Celtics' Joe Mazzulla Explains Why He Trains in MMA Gyms on the Road During NBA Season in Video
Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla is a longtime Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioner, and he won't let the throes of travel stop him from training during the NBA season.
While speaking to Uncrowned's Ariel Helwani, Mazzulla revealed that he finds MMA gyms in "almost every city" the Celtics travel to during the regular season so he can keep up with his training.
"It's the fighter's mind. I think I have a lot of respect for the fighter, and when we're in other cities, it's us against the city. It's us against not just that team, but the arena, that city," Mazzulla explained. "I think it just keeps you fresh, mentally and physically, so that when I'm helping the team, I have that little fighter mentality. It just helps grow a little bit of an edge, and every little bit helps. And it's fun, I enjoy it."
Mazzulla previously told ESPN that he took up Brazilian jiu-jitsu in 2017 and re-committed to his training upon becoming head coach of the Celtics in 2022.
Mazzulla will try to continue growing as a head coach as he gears up to lead the Celtics on another chase for the NBA championship next season.
