Today we’d like to introduce you to Daniel Spence.
Hi Daniel, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I got my start at Invictus and the Australian Elite Team. I’m originally from Australia and began my jiu jitsu journey there. I had tried boxing and other martial arts for a few years prior, but I really found my footing in jiu jitsu. At the time, I was working as a motorcycle salesman and discovered jiu jitsu during a tumultuous period in my life—it helped bring me a sense of control.
I quickly fell in love with the sport, and the support of the community was pivotal in how I started to shape my life for the better. It changed everything for me.
It was around that time that I met my wife, Effie Spence, who was visiting Australia on a work holiday visa. She’s an actress and filmmaker. On our second date, she offered to come watch one of my jiu jitsu classes—and I knew she was the one!
We did long distance for a while to pursue our goals. She moved to LA, and I began teaching jiu jitsu on the side. I was still early in my journey as a practitioner, but I always loved sharing what I’d learned. I started by packing up my two-door Mitsubishi Mirage with 25 square meters of mats, renting out a church hall, and training public safety officers in Melbourne.
After two years and a few visits to the States—where I was awarded my blue belt after much patience—I decided to move here full time and marry the love of my life, Effie.
I began my life in LA again as a motorcycle salesman, but being in the City of Angels inspired me to take a leap of faith. I quit my job, dedicated myself to training and becoming an athlete, and eventually began coaching at Legacy Burbank, where I earned my black belt under Alberto Crane. I was incredibly grateful for that opportunity and went on to open Legacy’s next successful branch in Pasadena.
At the time, I was recovering from knee surgery—but if jiu jitsu has taught me anything, it’s that showing up on the mats brings the greatest rewards.
In 2024, I decided to open my own gym in Atwater Village: Waves Jiu Jitsu. The name reflects the lessons that both life and jiu jitsu have taught me—to go with the flow, and to accept that every day has its high and low tides.
I wanted to create a space where people feel welcome to cross-train, are interested in self-improvement, and are drawn to camaraderie and community.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
If the road were smooth the whole way, we’d all fall asleep at the wheel. As someone who loves riding motorbikes, I’ve always felt it’s the twists and turns that make the ride worth it.
My road, like anyone’s, has had its highs and lows. Carving your own path is never easy, but it shapes who you become. I’m deeply grateful for both the good and the hard moments that brought me here.
As you know, we’re big fans of Waves Jiu Jitsu. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Waves Jiu Jitsu is a space where all levels of jiu jitsu practitioners can grow at their skill level and pace. I pride myself on having created a studio where every one feels welcome and challenged to do their best.
What sets me apart is adaptability and flexibility. I train people to be like water, sometimes you have be like liquid and flow around your partner’s maneuver, sometimes water is gas and you need to float and be light and other times you need to be a solid and put pressure on your sparring partner. At Waves, I approach training by chaining old school, tried and true techniques alongside modern and cutting edge jiu jitsu tactical techniques.
I bring a lot of passion and dedication to my classes and students. I deeply care about their jiu jitsu journeys and how it can positively affect their personal journeys as it had affected mine.
What’s next?
I am excited to announce that right on the horizon I have partnered with Ukiyo Academy with their children’s program. I love coaching kids and find it really rewarding, so am incredibly honored to be teaming up with another great jiu jitsu academy.
My goals for Waves is to build towards a mega facility with an enormous mat space, professional weight training area, elite recovery center including; healing practitioners, yoga, sauna and beyond, a recreational area including a bbq and restaurant for events, and an incredible childcare center so parents can train knowing they’re children are in great hands. In each of those areas I’d hire a dedicated staff to ensure the facility is always clean, friendly and professional.
Pricing:
- $25/Day Pass
- $150/mo. unlimited
- $225/ 10 Pack
Contact Info:
- Website: https://wavesjiujitsu.com
- Instagram: @wavesbjj
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@spencebjj
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/waves-jiu-jitsu-los-angeles?osq=Waves+Jiu+Jitsu
Image Credits
Yury Sharlou (all images, except the one with the statue)
