Surf and Brazilian jiu-jitsu: 2 sports, 1 lifestyle

It is only a small walk from  the beach to mat. So, people like Rickson and Relson Gracie or Joel Tudor master as well their surfboard and Brazilian jiu-jitsu. A long relationship marked by players from both worlds.

BJJ and surf, shared spots

As a BJJ practioner and interested in surf, I have always wondered about the origin of the strong relationship between these two very different sports.

According to BJJ Heroes, it began once again in Brazil where members from the Gracie’s family started to surf. Relson Gracie for example totally adopted the surf lifestyle. In 1988 he moved to Hawaï to teach BJJ and surf the island’s famous waves.

For some people, the first contacts between surf and Brazilian jiu-jitsu were marked by conflicts and reconciliations. From then on many exchanges took place. Urban legends or real facts there are no answers (only few informations about that).  Nevertheless the proximity between main surf‘s spots and main BJJ academies’ location could be a good explanation.

It engendered many exchanges like Kelly Slater (nowaday BJJ blue belt) and Rickson Gracie. Famous surf brands also sponsor Brazilian jiu-jitsu fighters : RVCA and the Mendes brothers, Moskova (Quicksilver) and Kron Gracie, etc.

The Bintang Black Belt Challenge surfing contest is another example ; a surf and BJJ competition exclusively reserved to BJJ black belts, on invitation only (thanks Patrick Beven for the tip!). Famous black belts like Ricardo Arona or Leonardo Leite participate for fights on the beach and on the waves.

BJJ a tool for surfer’s workout

Beyond sponsoring, there is a real complementarity between surf and Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Many surfers practice this martial art for their mental preparation. Yannick Beven, BJJ black belt and former pro surfer, manages the Quicksilver Elite Team’s physical workout at national and international level (Jeremy Flores is one of these athletes). He also owns his Brazilian jiu-jitsu academy in Capbreton.

Yannick use BJJ to strenghten surfers’ self-confidence and  self-control. So they will better « manage their emotion to face big waves ou failure situations ».

This collaboration has also engendered BJJ champion like Joel Tudor. Black bekt under Rodrigo Medeiros, he also won Brazilian jiu-jitsu title such as the Pan Ams and US nationals.

For Joel Tudor there is a similarity in the way to approach a wave. « A wave is constantly moving and unpredictable and the same goes for your opponent in a fight. You learn to think quickly and your body reacts quicker ».

Brazilian jiu-jitsu is also a good tool because of the physical level required. Bixente Lizarazu, surfer and purple belt (and of course former professional football player, worldchampion with the French team in 1998), highlights BJJ benefits which brings him «an extraordinary physical condition and an incredible energy » (as from the Fight Sport magazin cover from July/August, I confirm!!).

Surf and BJJ, give it a try!

For those who do not have the chance to live near the ocean (like me), you can improve your level in both sports with BJJ and surf summer camps. Or simply take your Gi when you go on vacation near the sea. South West of France or any other countries, you only have to chose your destination!

Waves, sun, surf and Brazilian jiu-jitsu… Todo bem !

Photos credits : Almasurf