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The Shaka sign - a gesture made famous by extending your thumb and pinky while curling the other three fingers - has become an instantly recognizable symbol of having each other's backs, showing respect, and having a pretty chill attitude. And while its roots are firmly planted in Hawaiian culture, it's also found a very special place in the world of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ). So why do BJJ practitioners love the Shaka sign so much? Well, the simple answer is - it's because the values and spirit of the sport and the symbol line up beautifully.
The Shaka sign is actually a part of Hawaiian culture and it's actually pretty easy to follow back to its origins. One story says that it was started by a guy called Hamana Kalili who lost a couple of his middle fingers in an accident . He was a plantation security guard and his unique hand wave became a sort of signal for him to use to get people to hang loose. Over time, the Shaka sign just sort of grew and grew, and became a big part of the Hawaiian spirit of 'Aloha', which is basically all about love, compassion, and showing respect to others.
From surfers to tourists, the Shaka sign started spreading all over the world, and it just sort of became this universally understood symbol of being positive and feeling good towards people. Its simplicity and the way it makes you feel is something that really resonates with the Jiu Jitsu community.
The connection between the Shaka sign and Jiu Jitsu actually goes way back to its roots in surf culture. In Brazil, where surfing and Jiu Jitsu have been going hand in hand for years, the emphasis is all about respecting the natural world, getting in top physical and mental condition and looking out for one another. And all those things, you can see, are also totally in line with the Jiu Jitsu lifestyle.
As BJJ started to spread all over the world, the Shaka sign just sort of came with it. Practitioners started using it to greet each other, to show appreciation after a roll, or just to celebrate a big win. And it's pretty easy to see why - the Shaka sign just seems to fit with that whole 'be cool, be kind, be focused' vibe that is so much a part of the Jiu Jitsu culture.
BJJ practitioners just love the Shaka sign because it sums up the spirit of the sport so perfectly.
In Jiu Jitsu, respect for one another is right at the top of the list. Whether you're a seasoned black belt or a newcomer just starting out, the sport is all about being humble and learning from one another. And the Shaka sign, which is all about aloha, is a perfect fit for that.
Jiu Jitsu is a global community, and the Shaka sign just helps bring us all together. It doesn't matter whether you're from Brazil or Belgium, or anywhere in between - flashing a Shaka is just a way of saying 'we're all in this together'.
Even though Jiu Jitsu is a physically and mentally demanding sport, there's also a lot of emphasis on just being chill, and enjoying the ride. The Shaka sign is all about that laid-back vibe, and how to stay calm under pressure.
And finally, Jiu Jitsu is all about personal growth, and celebrating the little victories along the way. Whether you're mastering a new technique, or just showing up to train, the Shaka sign is a way to celebrate those moments and share them with others.
In the Jiu Jitsu world, the Shaka sign comes out in all sorts of situations:
What makes the Shaka sign such a beloved part of Jiu Jitsu is its incredible power to bring people together. In a sport that pulls athletes from all corners of the globe, the shaka has a knack for transcending language barriers, cultural differences and even skill level disparities. At it's heart, Jiu Jitsu is all about building connection - with ourselves, with others and also with the endless journey of learning that comes with it.
For Jiu Jitsu folks, the Shaka sign isn't something you leave on the mat. That message of positivity and mutual respect just carries right over into everyday life, serving as a friendly reminder to stay chill and keep an open mind when things get tough. Whether you're sweating it out on the mat or trying to navigate the ups and downs of life, the Shaka is a simple little gesture that sums up the values of Jiu Jitsu pretty nicely.
The Shaka sign's journey from Hawaiian beaches to Jiu Jitsu mats is a pretty cool story that shows just how universal its appeal is. For us practitioners, though, the Shaka is more than just some fun hand gesture - it's a cultural icon that really gets to the heart of the sport. When we rock the Shaka sign, we're celebrating a shared ethos of respect, community and just a general sense of joy.
If you're feeling the love for Jiu Jitsu and the Shaka, check out our range of BJJ merchandise that puts this iconic symbol front and centre. From T-shirts to beanies, let the Shaka sign inspire you whenever you're on or off the mat. OSS!
