Baker Skateboards pro skater Riley Hawk recently opened up on Instagram about how Brazilian Jiu Jitsu turned his life around and brought back his love for skating.
As the son of skateboarding legend Tony Hawk, Riley went pro at a young age, but he later struggled with the pressures and lost touch with the street skating.
For six years, he dealt with mental health issues and turned to drinking, which left him feeling drained and disconnected from what he loved. Then, three years ago, he decided to try Jiu Jitsu, and that choice ended up changing everything for him for good.
He shared, "Never thought I’d find something that gave me the feeling skating did. I never would have thought it would reignite my passion for skating and change my life the way it did, but here I am, three years in, fully addicted and getting my ass kicked every day."
Riley’s honest post shows how Bjj helped him get back in shape and gave him a new purpose. It’s clear that this martial art has become a big part of his life and even rekindled his love for skateboarding.
Fans and fellow skaters have shown tons of support in the comments, applauding Riley for his openness and strength. It’s never too late to explore new interests or rediscover old ones while dealing with life’s ups and downs.