Jiu Jitsu and the Flow
Exploring the Connection to Skateboarding, Surfing, and Outdoor Sports
At first glance, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu might seem worlds apart from skateboarding, surfing, and other outdoor sports. One happens on a mat indoors; the others ride waves, ramps, or trails in open spaces. But if you look deeper, there’s a powerful connection that unites these disciplines — a shared mindset of flow, creativity, resilience, and self-discovery.
The Flow State
One of the most significant connections is the concept of “flow” — that mental state where time seems to slow down, and your mind and body move in perfect sync. Surfers know it well as they ride the perfect wave. Skaters experience it when landing a trick after dozens of failed attempts. Jiu Jitsu practitioners tap into this flow while rolling, as they transition between positions and submissions almost instinctively.
All these sports require intense focus and presence. You can’t think about yesterday’s problems or tomorrow’s to-do list when you’re dropping into a bowl, paddling into a wave, or defending a choke. In these moments, you’re fully alive and tuned in — and that’s where growth happens.
Creativity and Style
Jiu Jitsu, much like skateboarding or surfing, is an art form as much as a sport. While there are fundamentals and techniques to master, there’s also room for personal expression. Two skaters can approach the same rail differently; two surfers can carve a wave in completely unique ways. Likewise, two Jiu Jitsu athletes might approach the same guard pass with different setups, rhythm, and flair.
This room for creativity draws many outdoor athletes into Jiu Jitsu. It’s not rigid or robotic — it’s adaptive and playful. Whether you’re chaining submissions or flowing through a skatepark line, it’s about making it your own.
The Humble Path of Progress
Another key parallel is the journey of progression. None of these sports offer instant rewards. You fall. You fail. A lot. But with persistence, small breakthroughs start to add up. In Jiu Jitsu, it might take years to earn a belt promotion. In skateboarding, it might take weeks to land a single trick. Surfing has its own humbling path — battling currents and wipeouts just to catch one wave.
These setbacks teach patience, humility, and grit. They also forge a deep respect for the process — a mindset shared by athletes across all these disciplines.
Community and Culture
Finally, there’s a cultural connection. The Jiu Jitsu academy, much like a skatepark or surf break, becomes a social hub. It’s where friendships form, stories are shared, and everyone — regardless of background — is equal on the mat, the board, or the water. There’s a raw authenticity to these communities that appeals to those who value experience over ego.
Conclusion
While Jiu Jitsu and outdoor sports like skateboarding or surfing may look different on the surface, they are bound by deeper values — flow, creativity, discipline, and community. For many, training in one opens the door to appreciating the others. It’s not about being the best — it’s about showing up, embracing the challenge, and finding joy in the movement.
Professor Al Hogan is a recent inductee in the U.S. Martial Arts Hall of Fame (2024) and a two time IBJJF Masters World Champion and Pan American Champion. He is renowned for his expertise in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Defensive Tactics Instruction, catering to the Jiu Jitsu enthusiast, law enforcement, military and security personnel.
👊 If you’re ready to amplify your Jiu Jitsu journey under Professor Al's tutelage, we offer you a complementary Free Trial Membership in our academy.
- Al Hoganhttps://annapolisjiujitsu.com/author/annapolisbjj/
- Al Hoganhttps://annapolisjiujitsu.com/author/annapolisbjj/
- Al Hoganhttps://annapolisjiujitsu.com/author/annapolisbjj/
- Al Hoganhttps://annapolisjiujitsu.com/author/annapolisbjj/
