In an unexpected twist, Facebook co-founder Mark Zuckerberg has been training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) for the past few months, and he’s not only enjoying the sport’s lifestyle but also reaping its numerous benefits. He recently put his skills to the test, winning gold in a local BJJ tournament.
Zuckerberg’s Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Journey
Zuckerberg has displayed a strong passion for BJJ, frequently sharing images and videos of his training on Facebook and Instagram, and discussing the benefits he’s experienced from practicing martial art. He has been training under the expert guidance of Dave Camarillo of Guerilla Jiu-Jitsu, a black belt under Ralph Gracie, and the instructor of MMA fighter Jon Fitch.
After competing in his first jiu-jitsu tournament, Zuckerberg shared on Instagram, “Competed in my first jiu-jitsu tournament and won some medals 🥇🥈 for the Guerrilla Jiu-Jitsu team. Thanks to @davecamarillo @khaiwu @intense0ne for training me!”
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The tech titan’s newfound interest in martial arts was recently highlighted during an appearance on the popular podcast, ‘The Joe Rogan Experience.’ Zuckerberg told Rogan how his life had changed for the better since starting training in mixed martial arts and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Facebook Employees Benefit from Zuckerberg’s Passion
Zuckerberg’s enthusiasm for BJJ has extended into the workplace, with Facebook (now Meta) offering employees custom company gis and rashguards for on-site BJJ training. The classes, taught by various black belt instructors, are designed to provide employees with a healthy outlet for stress relief, physical fitness, and camaraderie amid long working hours.
The intention behind offering BJJ training at Facebook’s headquarters is to make extended work hours and living on-site more manageable for employees. By incorporating the sport into the company culture, Zuckerberg hopes that employees will experience the same positive benefits that he has, including self-defense, weight loss, and social interaction.
How Zuckerberg Discovered BJJ
When asked by Rogan how he initially approached BJJ and found a trainer, Zuckerberg explained that he knew several people who were involved in the sport, many of whom also surfed. He eventually received recommendations for training facilities and instructors, ultimately choosing to train with Dave Camarillo at Guerilla Jiu-Jitsu.
Zuckerberg admitted that he was surprised by how much he enjoyed BJJ from his very first session, saying, “Where has this been my whole life?” He even mused that his life may have taken a different turn had he chosen wrestling over competitive fencing in high school.
Conclusion
Mark Zuckerberg’s embrace of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has made waves both personally and professionally, as the tech mogul has found balance and well-being through the martial art while also offering Facebook employees the chance to experience the same benefits. As Zuckerberg continues to share his BJJ journey, he serves as an inspiring example of how the sport can provide transformative and positive change in one’s life.
