While surfing is overall an enjoyable and magnificent experience, all surfers have at one point or the other been bested by the might of the ocean. When the waves become unruly, even the most experienced surfers have to watch out. And though Kade Ruotolo, the legendary grappler and professional jiu-jitsu athlete, has been surfing since he was a kid, even he fell victim to the draconian sea.

Ruotolo was born in Maui, Hawaii, and is of Italian and Puerto Rican descent, hence, is no stranger to riding waves. Kade and his identical twin, Tye, have had various surfing expeditions since their childhood, and both believe that surfing complements their jiu-jitsu training as well. Kade might be a pro surfer, but this one time, even he couldn’t escape the scary jaws of rowdy waves.

That time Kade Ruotolo almost lost his life surfing

Ruotolo might have spent some quality time on the mats with some of the most ferocious martial artists, but nothing and no one can compare to the power of nature. Ironically, jiu-jitsu fights are not where the grappler has experienced impending. Instead, it was the ocean that scared him. In a recent ONE championship interview, Kade Ruotolo recalled, “The water is a crazy place. The closest I’ve ever been to dying is out there.” But what was the incident that made him feel this way?

Trending

Fresh Controversy Brews After Sha’Carri Richardson and Team USA ‘Outfit’ Fallout As Athlete Robbed of Paris Olympics Dream Over Sponsorship

May 01, 2024 04:27 PM EDT

Canelo Alvarez Sums Up Gervonta Davis vs. Ryan Garcia Rematch in Four Words

May 01, 2024 02:25 PM EDT

Michael Jordans’ Entrepreneurial Drive Could Potentially Be the End of 23XI and Denny Hamlin’s Dream

May 02, 2024 10:39 AM EDT

Sister Kelley & Jordan Fish React as Dale Jr’s Wife Sends Heart-melting Message on Their Daughter’s Special Day

May 01, 2024 09:05 PM EDT

Coco Gauff Brushing Aside Madrid Open Heart-Break With ‘Sexy’ Dinner Date Impresses Boyfriend Jalen Sera and Danielle Collins

May 02, 2024 05:57 AM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

The future ONE Lightweight Submission Grappling World Champion was surfing with his father off the coast of Costa Rica when a humongous barrel resulted in a harsh wipeout for the 20-year-old. The wave hit the grappler with enough force to dislodge him from his board. Ruotolo recalled the incident, saying, “I pulled into this big barrel. I got smoked, I got smashed, I got picked up, boom, slammed to the bottom. My leash broke off my board, so I lost my flotation.” Kade was surfing near a beach break, which meant that when the water receded, everything in its path got sucked in. Unfortunately, he kept getting sucked in as well.

“It Was Getting a Little Crazy” – Kade Ruotolo Reveals Backstory of Rivalry With Tommy Langaker Ahead of Their Clash at ONE Fight Night 11

Ruotolo tried to swim to the surface and get some air, but the surf was high and the waves came crashing in one after the other. Attempts to swim to the shore were unsuccessful as well, due to the force of the receding water. As Ruotolo started to lose his stamina, he used the last of his strength to get to the surface of the water and yell for help. Luckily, his father came to the rescue. He explained how his father saved him, and said, “I see my dad, and I’m yelling, ‘Help!’ Finally, I get over to his board and spend five minutes just catching my breath.” The grappler described the parallels between surfing and jiu-jitsu, and while surfing might be helpful at times, this time, it proved near-fatal.

The parallels between surfing and jiu-jitsu

Both Kade and Tye Ruotolo have always considered surfing to be an aid to their jiu-jitsu training. While conquering the waves might have some similarities with the martial art form, this particular incident revealed to Kade a major difference as well. According to Ruotolo, “When Galvao is smashing, if I’m in a position where I’m pinned, I can just tap. Underwater, there’s no tapping.” That might be true, but Ruotolo has also drawn some helpful parallels between the two sports.

Strength and balance are two qualities that every surfer and martial artist needs to master. Since the age of three, the Ruotolo twins’ father has tried to instill these qualities in them by taking them surfing and skateboarding, besides encouraging them to be martial artists. Surfing, according to the grappling superstar, has helped him in honing the physical aspects that are required for him to succeed in jiu-jitsu. Nonetheless, Kade Ruotolo’s near-death experience will definitely have given him a new perspective on surfing, and on life in general.

Watch This Story: A Huge Shock for Surfing Fans Before Vans Pipeline From Kelly Slater and John John Florence