On this episode of The Gi Spot, Rach and Kaz are joined by Chris “Bones” Burns, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt with a mission that goes far beyond drilling sweeps and submissions—preserving the elegance and simplicity of jiu-jitsu’s original philosophy.

Chris shares his personal journey through the art, including the sacrifices he made—like selling personal valuables just to attend Rickson Gracie seminars—and the profound lessons he took from time spent with Rickson, his family, and other key figures in the lineage such as Chris Haueter and James Driskill. For Bones, jiu-jitsu isn’t just a martial art; it’s a living history, one that risks being diluted if its roots aren’t honoured.

With passion and clarity, he “geeks out” on the characters, traditions, and philosophies that shaped the foundation of the art, reminding us why simplicity, presence, and respect remain the cornerstones of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. This conversation goes beyond techniques—it’s about culture, legacy, and carrying forward the soul of the gentle art.

If you’ve ever wondered what’s at stake when a martial art evolves—or why looking back is just as important as moving forward—Bones’ perspective will leave you rethinking the way you train, teach, and honour the mats.