Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks is spending his offseason training kung fu in China's Wudang Mountains. The team's official X account posted footage of Brooks honing his martial arts skills on Monday, September 7, as he looks to add a new dimension to his game following a season where the Suns lost their last five games, including a 122-131 defeat to the Oklahoma City Thunder on April 28, 2026.
How is Dillon Brooks training this offseason?
Brooks has built a reputation as a gym rat, someone who treats working on his basketball skills like an addiction. This summer, he's complementing that intense regimen with the ancient practice of kung fu. The Suns shared video of his training session, showing the forward engaged in precise movements and stances high in the Wudang Mountains, a region deeply connected to martial arts history.
He is not the first NBA player to see value in combat sports. Five-time All-NBA selection Anthony Davis, now with the Washington Wizards, has previously trained in boxing. The transferable skills, like concentration, rhythm, and overall strength and conditioning, are clear benefits for any athlete.
What did Brooks achieve last season with the Suns?
On the court last season, Brooks played the best basketball of his career when healthy. He averaged 20.2 points per game, marking the first time he has ever averaged over 20 points for a season. His impact was even greater in the playoffs.
In every postseason game the Suns played, Brooks averaged 26 points per game. He shot 45.9% from the field, 43.8% from three-point range, and a perfect 100% from the free-throw line. This scoring surge was a bright spot for a team that finished its season on a five-game losing streak. You can review the team's full schedule and results on our [fixtures](/fixtures) page.
What challenges does Brooks face?
One significant flaw in Brooks's game last year was his propensity for technical fouls. He committed 17 technicals, a total that led to a suspension at one point. Brooks has publicly stated his intention to commit fewer technical fouls next season.
This is where his offseason kung fu training could pay a major dividend. Martial arts are traditionally associated with improving discipline and mental control in its practitioners. For a player known for his fiery on-court demeanor, cultivating that inner calm could be a big change. Improving his composure would directly address his biggest weakness.
Why does this matter for the Phoenix Suns?
The Suns are coming off a tough end to their season, having lost their final five contests. Integrating a more disciplined and physically refined Dillon Brooks is important for their rebound. His All-Defensive team credentials already make him a key piece, and any improvement in his overall game boosts the team's ceiling.
If Brooks can maintain his raise scoring, especially his efficient 43.8% playoff three-point shooting, while cutting down on the technical fouls that cost his team, he becomes an even more reliable weapon. His offseason dedication, now taking him to China, shows a player committed to maximizing his potential. The Suns will need every bit of that as they look to turn their recent form around. Check the latest team news and player availability on our [injuries](/injuries) page ahead of the new campaign.
