In 2016 Anthony Bourdain entered the IBJJF New York Spring International Open and won gold in the Master 5 (age 5055) blue belt middleweight division. Video shot by ‪@JohnRicard‬.

Anthony Bourdain was a passionate fan and practitioner of Brazilian JiuJitsu (BJJ). He began training in BJJ in his 50s and continued to train and compete in the martial art until his death in 2018. Bourdain was awarded a blue belt in BJJ and was known to frequently train at Renzo Gracie's academy in New York City. He also traveled to Brazil to train with some of the top instructors in the country and often spoke about the discipline and physical and mental benefits of practicing BJJ. He was also a vocal advocate for the martial art and frequently promoted it on his TV shows and through his social media channels.