You’ve probably heard that Mark Zuckerberg (CEO of Meta), Elon Musk (CEO of Tesla and SpaceX), and Andrew Wilson (Chairman & CEO of Electronic Arts) are into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), But beyond the headlines and tech world buzz, there’s a quieter, more personal story unfolding behind the scenes at Metavurx Studios a creative company based in the Philippines, led by Neil Fernandez Jr., who also trains in BJJ.
For Neil, BJJ isn’t about being like the big names in tech. It’s about learning how to think under pressure, lead with clarity, and build a culture of discipline, lessons that translate directly into managing projects, motivating teams, and growing the studio with intention.
Running a game and animation studio means constant decision-making from client demands to creative direction.
Neil shares.
BJJ forces you to stay calm when things get overwhelming. That’s exactly what happens in business. You can’t panic, you have to breathe, assess, and adapt.
This kind of presence under pressure has helped him lead the Metavurx team through fast-paced projects, tech pivots, and tight deadlines with more composure.
BJJ Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, Andrew Wilson and Neil Fernandez Jr.: More Than Just Games and Animation
At Metavurx Studios, it’s not just about producing high-quality 3D, VR, or interactive experiences; it’s about building a company where discipline, self-awareness, and growth matter.
That’s where BJJ fits in.
It’s a reminder that:
- Consistency beats talent.
- Humility creates space for learning.
- Problem-solving works best when calm and strategic.
Promoting Sports Culture in the Office
Neil encourages the idea that team members, especially in creative and tech-heavy roles, should have a physical outlet, whether that’s BJJ, basketball, yoga, or any sport that builds mental clarity and resilience.
Because when the body moves, the mind resets.
And when the team feels better, the work gets better.
Why It Matters
BJJ isn’t about fighting. It’s about learning to slow down, stay grounded, and improve every day. Neil applies those same values to Metavurx from client relationships to team feedback sessions and game testing.
“Even when we’re animating a scene or refining a build, we try to bring that same mindset: deliberate, focused, and open to improvement,” Neil says.
Final Thought
Whether you’re coding a game, directing a 3D film, or rolling on the mat, the mindset is the same: stay composed, solve problems, and grow through the process.
And for Neil Fernandez Jr., BJJ continues to be one of the quiet forces shaping his journey both as a person and as a studio founder.
