You can't get rid of your past, It is the burden we all must bear, something that is always present even when you are not. Today we are going to have a look at one of the biggest fish in the czech BMX river - Jakub Juza, the guy with a BMX history so rich he could write a book about it. Besides watching his 2009 Mystic Skatepark video from Adam Strojsa`s production, he has gifted us with an interview where he answers questions like the origin of WDGF raiders crew, his point of view on life then and now or why it looks like even better times are coming..The boss himself - JAKUB JUZA.
Hey Jakub, even though you're name is already notorious in BMX world, please give us a bit of an introduction.
Well, hello! My name is Jakub Juza, I am 23 years old from Prague, riding BMX about 13 years. My recent sponsors are Vans bmx that provides me with great shoes and clothes, huge thanks!! Then there is our WDGF crew that gives me support mainly on a mental level. Lately I have started to ride for Federal bikes which was the biggest salvation. I think that's enough to begin.
Great, thanks man. I know your bike has been absolutely wrecked lately. You are based in Prague ever since I know you but I also know you have spent some time with WDGF boys at Hermanova Hut(hood) aka hometown of the young thug Jiri Blabol. Can you tell us more about this experience?
Sure, at the beginning of last September, Me, Martin and Ludek have talked about the brake away from the Prague life for a while. By that time we have just visited Jiri Blabol at his hometown and his daddy told us that he would know about one affordable appartment nearby as well as the job we could get. We did not hesitate, instantly moved in and started to work in the factory a few minutes outside of the town, which was terrible, but you have to experience it yourself to appreciate what you had before. I have quickly realised this and it helped me a lot. Anyway, we have been riding with Jirka a lot too and this was the better part of this period. I would like to thank to Jirka's family for all their help and support. We wouldn't make it without them!
At least you were shredin besides that slavery. We have both mentioned WDGF Raiders so let's dig into this by telling us how/when did the idea of creating your own crew started and what should we know about you.
We have started WDGF Raiders crew by the time we were all working abroad in liverpool. It took us like a month until we have agreed on the name as everyone kept coming up with some nonsense. By that time there was a lot of hating on the Czech BMX association plus some other bulls***s. One day we were just chilling at home after the session and I hope everyone will agree on this as I just simply said "We Dont Give a Fuck" about all of this. And that's how the crew was born.
:-D :-D :-D
The main idea was basically to push the czech scene forward and help it grow again, because It has a rich history and deserves not to be forgotten.
Hell yeah, that's the real talk! What are the plans with WDGF boys for summer? Any trips, events, chills..?
Our aim is to film the full length video with all of our homies and fellaz plus keep on doing what we do know, which is trying to create some content for the Czech BMX scene.
Sick! Now tell us how did you find yourself on the federal team?
Haha, well we have guided the Federal crew on their Prague trip and when they were about to leave to Brno for rest of their trip they have asked us If we wanna join them to film couple of clips into their video. Of course we said yes and joined them but my bike was absolutely falling appart , not even rollin straight. So one day I came back to their appartment and Eisa Bakos asked me If I want to become part of their team. I said hell yes! Actually he even borrowed me his bike so I was able to film some clips for the video and told me that he is going to leave it here when the trip ends. So he gave me his frame + handlebars and Stevie Churchill added both of his wheels! Biggest respect to these lads!!!
That's terrific! And what about you vs the internet? Are you watching BMX videos a lot? Which rider inspires you the most? Give us some of both local and foreign ridaz.
I try to check all of the videos available however my latest internet connection sucks and it just doesn't work every once in a while. When it does though, I like to check all kinds of riding. No matter if it's Park, Vert, Street or Big air, I like to see it all. Some of my most favourtie riders are AK, Nathan, Garrett and all the legends. Nowadays there are tons of incredibly skilled riders. And if you want some names from the local czech scene, then i say Martin Svoboda, Jiri Blabol, Michal Smelko and everyone who shreds whatever comes to their way.
Haha you are such a classic! You are right though. BMX is BMX so let's just have fun with it. No disciplines, all together! This video is from 2009 and now we have 2016, What change since then and if you compare it then and now, what period do you like more?
When I was filming for this video, I was 17 and riding every day at Mystic skatepark. I really liked it back then but wouldn't wanna experience it again. It took me somewhere and I am really thankfull for that though. There was a way more BMX events and competitons back then but it kinda didn't work and I think it's mainly because of the amount of money that have been poured in from the companies that have nothing to do with BMX at all. Obviously those companies have quickly realised there are no benefits for them and after the year or two they have simply cut it. So I don't take the current state of BMX as a downgrade but more of a lesson that everyone who like BMX should learned from.
I think you got the point. You have travelled a lot over your time in BMX, where did you like it the most and what is the place you don't ever wanna come back to?
Well, one of the best places I've ever been to is Malaga. That place was really chilled out and it felt peacefull all the time. And the worst? I have spent one month in Moldavia doing there some temporary job which was a bit sketchy. Even though this place was weird af if I would have been there as a tourist, then I am sure I would enjoy it like anywhere else, because it's way different if you are just a tourist or trying to survive somewhere.
You're right, it's a whole different game when you are trying to make a living somewhere than just chillin around. Now If you want to say some last words, shout outs and thanks or whatever you got in mind, let's do it.
I would like to thank to all of my homies, Martin, Ludek, Cenda, Vita, Jirka and everyone else for being such a rad dudes helping me out whenever I needed it. Thanks to my mum for all time support in what I do. Vans for great support and last but not least to Federal bikes, specialy to Stevie and Bakos for building my new bike out of theirs. This was like a dream come true! Also thanks to everyone who have read this and you for interviewing me mate. Last message for everyone: Enjoy the life to the fullest! Peace.
Pow pow! Great job Jakub. Thank you for your time and wish you luck in the future.
Now to make it clear for those who don't know this crazy mofo yet, let's have a look at his latest Video #WDGFUNIVERSE. Ballin hard all day!
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