Scott Burr, the Author

Scott is also a gifted writer. A graduate of Colorado College’s creative writing program, he has published several fiction and non-fiction books available on Amazon and Audible.

His publications include:

• Worth Defending: How Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Saved My Life (co-authored with Richard Bresler): A firsthand account of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu’s early days in America. Available on Amazon 

• Confessions of a Hollywood Trainer (with John Petrelli): Behind the scenes of elite celebrity fitness. Available on Amazon 

• Blood in the Water: America’s Assault on Innovation (with Kip Azzoni Doyle): A powerful exposé of the U.S. patent system. Available on Amazon 

• Superhero Simplified: Essays on martial arts, health, and mindset. Available on Amazon 

• Get a Grip and Suspend Your Disbelief: Strength training manuals. Available on Amazon 

• We Drove Out to the Desert, Bummed Out City, and We Will Rid the World of You: Literary fiction. Available on Amazon 

• Scott describes the creative process with clarity and humility: “We don’t consume a piece of art; we have a relationship with a piece of art... You bring your ear and I bring my voice and what happens between them is always something new.” (SeriousReading.com, Jan. 2016) 

Black Market Kimonos:"Roll Heavy | Travel Light"

Scott is also the founder of Black Market Kimonos, a brand focused on lightweight, travel-friendly BJJ gis for the on-the-go practitioner. With a mission of community and connection, Black Market Kimonos supports the idea that BJJ is more than a martial art—it’s a lifestyle and a global passport to friendships on the mat.

My Time with Scott

I first heard about Scott while on a trip to California to train with Master Rickson Gracie. I had seen him in some of Master Rickson's academy videos but hadn’t met him yet. As I was preparing to fly home, my friend Jack Taufer recommended Worth Defending: How Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Saved My Life. I found it on Audible and listened to the entire book during my return trip.

Fast forward to my next training trip to Torrance, and Scott was there—joining our group! My coach Danny Dring and I stayed at Redondo Beach and enjoyed an amazing three days of training. We shared great food and laughter the night we all arrived, then hit the mats hard the next morning. Over the course of the trip, we did a private lesson with Scott in Chris Haueter's garage (Combat Base), trained at an air hangar with Chris Burns, took a group private with Master Rickson, and finished off with a dual lesson led by both Richard Bresler and Chris Haueter. Watching my coach roll with Master Rickson and getting to train with that level of talent made it one of the most memorable weeks I’ve ever had on the mat. 

After California, Scott made a stop in Arkansas and taught small group privates at both my academy and our affiliate school LDMA in Sherwood. I’ve done three private lessons with Scott to date—each one packed with technical insight, fresh perspectives, and refined concepts. As a second-degree black belt with nearly 20 years on the mats, I always appreciate training that helps me level up. Working with Scott has definitely done that. 

Scott will be visiting our academy again on Friday, May 16, and Saturday, May 17, 2025. While many slots are already reserved, we still have limited availability Friday late afternoon and Saturday mid-afternoon. Contact us at Força Martial Arts if you’d like to book a lesson. 

Scott also joined me on my podcast, Life Unraveled, where we explored his martial arts journey, training under Master Rickson, and his approach to writing. Watch the full episode here.