Maynard James Keenan is not just the lyricist and lead singer of the epic American rock band Tool, but he’s also an avid proponent of BJJ in his spare time. Keenan’s hobby has just hit a new level now, as he has been promoted to brown belt in the sport at the age of 57 after a lengthy time in training. He isn’t alone in the rock and metal world in his fascination with grappling either, as Megadeth frontman Dave Mustaine was promoted to purple belt in BJJ just recently at the age of 59. Both of those men should serve as great inspiration for anyone considering taking up Jiu-Jitsu at a later age as they’ve both gotten further in their journey than most people ever will despite starting outside of their athletic prime.
They aren’t the only celebrities to bring knowledge of BJJ to the masses either with Freddie Prinze Jr being promoted to purple belt under Jean Jacques Machado, and Russell Brand also being promoted to purple belt by Chris Cleere. Alongside the celebrities training in the sport, there’s also a huge number that might not have the time to practice on a regular basis but still maintain a passing interest that helps to bring it into the limelight. Action star Vin Diesel recently appeared at a black belt promotion ceremony for one of his oldest friends and gave a speech to the grapplers in attendance.
It’s not just famous faces taking part in BJJ either, as stars of the Jiu-Jitsu world have also been seen walking the red carpet and rubbing elbows with Hollywood’s most powerful. Roger Gracie recently attended the premier of the latest James Bond film, No Time To Die, and was seen having a great time with Aquaman star Jason Momoa. Keenan is The news of Tool frontman Maynard James Keenan receiving his brown belt in BJJ was announced in a post to the official Instagram account of Luis Heredia, a 6th degree black belt under Rickson Gracie and a legend of the Hawaiian Jiu-Jitsu scene as the head instructor of Maui Jiu-Jitsu:
