The martial art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu has had close ties with surfing since its inception in Brazil. Many of the Gracie family (the family most associate with developing and spreading the art) are avid surfers and watermen. When BJJ spread from Brazil and the beaches of Rio de Jinero it settled in locations like Hawaii and California for their proximity to the ocean and similar climate to Rio. Many pro surfers also are passionate students of jiu jitsu such as:
- KellySlater
- JoelTudor
- Freddy Patacchia
- Gabriel Medina-
And many more…
BJJ and surfing are mutually beneficial in that training BJJ makes your surfing better and surfing makes your BJJ better! This is because both sports have very similar qualities on the athletic side such as balance, reactions, core strength, and endurance. But it also is beneficial mentally for critical thinking and relaxing under pressure (good skill to have for wipe outs!). We hope to see you down here both in the waves and on the mats. All of our Surf Camp Packages include open BJJ training as well as all the rest of our fitness facility and surf yoga classes.
Carla, a recently promoted Brown Belt, has been training BJJ without stopping since 2013. Since then she has competed in local tournaments in Panama and continues to spread her love for the art with an all-women’s class every Sunday. All women of all levels of experience are welcome to join!
John received his Black Belt from Eliot Marshal from Easton BJJ in 2016. A native to the Jersey shore, John grew up with a passion for surfing and is grateful to be able to spread his love for both surfing and BJJ. When they are not training or surfing, he and his wife, Carla manage Beach Break Surf Camp.
Nathan, originally from Encintias, CA trained 7 years at Gracie Barra Encinitas and received all belts from Prof. Nelson Monteiro / Rafel Ramos. He moved to Playa Venao in 2013 and helped bring BJJ to the little surf community, training with anyone he could find on borrowed mats. Promoted to Black Belt in December of 2020. When Professor Boyle moved to Playa Venao in 2017 they worked together to expand and evolve the jiu jitsu academy into the amazing facility and community it is today. When he's not surfing or doing business development, he instructs some of the adult classes throughout the week.
John received his Black Belt from Eliot Marshal from Easton BJJ in 2016. A native to the Jersey shore, John grew up with a passion for surfing and is grateful to be able to spread his love for both surfing and BJJ. When they are not training or surfing, he and his wife, Carla manage Beach Break Surf Camp.
Nathan, originally from Encintias, CA trained 7 years at Gracie Barra Encinitas and received all belts from Prof. Nelson Monteiro / Rafel Ramos. He moved to Playa Venao in 2013 and helped bring BJJ to the little surf community, training with anyone he could find on borrowed mats. Promoted to Black belt in December 2020. When Professor Boyle moved to Playa Venao in 2017 they worked together to expand and evolve the jiu jitsu academy into the amazing facility and community it is today. When he's not surfing or doing business development, he instructs some of the adult classes throughout the week.
Carla, a recently promoted Brown Belt, has been training BJJ without stopping since 2013. Since then she has competed in local tournaments in Panama and continues to spread her love for the art with an all-women’s class every Sunday. All women of all levels of experience are welcome to join!
