ideal for winter workcations. The city is colourful, filled with amazing food, music and dance, and is home to many coworking spaces and a vibrant community of creatives and entrepreneurs. It remains relatively affordable despite its popularity.

BJJ training:

Five Elements Jiu‑Jitsu Academy exemplifies Lisbon's BJJ scene. Headed by Helio Perdigao (a black belt under Royce Gracie), the academy emphasises both self‑defence and sport techniques. Visitors report a welcoming environment in which instructors share their wealth of knowledge and students quickly feel part of the community. Five Elements has two branches in Lisbon and offers open mats throughout the week. Lisbon also hosts major tournaments such as the IBJJF European Championships and International Open, attracting thousands of athletes each year.

Chiang Mai, Thailand – Mountains, Monks and Mats

Remote‑work scene:

Chiang Mai is a top digital‑nomad hotspot because it mixes ancient temples with modern conveniences. The city has abundant coworking spaces, lightning‑fast internet and a thriving community of fellow nomads. The Nimmanheim area is packed with cafés and coworking hubs, but options exist throughout the city. Chiang Mai's relaxed vibe, rich cultural history and affordable cost of living make it a balanced remote‑work base.

BJJ training:

Chiang Mai's martial‑arts community has grown rapidly. The city now offers multiple BJJ academies including Lazy Leopard BJJ, Pure Grappling, Gato Studio, Core Combat and Kaizen. Training here is appealing because of an affordable cost of living, a growing martial‑arts community, year‑round training weather and an international atmosphere that welcomes expats and travelers. Lazy Leopard itself offers world‑class training in a fun, friendly and supportive environment.

Medellín, Colombia – Eternal Spring and Vibrant Rolls

Remote‑work scene:

Medellín, known as the “City of Eternal Spring,” has built a reputation as a digital‑nomad haven. The city attracts nomads because of its thriving remote‑work community, spring‑like weather year‑round and plenty of activities. Medellín boasts countless cafés and coworking spaces, making it easy to find a workspace.

BJJ training:

For grapplers, Medellín offers intimate, high‑quality training at local clubs. Jiu‑Jitsu Medellín is a BJJ school located near the Laureles neighbourhood, heavily focused on gi training but offering no‑gi once a week. The head instructor is praised as “a wealth of knowledge and one of the friendliest teachers you'll ever have”. Classes are small—often three or four pairs—so students receive semi‑private attention. World‑class instruction comes at affordable prices, with monthly fees around US$30–60 and drop‑ins often free.

Another popular option is MMA Colombia, a sports club in the Guayabal neighbourhood that offers Brazilian Jiu‑Jitsu, boxing and other classes. It caters to both beginners and seasoned athletes, provides flexible payment options and receives positive reviews for knowledgeable instructors and a supportive environment.

Mexico City, Mexico – Latin America's Creative Powerhouse

Remote‑work scene:

Mexico City is Latin America's buzzing digital‑nomad capital. The city offers world‑class coworking spaces, fast internet and endless cultural experiences. While housing in trendy neighborhoods like Roma and Condesa can be pricier than other Mexican cities, daily life remains affordable and the diversity and global connections are unmatched.

BJJ training:

One of the city's standout academies is Zenith BJJ. Founded by Itzel Bazúa Aguilar, Mexico's first female black belt, it has grown into a small chain. The culture is welcoming but tough—rolls are challenging without being overly competitive. Students can train in both gi and no‑gi classes, including women‑only sessions. The space is small but immaculate; the mats are wiped between classes, and there is a focus on hygiene. Training fees are around US$30–60 per month, and drop‑ins often free.

Austin, USA – Tech Hub with a Laid‑Back Roll

Remote‑work scene:

Austin, Texas, is a top US city for digital nomads. More and more companies are moving their headquarters to Austin, fostering a huge tech and entrepreneur scene. The city features plenty of events and coworking spaces, easy access to outdoor activities and a top‑notch food scene, making it perhaps the best US base for online creatives.

BJJ training:

Austin's martial‑arts scene is flourishing. Austin Jiu‑Jitsu Collective, founded in 2024, offers a premium and personalised training experience. The academy caps membership to maintain an intimate environment where every class feels like a private lesson. Beginners and casual learners are not only welcome but fully embraced, and the instructors provide modern techniques in a relaxed, tight‑knit setting. This approach makes it easy for digital nomads to integrate BJJ into their schedules without feeling overwhelmed. Numerous other gyms—including 10th Planet Austin and Brazilian Top Team Austin—also serve the city's growing grappling community.

Final Thoughts and Practical Advice

Being a digital nomad doesn't mean sacrificing your BJJ journey. Whether you're surfing in Canggu, strolling through Lisbon's cobbled streets, hiking to Doi Suthep, enjoying Medellín's eternal spring, sampling tacos in Mexico City or listening to live music in Austin, there are academies ready to welcome you. To make the most of training while working remotely:

Each city in this guide offers a unique blend of remote‑work infrastructure and quality BJJ training. Use these insights to choose the destination that matches your lifestyle—and remember to check Grapplers.world for up‑to‑date gym listings, community reviews and local events.