Rudy Gobert’s Evolving Off-Court Skills: From Boxing to Jiu-Jitsu and Beyond

Minnesota Timberwolves star center Rudy Gobert is known for his dominant presence on the basketball court, but it appears that he’s also developing new skills away from the hardwood.

Recently, the MMA Factory in Paris posted a photo and video of Gobert engaging in sparring against former interim UFC heavyweight champion Ciryl Gane. This isn’t Gobert’s first foray into combat sports, as he has been open about his love for boxing and has even trained in Brazilian jiu-jitsu.

A Passion for Boxing

Gobert first shared his boxing training on social media in 2018, expressing that boxing had been his initial passion before basketball. He emphasized that his sessions with local trainer Matt Peña were not merely for fitness, but a serious pursuit that honed his skills both inside and outside the ring.

“He doesn’t train me just to do cardio or like the Instagram models do,” Gobert explained. “It’s really like he’s teaching me to use my reach and how to defend against guys in different ways they will go at me. The footwork, the skills … so yeah, it’s really great to learn some different stuff.”

Expanding Horizons with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

In 2020, Gobert revealed his involvement in Brazilian jiu-jitsu under the guidance of French black belt Samuel Monin. Monin, a decorated medalist and renowned instructor, has a background in soccer as a former goalkeeper for AS Monaco FC.

Gobert’s interest in jiu-jitsu stems from his desire to improve his overall physicality and develop a well-rounded skill set. The grappling-focused martial art complements his basketball training by enhancing his flexibility, balance, and body awareness.

Off-Court Development Enhancing On-Court Performance

While Gobert’s off-court pursuits may seem unrelated to his basketball career, they actually provide him with significant benefits.

Boxing improves his footwork, timing, and hand-eye coordination, all of which translate to the basketball court. His increased agility and quick reflexes allow him to react swiftly to opponents’ movements and control the paint more effectively.

Jiu-jitsu, on the other hand, strengthens his core, improves his balance, and enhances his grappling abilities. This translates to better rebounding, post-up defense, and overall physical dominance on the court.

Continued Growth and Future Prospects

Gobert’s dedication to expanding his skill set demonstrates his commitment to continuous improvement and a well-rounded approach to his athleticism.

It remains to be seen how his off-court training will further enhance his on-court performance, but one thing is clear: Rudy Gobert is not only a dominant force in the NBA, but also a versatile athlete with a passion for physical challenges.