Step onto the court with Kevon Looney, the Golden State Warriors’ stalwart center-forward, and you will be amazed at his agility, finesse, and strength. A part of his secret? Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), a martial art he adopted as a crucial part of his offseason regimen. This article will dive into how BJJ has not only transformed Looney’s game but could potentially revolutionize yours too, particularly if you’re located in Bonifacio Global City (BGC) and looking to try something new.
In the world of professional basketball, players are always looking for ways to elevate their game, to add a new dimension that gives them an edge on the court. Looney found his in BJJ. As a big UFC fan, Looney was initially drawn to BJJ as a way to diversify his workouts. However, it didn’t take long before he became “addicted” to the martial art, finding that it offered benefits that he hadn’t anticipated12.
Looney’s journey with BJJ began as a means to break up the monotony of his standard workouts, but it soon turned into a passion. The beauty of BJJ, according to Looney, is in its complexity and versatility. It’s a discipline that requires strength, flexibility, agility, and mental acuity, all of which are crucial for a high-performing athlete, regardless of their primary sport12.
Looney is not alone in his appreciation for BJJ. Other notable athletes like Kendal Gill, Shaquille O’Neal, Igor Rakocevic, Gabriel Muoneke, and Drew Sullivan have also incorporated BJJ into their training, further proving its efficacy across various sports2.
Looney’s daily workout routine is a testament to his commitment to his craft. He starts his day with a 90-minute weightlifting session, followed by an hour of basketball drills and another 90 minutes of scrimmages against fellow NBA all-stars. To round off his afternoon, he switches between running on the track and training at the Beverly Hills Jiu-Jitsu Club, where he works on his BJJ fundamentals. This comprehensive and varied training regimen not only keeps him physically fit but also mentally sharp, ready for the rigors of the NBA2.
The benefits of BJJ for Looney are undeniable. Despite struggling in his first two seasons due to hip injuries, Looney credits his current physical fitness and success on the court to his BJJ training. In his words, “Without it, I don’t think I’d be feeling as good as I am right now. I feel great”2.
So, if you’re in BGC and looking for a new way to stay fit, boost your mental strength, or just break up the monotony of your current workout routine, why not give BJJ a try? The practice that has transformed Kevon Looney’s game and overall wellbeing could do the same for you. After all, the best way to understand the transformative power of BJJ is to experience it for yourself.
Experience the physical and mental transformation that BJJ offers. Step onto the mats and start your journey with Jiu-Jitsu today. You never know, you might just find your new passion and elevate your game, just like Kevon Looney.