For those that listened to Ariel Helwani’s recent interview with WWE Champion CM Punk, you learned that he knows his MMA and is also a white belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, training when his schedule allows it.
As a Gracie Jiu-Jitsu student, Punk (Phil Brooks) did a session with Rener Gracie recently, filming a video for the Gracie Breakdown YouTube channel where they explain the setup of the triangle choke in the Royce Gracie vs. Dan Severn battle from UFC 4.
In the seven minute clip, Punk plays the role of Gracie while Gracie acts as Severn, going through the motions of how to defend against the choke and explaining what Severn did wrong in getting caught. For those unfamiliar, Rener is the son of Rorion and the grandson of Helio.
Punk made himself known to the MMA world when he was reportedly set to walk out with Chael Sonnen for his UFC On Fox 2 bout against Michael Bisping. That didn’t happen for a variety of reasons which he addresses in the Helwani interview.
Watch the whole clip after the jump.