Since last summer, second-year Ontario Tech men's hockey defenceman Marko Jakovljevic has become somewhat of a two-sport athlete. He began practicing jiu-jitsu last July and has enjoyed every minute.
 
"I lived in Oshawa full-time and needed something to fill my evenings. I've been doing it consistently since July and love it," he said. "I try to train as often as I can. Between school, work and hockey, getting in the gym every day is tough, but I try to get in three times a week."
 
Jakovljevic trains with team DNA BJJ in Whitby, but he's only competitive in one competition due to his busy schedule and commitment to the Ridgebacks. 
 
"I've only done one competition so far as I don't want to risk unnecessary injury during the hockey season as that is my priority right now, but I'm planning on competing again at the first opportunity," said Jakovljevic. "I always want to be training even though my schedule is extremely busy during the hockey season."
 
According to Jakovljevic, jiu-jitsu played a significant role in preparing him for this season. 
 
"It has definitely helped in hockey and preparing me for the season, the physicality of a grappling combat," he said. "Combat sports translate well to hockey's physicality and help me stay in prime shape. But the mental side of it is something that I've worked on and find that it has greatly helped my game during hockey."
 
Jakovljevic is focused on this season and his potential hockey career outside the university. However, he will continue practicing martial art whenever he's not on the ice.
 
"Hockey and the Ridgebacks are my priority. I am fully focussed on the season and bringing the best outcome for my team as possible," he said. "There is a long off-season with the sport, so jiu-jitsu is something I can continue to do during the summers."
 
He isn't just practicing jiu-jitsu to pass the time. He has a goal in mind and hopes to pursue a jiu-jitsu career once he stops playing hockey.
 
"I can see my hockey and jiu-jitsu career being long. When someone starts the sport, it is like a journey," said Jakovljevic. "My goal is to become a black belt and never stop learning, which is a 20-year process. When I'm done hockey, I can put all my attention towards jiu-jitsu."
 
It has also helped Jakovljevic personally. He credits the sport for helping him escape from the demanding season and recommends that every high-level hockey player try learning martial arts.
 
"It's almost like a moving therapy," says Jakovljevic. "When you've been doing one sport for your whole life at a high level for so long, it's nice to get a different look and change it up."