Kelly Slater, Joel Tudor and Eli Olsen are just some of the top level surfers who practise BJJ.
Way back in the 1970’s, Rolls Gracie from the iconic Gracie jiu jitsu family, took up surfing as a hobby to relax after training. Relson, Rickson and Royler Gracie all took up surfing too with Relson moving to Hawaii’s North Shore to focus on the waves. From that point on – with some of the core members of the early BJJ world embracing surfing - BJJ academies started to pop up near surf spots in Cali, Hawaii and further afield.
The ultimate surfing Rare Savage – 12 times world champion surfer Kelly Slater says of jiu jitsu
“There's something about jiu-jitsu that puts you in your place… If you have insecurities, they get worked out on the mat. I just think it's a humbling thing. If it's treated right and taught correctly, it gives people confidence, and I think with that confidence comes less ego and more respect for other people. “
Why Do They Work So Well Together?
The synergy between the two sports makes total sense. Both sports demand endurance, supreme levels of flexibility, agility, cardio fitness and strength throughout the body. Both sports involve calculating risk in the moment, remaining totally focussed and being able to concentrate intensely for periods of time.
You cannot become a top level surfer or a BJJ black belt without dedicating thousands of hours to repeating moves and refining micro movements to perfect your craft. BJJ helps surfers learn higher levels of discipline, structure and self-control and arguably surfing provides a fantastic stress relief, the benefits of cold water on muscles and relaxes the mind after intense mat sessions. You can’t be worried about anything but the next wave in the water.
And finally … a little known fact for you; the shaka /hang loose hand signal came to surfing from jiu jitsu …two worlds collide!