Shadow Day with Filipe Mota and Nyjah Huston

At 13 years old, Brazil's Filipe Mota is in a tricky situation. His incredible talent on a skateboard, with the seasoned style of a skater twice his age, has been recognized worldwide over the past few years; he basically does the best tricks in the best way possible. But, now the world gets to watch him grow up from adolescence through to adulthood as he continues to rack up the accolades. We hope he likes the attention, because when you're this good, the cameras will never NOT be on you ever again—get used to it, Filipe.

Currently living in Los Angeles, California, Mota rides for Primitive and Nike SB, and is working on a new video part. Mota joined fellow Monster rider Nyjah Huston at his state-of-the-art private park recently—watch 'Shadow Day' here—further proving that he can hang with the big dogs. (Of the experience, Mota says, "That day was so fun! It’s so cool to talk with some of the best skaters in the world.") Learn more about what makes this prodigy tick in our Monster Army interview, below:

How old are you and when did you start skating?

I’m 13 years old and I started skating when I was 7.

What was the scene like in Brazil when you started?

It was not very strong because I lived in the interior of Minas [a state in Southeastern Brazil]. As Minas no longer had a very strong skate scene, I skated practically alone.

Did you have a favorite video that you would watch for inspiration?

Yes: Primitive's Encore video.

When did you start coming to the U.S.?

I started in 2019, but I never went back to Brazil again.

Are you pretty much living in Los Angeles now?

Yes I’m living here now.

You've been on our radar for a couple of years now and it feels like we've watched you progress really quickly! What's your process for learning new tricks and filming then?

I just think about what I can film that would be cool, and I think about trying new tricks every night before I fall asleep.

Do you have any new tricks you've been focusing on lately?