In 2019, the world mourned the loss of celebrated chef, TV personality, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) megafan Anthony Bourdain, who tragically passed away in Paris. Known for his unflinching honesty, love for travel, and culinary expertise, Bourdain had also developed a profound passion for BJJ, which became a significant part of his life during his later years.

Bourdain’s journey into BJJ began at the urging of his then-wife, Ottavia Busia, a BJJ enthusiast herself. The sport transformed him, both physically and mentally, and he quickly earned the rank of a blue belt. Training and competing became sources of strength and discipline for Bourdain, who often spoke about the impact BJJ had on his personal growth.

Training with Renzo Gracie and Beyond

Bourdain’s commitment to BJJ saw him train with some of the best practitioners in the world, including renowned coach Renzo Gracie. Gracie, who shared memories of Bourdain in an interview with Ariel Helwani, reflected on the chef’s dedication and warm spirit. “A great soul, unbelievable guy,” Gracie said. “We were with him the whole week. He came three or four times that week right before he traveled to Paris. He was training. He seemed just a little down — he was quiet. He was a quiet guy.”

A Memorable Private Lesson in Turkey

One of the highlights of Bourdain’s BJJ journey took place in Istanbul, Turkey. During a trip there, he took a private lesson with Burak Deger Bicer, Turkey’s first BJJ black belt and head instructor at Corvos BJJ and MMA Academy. Deger Bicer, who recently released exclusive footage of their training session, shared heartfelt reflections about the experience.

In his own words, Deger Bicer wrote, “Last night after posting our photo I remembered we recorded some of our private sessions with late @anthonybourdain. I immediately thought how valuable this is to his fans and family.” This rare footage offers an intimate glimpse into Bourdain’s dedication to the sport, even while traveling.

Bourdain’s connection with BJJ went beyond physical training—it was a way of connecting with people, a pursuit of discipline and mastery, and a source of solace. The release of the footage serves as a reminder of how deeply Bourdain touched lives, both inside and outside the gym.

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