If it’s good enough for Kelly…
As surfers, we are constantly looking for new ways to improve our surfing — changing board and fin arrangements, silly balance bracelets, new dietary regimens, and even getting our asses out of bed at the dreadful hour of 5 a.m. And for those of us who do not possess the naturally-gifted superhuman prowess of, say, a John John Florence, a bit of physical training and preparation is needed to push us to our potential. Enter Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. While there are many reasons to practice the martial art, we could simply point out a singular fact that would trump everything else: Kelly Slater does it.
Basically, BJJ is a game of chess: the pieces (you and other humans) may be different, but the rules and strategy are closely aligned with surfing. Here are five ways Brazilian Jiu Jitsu will improve your surfing.
Strength
Increased strength is one of the more obvious merits of BJJ. It is a phenomenal workout that improves conditioning and muscle mass while burning fat. In relation to surfing, it’s quite simple — more muscle, more endurance, more waves. For the experienced surfer, this type of conditioning may enable the execution of proper man-turns, or steamrolling through an impossible tube section. Similarly, BJJ is an excellent vehicle in developing a strong core which is an advantage in having great balance.
“Balance not only requires equilibrium, but also good stability of the core muscles” says Leigh Crews, spokesperson for the American Council on Exercise.
Balance
Balance is control, and control is coordination. Balance is an essential component in controlling your movement. Like strength, balance can be learned, improved and used to prevent injuries. The presence of all the aforementioned elements is the decisive factor in determining whether you simply stand up on your two feet or successfully ride away from full rotation air-reverse.
Reaction
The elements in BJJ, like surfing, are constantly changing and evolving. Knowing where you are in relation to your opponent is like knowing where you are on a wave. People, like waves, aren’t always predictable and often present obstacles that need to be quickly solved. Such training increases the ability to be one step ahead of your opponent by quick reactions and predictability.
Timing
To stay one step ahead of your opponent requires constant quick adjustments which, in turn, provides the ability react and predict, for example, the precise location on the lip which will be best for an air, power gouge, or tube ride.
Confidence
To be a proficient grappler you must be confident in your movement and technique and know your physical limitations. Grapplers must trust in their technique and learn how to be comfortable in uncomfortable, almost claustrophobic-like situations. These adverse positions and situations results in a wiser and stronger opponent. Whether you’re dropping in on a throaty barrel at Pipeline, or dealing with the zoo-like crowd at Lower Trestles, great surfing demands the ability to perform under extreme pressure.
The truth is that many people live in parts of globe where crowds are a nuisance and decent swells are few and far between. Do yourself a favor — start training BJJ and make those short, precious moments count.
