Electronic music superstar Steve Aoki recently stepped out of his comfort zone and onto the mat for his first-ever jiu-jitsu experience, guided by none other than UFC featherweight fighter Diego Lopes.
The DJ and producer, known for his high-energy performances and chart-topping hits, described his inaugural training session as “a blessing,” expressing gratitude for having his “good friend Diego” as his first instructor.
“It’s my very first time doing any jiu-jitsu in my life. So to have the first time with my good friend Diego, it was a blessing, bro,”
said Aoki. The session appears to have ignited a new passion for the Grammy-nominated artist, who has long been a spectator of combat sports.
The pair’s connection extends beyond the mat. Lopes revealed that their professional relationship began when he used one of Aoki’s remixes for his UFC walkout in Mexico.
“For UFC, I meet Steve. This guy beat me for your show in Gualara, Mexico,”
Lopes shared.
Aoki, clearly honored by this collaboration, created a custom edit specifically tailored for Lopes’ entrance.
“When Diego like hit me up, he’s like, ‘Yo, I want to use your remix of Leon.’ I’m like, ‘Okay, let me get to work.’ And I just made sure that it was prepared for the UFC walk out,”
Aoki explained, adding,
“That was sick, dude.”
The music producer draws parallels between his artistic career and the fighting spirit displayed by UFC athletes.
“The resilience, the training, the heart, the hard work… you’re putting your entire life in that octagon,”
Aoki observed. He sees similarities in how he approaches his own performances:
“That’s how I look at like my life, my career, my shows, my music.”
What began as an introductory lesson has apparently sparked a genuine interest in the martial art for Aoki. Despite acknowledging he knows “0001%” of jiu-jitsu, the experience has transformed his previous hesitation into enthusiasm.
“What I did learn was the inspiration and excitement to actually now step through the door because I’ve always been kind of fearful of it. I’ve been scared of it. I like to watch it on TV. I like to watch my friends do it. And I just now I’m like, ‘Okay, I’m ready now. I’m ready,'”
Aoki admitted.
As for whether we’ll see more of DJ Steve Aoki on the mats, his parting words to Lopes suggest this won’t be his last training session:
“So Diego, it’s all your fault. Thank you. I appreciate it. Thank you so much.”
