What does Kelly Slater do when he needs a break from surfing after the US Open in California? He practices Brazilian jiu-jitsu with the top ranked Mendes brothers at the Art of Jiu-Jitsu Academy

With many surfers doing Brazilian jiu-jitsu like the Moskova Team, black belt Joel Tudor, and countless others, it's no wonder Slater has caught the jiu-jitsu bug. It helps with strength, flexibility, cardio, using the most efficient movements, and staying clam under pressure. Remaining focused while defending a choke and teetering on unconsciousness can be eerily similar to staying calm when a big wave holds you underwater. Does anyone have any predictions when Slater will get his black belt? I predict it will be 5 years after his official retirement. So that could be anywhere from 2019 to 2025.

See an interview on Slater's passion for jiu-jitsu here from May on Surfertoday.com.