In a conversation on The Joe Rogan Experience, singer and actress Demi Lovato opened up about her love for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and the challenges she faced training while on the road.
Lovato, who has long been vocal about her struggles with mental health and personal challenges, revealed that she discovered the transformative power of BJJ during a time when she needed it most. “I was super, super into it until COVID hit,” she shared, “and then when COVID hit, I just got really, really nervous because I have asthma and autoimmune [issues], so I took a break from it.”
Despite the pandemic-induced pause, Lovato expressed her eagerness to return to the mats, describing BJJ as “the best thing I’ve found for me, outside of meditation.” The singer-songwriter praised the calming, meditative nature of the martial art, particularly during the flow rolling sessions.
Recounting her early days in the sport, Lovato shared the sense of empowerment she felt when she first tapped out an opponent. “It’s crazy, right? It’s empowering for sure when you do,” she said, reflecting on the journey of self-discovery that BJJ has provided.
Lovato, who has been practicing BJJ for years, shared that she often had difficulty training at different schools during her travels. “I’ve gone to random places throughout the country, but I couldn’t tell you the name,” she said, explaining that the instructors were hesitant to let her train with the regular students.
The reason, Lovato revealed, was the instructors’ concern about potential injuries and the risk of her being unable to perform on stage. “A lot of people didn’t want to let me train with other people in like, a [public] class,” she explained
Rogan suggested an alternative motive. “They were worried about people being like, ‘and then you sue the [expletive] out of them’ or ‘you can’t walk on stage.'”
Lovato, known for her open and honest approach, discussed the challenges of finding a balance between her passion for BJJ and the demands of her career. She even shared that she had resorted to wearing “broken foot boots” on stage to accommodate her injuries sustained during training.
Despite the obstacles, Lovato remains dedicated to her BJJ practice, recognizing its benefits for both physical and mental well-being. “It’s a good humbler,” Joe Rogan added said, describing how the martial art helped keep one grounded and focused.
Lovato’s candid conversation with Rogan shed light on the unique challenges faced by high-profile individuals who seek to pursue their athletic passions while maintaining the demands of their careers. Her story serves as a testament to the transformative power of BJJ and the importance of finding ways to balance one’s passions with the realities of professional life.
