So /vp/ help me out. A buddy and me are going to try to get into competitive battling. Been an avid fan of everything about pokemon for many years (only dropped it while going through late puberty circa Diamond/Pearl). But I've always been afraid of the competitive aspect because when I get involved with something, it's a HUGE time-sink for me. And now I'm in a career that takes up the majority of my time.

So here's what I'd like to know. How do I get into competitive battling the best way without all the time spent grinding and learning EVERYTHING strategically, but also still having fun in the process. Cuz I'd like to make a fun league for my friends to play in, championship style.

Extra points if you can give me a simple team/strategy to look into that's competitively viable, yet simple to run for beginners.