Basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal, is a well-known UFC enthusiast, has been training in Jiu-Jitsu since 2000, initially under Royce Gracie and later with Jonathan Burke in Florida.

His martial arts skills were showcased on the TV show “Inside the NBA,” where he impressively demonstrated a takedown and controlled ground movement against his former NBA colleague, Charles Barkley.

This display highlighted Shaq’s proficiency in Jiu-Jitsu, gained from years of practice and training in the discipline.

Shaq’s former coach Alvin Gentry has recently talked about how Shaq used to like to practice his BJJ with NBA teammates, naked.

According to Gentry, Shaq would prank his team mates, where he would take them down, and grapple with them, wearing nothing.

Shaq with Royce Gracie

Gentry revealed the disturbing “prank” details in a recent interview.

“The thing that he did that he got to be notorious for is that, every few days or every week or so, he would decide that it was time for this Brazilian naked wrestling contest.

You would never know who the chosen one was, but what would happen when you least expect it, this 7-foot, 310-pound guy would turn the corner, and he would be stark naked and he would run right at you full speed, grab you, he would take you to the floor and then he would do about five rollovers with you. And he would always tell our trainers who it was going to be, so they were always prepared for it, but you never knew who it was going to be.”

Even the coach was a victim of Shaq’s pranks:

“Yes, I was a victim of this. I had to go to therapy a bit after that.”

Sloth Jiu-Jitsu: The Ultimate Guide for Calmly Beating Bigger, Younger Opponents

💥 What if slowing down was the fastest way to win? 💭 Tired of Getting Smashed by Younger, Stronger Grapplers? It’s not your age. It’s your strategy. If you’re a passionate grappler over 35 who’s sick of getting outpaced, outmuscled, or out-cardio’d by opponents half your age — this 120 page e-book was made for you. 🔓 Unlock the Power of Sloth Jiu-Jitsu:

Build Sustainable Strength—Without Wrecking Your Joints, Energy, or Jiu-Jitsu

Tired of waking up sore and burnt out after lifting? Sloth Strength is a proven blueprint for grapplers over 35 who want to get stronger—without the pain, burnout, or injuries.

Developed from 25 years on the mats, this no-burnout approach is made specifically for BJJ athletes in their 30s, 40s, and beyond.