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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Why is it that blue belts quit BJJ? What should you focus on if you want to stick around?

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Partizan Podcast Episode #9 – Sirena Allen-De Guzman

In this episode, Sirena Allen-De Guzman shares her incredible journey—from growing up on a sailboat to discovering Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. She opens up about the challenges she faced, including being groomed by her coach, stepping away from the sport, and the difficulties of returning.

Sirena also discusses her bold career shift, leaving the corporate world to become a full-time firefighter. We deeply appreciate Sirena’s courage in sharing her story.

If you or someone you know is struggling with relationship or child abuse, please reach out to the support networks listed below. You are not alone.

Australian Resources: 🔹 1800RESPECT (National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service) 📞 1800 737 732 🌍 www.1800respect.org.au

🔹 Kids Helpline (For young people up to 25) 📞 1800 55 1800 🌍 www.kidshelpline.com.au American Resources:

🔹 Love Is Respect (For teens and young adults experiencing unhealthy relationships) 📞 1-866-331-9474 🌍 www.loveisrespect.org

🔹 Crisis Text Line (For immediate emotional support) 📱 Text HOME to 741741 🌍 www.crisistextline.org

Meet Dave Krstic. He started off as traditional as it comes, even being awarded a 4th degree Black Belt by Pedro Sauer and the Gracie University Affiliation.

Now, Dave has left the affiliation and runs his practice purely through using the Constraints Based Approach, also known as the use of Ecological Dynamics, with absolutely no drilling whatsoever.

What has Dave learned about being a coach in his nearly 30 years of grappling training? Where do our traditions come from?

Fascinating discussion! Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

Dave can be contacted on Instagram below.

https://www.instagram.com/grapplinginthegrey/

https://www.instagram.com/techniquejiujitsutemplestowe/

What's the best martial art for self defence? Brazilian Jiu Jitsu? Wrestling? Boxing?

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Is training only twice per week enough to improve, or a waste of time?

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