Jiu-jitsu training to enhance coaching skills
As a coach in the NBA, Boston Celtics’ Joe Mazzulla faces numerous on-court challenges. In his quest to become a better coach, he does not only stick to basketball drills but also seeks out additional training. Mazzulla has found this training in Brazilian jiu-jitsu at Gracie Barra Boston. Jiu-jitsu is a martial art that focuses on grappling and submission techniques while emphasizing technique and leverage rather than size and strength.
Jiu-jitsu brings physical exercise and mental challenges
Mazzulla sees his jiu-jitsu training as more than just physical exercise – as it provides him with several mental challenges. Apart from grappling and ground-fighting techniques, jiu-jitsu teaches breathing techniques to help control one’s body, which comes in handy for problem-solving on and off court. The practice also emphasizes situational drills, which help him react quickly under pressure.
Parallels between jiu-jitsu and coaching
Mazzulla sees parallels between Brazilian jiu-jitsu and coaching since both require one to stay calm under pressure and find solutions quickly. In jiu-jitsu, an individual needs to stay composed, taking into account the other person’s moves, before reacting effectively. Similarly, as a coach, Mazzulla must react to ever-changing situations during games while keeping his composure.
Jiu-jitsu helps navigate life’s challenges
Jiu-Jitsu is not only helping Mazzulla on the court but also in navigating life’s challenges as well. By practicing with teammates who have different strengths or weaknesses, he can analyze their game style and adapt his approach accordingly.
Mazzulla finds a friend in his jiu-jitsu instructor
Mazzulla’s interest in jiu-jitsu began when he was named interim coach of the Boston Celtics. He contacted Alex Costa, a jiu-jitsu instructor from Gracie Barra Boston, who initially felt skeptical about working with him. However, after a few training sessions, Costa felt challenged by his new pupil and worked together with the Celtics coach to incorporate the art of jiu-jitsu into his coaching style.
Jiu-jitsu offers mental training for coaches
Jiu-Jitsu focuses on the mental side of training over the physical side. Through breathing exercises, the discipline trains students to improve their decision-making process by ensuring a good supply of oxygen which enables individuals to access their learning and memory files more effectively.
Mazzulla models his offensive philosophies after Snyder’s
In the first round of this year’s NBA playoffs, Snyder will coach against Mazzulla. The two coaches have spoken many times, with Mazzulla even using some offensive philosophy from Snyder’s Utah Jazz playbook. With Mazzulla as a finalist for NBA Coach of the Year and Malcolm Brogdon as another finalist for Sixth Man of the Year, both coaches have a lot to be proud of going into their matchup.
Boston sports teams come together to support each other
Sports teams in Boston are known for coming together during difficult times, which is what happened when the Celtics wore Boston Marathon themed shirts during warm-ups to honor “One Boston Day.” Even Patriots owner Robert Kraft and Bruins players attended Game 1 to show their support for Coach Mazzulla and the team. Overall, it seems like it’s not just jiu-jitsu that is helping this team reach new heights – it’s also the sense of unity that exists throughout Boston’s sports community.
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
