Lovely Lucy’s Youth MMA Journey: Training Schedule, Diet & Homeschool Life

Lovely Lucy is a powerhouse when it comes to combat sports training. As part of a multi-discipline program, Lucy dives into Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, wrestling, boxing, and mixed martial arts. And while she occasionally dabbles in taekwondo, we've put that on the back burner for now since her schedule is already jam-packed. 

Before we leap into Lucy’s training regimen, let me share a bit about her academics. Lucy is homeschooled in a year-round program, which allows her to engage in shorter sessions rather than the traditional long school day. Not only do we break the lessons into manageable pieces, but this approach has also led to some exciting results—my kids are actually ahead of their peers in public schools and are tracking to graduate by the age of 16. From there, the goal is trade school, followed by college if they choose to pursue that path. I promise to delve into my views on college in a future post—my reasoning is not rooted in politics or religion, but rather, experience and observation.

Lucy’s Training Schedule

Lucy’s “heavy” training days run from Monday to Thursday, a busy time for the Katz household! Each day, the kids participate in two to theee training sessions, filling their days with energy and focus. We have a midday class for either boxing or wrestling, followed by two evening classes that might include jiu jitsu, wrestling, boxing, taekwondo, or MMA. Balancing all these activities can be tricky since classes often overlap, but we strive for a minimum of three sessions per sport each week. Occasionally, if they’re enthusiastic and eager for more, they’ll attend additional sessions. They truly are gym rats at heart, relishing every moment spent with coaches, teammates, and friends.

Fridays, however, are more relaxed. We typically reserve this day for lighter schoolwork, private lessons, family visits, or catching up on tasks that may have slipped through the cracks during our hectic week. Saturdays are designated for jiu jitsu tournaments or optional training sessions—which always gets the kids excited. Sundays are typically a day of rest, unless wrestling season is on, in which case, it becomes a wrestling tournament day.

What’s Lucy’s Diet Like?

Now let's talk about nutrition! Lucy doesn't follow any strict diet plan. Instead, we focus on home-cooked meals about 90% of the time. Breakfast may feature a delightful mix of eggs, bacon or sausage, avocado toast, yogurt, and plenty of fruits. Lunch often consists of leftovers, unless Lucy (and Lewis) feels adventurous and takes to the kitchen to whip up her culinary creations. Encouraging this exploration is something I cherish; it’s incredible to see what the kiddos come up with!

Dinner follows a simple yet effective structure of protein, vegetables, and carbs. This guideline not only simplifies meal planning but also ensures that we can whip up nourishing meals relatively quickly.

Managing Burnout

An essential part of our training philosophy is teaching our kids to listen to their bodies. If they’re feeling drained—physically or mentally—they take a break. As parents, we keep an eye on their energy levels; if they seem unusually tired or sluggish, we encourage them to rest. Interestingly, we’ve noticed that burnout is less likely to occur when the kids have specific goals—like preparing for a big tournament or championship. Their motivation keeps them energized. Burnout tends to creep in when practices become a routine without a purpose, leading to boredom.

Juggling sports, academics, and a balanced diet is no easy feat, but with the right approach, our kids thrive! As we continue this journey of training, learning, and exploration, we are excited to share our experiences and insights.

Remember, every child is unique, and what works for us may inspire you to find the best path for your kids. Happy training!