Best known for his work on the CNN show Parts Unknown and the Travel Channel’s No Reservations, Anthony Bourdain has recently taken up Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at the Renzo Gracie Academy with his wife, Ottavia who is a blue belt under Renzo and an active competitor.
Bourdain recently tweeted out that he had received his first promotion from one of the head instructors at the Renzo Gracie school, Igor Gracie.
The Brazilian Jiu Jitsu belt system for adults progresses from white, to blue, purple, brown, and then black, with further belts awarded to instructors. So while it is a very minor promotion, many who walk through the doors of BJJ schools and don a loaner gi for their free first class never make it to even this point.
Ottavia is an avid fan of MMA and Anthony has also taken to the sport as well, attending UFC events and tweeting about them. So while there is certainly bigger and more important news in the MMA world today, from one MMA fan and student of BJJ to another, congratulations Anthony!