JIU JITSU AND THE BMX MINDSET

Three BMX riders. Three lifelong Brazilian Jiu Jitsu practitioners. A quick look at how BJJ affected the lives and careers of this squad of athletes.

MAX VU

Started BMX at age 4.

Started BJJ at age 4.

Currently Orange Belt in BJJ

Max Says:

“BMX and Jiu Jitsu both have a deep connection with each other mentally and physically - body control, timing, and mental preparation.”

NICK CASTILLO

Started racing BMX at age 4.

Won the Blue Belt World Championships in BJJ at 16 years old.

Owns Transition Jiu Jitsu in Santa Barbara California.

Nick Says:

“I struggled a little bit with mental health after some serious head injuries. I started training jiu jitsu everyday and it truly saved my life.”

“Jiu Jitsu and BMX go together perfectly. You have to have a certain kind of motivation to wanto to wake up everyday and dedicate yourself to doing something so risky.”

BYRON ANDERSON

Started riding BMX in 1985

Rode professionally from 1996-2007

One of the original Shadow Conspiracy Pro Riders.

Byron Says:

“I started training Jiu Jitsu in 2009. Jiu Jitsu filled a void I felt after stepping down from being a professional rider. It gave me a place to be competitive, focused, and creative.”