Jiu-Jitsu. Hardcore. Friendship. Backstage.
Another unforgettable Backstage Jiu-Jitsu session, bringing together people from the worlds of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and hardcore music.
This time I had the opportunity to hit the mats with my brother Billy Graziadei of Biohazard, joined by Matt Garzilli of Sworn Enemy and Cary Singman of Striking 13.
Different bands, different backgrounds, but once we stepped onto the mats, we all spoke the same language: Jiu-Jitsu.
Jiu-Jitsu Before Hitting the Stage
There’s something special about training on a show day.
While most people only see the musicians when the lights go down and they walk onto the stage, there’s an entire world happening behind the scenes.
For us, part of that world is Jiu-Jitsu.
Before the music, the crowd and the intensity of the concert, we got together for a training session—sharing techniques, rolling, laughing and enjoying some time on the mats.
Billy and I have trained together several times over the years, and every time we meet during a tour, getting some Jiu-Jitsu in has become part of the experience.
Having Matt Garzilli from Sworn Enemy and Cary Singman from Striking 13 joining us made this session even more special.
Hardcore and Jiu-Jitsu
The connection between hardcore and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu makes perfect sense to me.
Both are built around community, authenticity, discipline and respect.
It doesn’t matter what stage you perform on, what band you play with, what belt you wear or where you come from. Once you’re training, you’re simply another person on the mats trying to learn and improve.
That’s exactly what Backstage Jiu-Jitsu is about.
Bringing mats to the artists instead of waiting for the artists to find a gym. Creating a place where touring musicians can train, move, exchange techniques and disconnect from life on the road for a little while.
From the Mats Straight to Biohazard
And then came the best part.
Training finished.
Mats packed away.
And Billy went from rolling with us to doing what he has been doing for decades—hitting the stage with Biohazard.
Going from sharing rounds together to watching my brother perform with one of the bands that helped define hardcore music is something that never gets old.
These are the moments that make Backstage Jiu-Jitsu more than just training.
It’s about the experiences, the friendships and the connection between two communities that have been a huge part of my life.
Thank You, Brothers
Big love and respect to Billy Graziadei, Matt Garzilli and Cary Singman for sharing the mats.
Great training, great energy and, most importantly, great people.
And to Billy—another one for the books, brother.
From the mats to the stage.
This is Backstage Jiu-Jitsu.
🥋 × 🎸
Abel Simón Cotado – AbelBJJ
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt
Head Coach – Casa de Luta MMA Saarbrücken
Founder – Backstage Jiu-Jitsu