Daily Inspiration: Meet James Martinez

Today we’d like to introduce you to James Martinez.

Hi James, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I was born and raised in Los Angeles, and service has always been at the core of who I am. I joined the military right out of high school, and after completing my service, I continued that path by joining the Los Angeles Police Department. Over the next 27 years, I worked in some of the toughest neighborhoods in the city, from child abuse, run aways, gangs and eventually as a detective, where I handled a wide range of in depth crimes.

Those years gave me a deep understanding of the challenges kids and families face, especially in environments where the streets can pull them in the wrong direction. When I retired, I knew I wanted to give back to the same community I came from. That’s what led me to open The Misfits Club. Through Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Muay Thai, I’m able to give kids and adults a positive outlet, a sense of discipline, and a safe place to belong.

For me, it’s more than teaching martial arts — it’s about inspiring people, especially kids, to find an alternative to the streets and to see what they’re capable of when they commit to something positive. In a way, it feels like I’m continuing the same mission I had in law enforcement, but now I get to build people up from the ground level and watch them grow.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, it definitely hasn’t been a smooth road — it’s been very different from anything I’ve ever done before. In the military and in law enforcement, I was used to structure: either being the subordinate who followed orders, or the supervisor giving direction. Running my own business has been a completely different experience, with new challenges and responsibilities I had to learn on the fly.

That said, all of my past experience has been valuable in guiding me. The discipline, leadership, and adaptability I developed over the years have helped me navigate the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. And one of the biggest assets has been my communication skills. Spending years interviewing and talking to people as an officer and detective taught me how to listen, connect, and speak clearly. That’s carried over into how I work with my students, parents, coaches, and our broader community.

It hasn’t always been easy, but every challenge has pushed me to grow, just like I ask my students to do on the mats.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m the owner and head Brazilian Jiu Jitsu professor at The Misfits Club in Tujunga. We specialize in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Muay Thai for kids, teens, and adults, and what I think sets us apart is the environment we’ve built. Our gym isn’t just a place to train — it’s a community where people feel supported, no matter their age, background, or skill level.

I’m especially proud of the kids’ programs we’ve created. From toddlers to teenagers, we focus not only on teaching martial arts techniques but also on building character — discipline, confidence, and resilience. Many of the kids who train with us might otherwise not have a positive outlet, and seeing them grow and thrive is one of the most rewarding parts of my work.

What I’m most known for is probably the balance I bring between structure and compassion. Coming from the military and law enforcement, I understand discipline and accountability, but I also know the importance of mentorship and patience. I think that combination, along with my background of working directly with at-risk youth, really sets me and our gym apart. At the end of the day, it’s about more than martial arts — it’s about changing lives for the better.

Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
My advice would be that it’s never too early or too late to start training. A lot of people hold back because they think they missed their window, or they worry they’re not in the right shape — but martial arts is for everyone, at any stage of life.

Another thing I’ve learned is that training shouldn’t just be about chasing medals or trying to be a world champion. That’s great for some, but for most people, it’s really about becoming a better version of yourself every single day. Pushing past your comfort zone, doing things you never thought you could do — that’s where the real growth happens.

If I could tell my younger self anything, it would be to focus less on the outcome and more on the process. Show up, put in the work, and trust that the journey will transform you, both on and off the mats.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.misfitsclubbjj.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/misfitsclubbjjmt/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/misfitsclubbjj

Image Credits
Jessica Villa