In this episode of the Partizan Podcast, I'm joined with Chris "Bones" Burns to chat with the legendary Chris Haueter, one of the "Dirty Dozen" aka first 12 American BJJ Black Belts.

We dive into the early days of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, the infamous Gracie Challenges, training with Rickson, and the mindset you need to succeed on (and off) the mats. Plus, hear stories about the origins of BJJ in America, cross-training in the early UFC days, and the philosophies that shaped modern grappling.

→ https://www.thebjjproject.com/ — Learn from Chris Burns & Chris Haueter

→ https://www.combatbase.com/product/combat-base-camp-2025/ — Train with Chris Haueter this July

Train with Chris Burns:

📍 Zero Point Gracie Jiu-Jitsu HQ

5/15 West St, Brookvale NSW 2100

https://www.zeropointgjj.com/

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00:00 How Chris started martial arts/BJJ

08:30 Gracie Challenges

14:00 How did BJJ become mainstream?

19:50 Cross Training/Early UFC Fights

23:00 Training with Rickson

26:00 "It's not who's good, it's who's left"

29:00 What started the Gracie Challenges?

30:54 Not Every Gracie Won their challenge match

32:00 French Martial Art Savate

33:00 Different Jiu Jitsu Styles

42:00 Training Cultures

43:00 Ecological Approach

46:00 Advice for Beginners

49:00 Inventing the Gauntlet and Hazing

53:00 Importance of Leadership in BJJ

55:00 What's next for Chris

We’re diving into the most controversial opinions in BJJ — no filters, no holding back.Let us know your thoughts in the comments! Agree, disagree, or somewhere in between — we want to hear it.

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1. Leg locks should be taught to beginners. 00:00

2. If you can't wrestle you can't fight 6:50.

3. Royce Gracie was the first BJJ Influencer. 10:20

4. Drilling is dead. 13:45

5. Chokes over the jaw are fair game. 22:18

6. The Gi will make you better (but it's boring) 27:40

What are your thoughts on BJJ grading tests and ceremonies?

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