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Join David Meyer and John Will as they sit down with the legendary Rigan Machado—one of the most influential figures in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and a key member of the iconic Machado and Gracie families. In this in-depth interview, Rigan shares his journey from growing up in a house full of future BJJ champions, to dominating competitions in Brazil, pioneering Jiu Jitsu in the United States, and working with Hollywood’s biggest stars.

Discover untold stories about the origins of the UFC, the family dynamics that shaped modern martial arts, and Rigan’s unique philosophy on training, teaching, and living with purpose. Whether you’re a seasoned martial artist or new to BJJ, this conversation is packed with wisdom, history, and inspiration.

This episode is directed and hosted by Dave Meyer, produced by Robbie Lockie and music by Robel Borja.

Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more interviews with martial arts legends!

Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction: Meet Rigan Machado
01:15 – The Machado & Gracie Family Legacy
04:30 – Rigan’s Early Years in Brazil
08:00 – Training with Family: The Big House
12:45 – Competing in Judo, Sambo, and Wrestling
16:20 – Moving to the United States
20:10 – Building BJJ in America & Hollywood Connections
25:00 – Celebrity Students and the UFC
29:30 – Rigan’s Movie Career & Directing
34:00 – Teaching Philosophy & Advice for Students
38:15 – Awarding the Coral Belt & John Will’s Impact
42:00 – Final Thoughts & How to Choose the Right Academy
45:00 – Outro: Stay Connected & What’s Next

Links from the show

Walker Texas Ranger - Machado clip
​​https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JUSqG89vWwI

Rigan Machado school in Beverly Hills
https://www.theacademybeverlyhills.com/

Blow for Blow movie
https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B0FBKL6F9Q/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r

Music “Disambiguation” by Robel Borja https://open.spotify.com/artist/7j0DUZ79z4edeLkU2H1UoJ?si=eISl0YfaQ-yLThljs48j5A

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Unlock the secrets to true confidence with Dave Meyer, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt and martial arts champion. In this episode, Dave shares powerful stories from the mat, including lessons from legends like Gene LeBelle and the Machado brothers, and reveals the real difference between confidence, underconfidence, and overconfidence.

Discover practical tools to build lasting confidence, avoid the pitfalls of arrogance, and learn how humility can be your greatest ally. Whether you're an athlete, entrepreneur, or just looking to level up in life, these insights will help you perform under pressure and grow from every challenge.

Timestamps and chapters below make it easy to jump to the moments that matter most.

This weeks show was directed and hosted by Dave Meyer, produced by Robbie Lockie, with title music kindly provided by Robel Borja.

Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more wisdom from the lab!

Chapters From This Weeks Episode

00:00 – Introduction: Lessons from Gene LeBelle

00:24 – The Power of Confidence in Martial Arts

01:42 – What Is Confidence, Really?

02:54 – Underconfidence: Holding Yourself Back

05:08 – Overconfidence: Lessons from the Mat

07:10 – The Dunning-Kruger Effect Explained

09:05 – Is Overconfidence Ever Good?

10:33 – Building True Confidence: 3 Essential Steps

13:20 – Step 1: Build Your Defense

14:32 – Step 2: Create Your Evidence Bank

17:06 – Step 3: The Pre-Mortem Technique

19:00 – The Role of Humility in Confidence

20:45 – Final Thoughts & Your Confidence Journey

21:48 – Outro: Subscribe for More Lessons

Links from this weeks show

Gene LeBell

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gene_LeBell

Jean Jacques Machado

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jean_Jacques_Machado

Kruger & Dunning (1999) “Unskilled and Unaware of It…“

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10626367/

Music “Disambiguation” by Robel Borja https://open.spotify.com/artist/7j0DUZ79z4edeLkU2H1UoJ?si=eISl0YfaQ-yLThljs48j5A

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Step into a transformative conversation between BJJ Black Belt David Meyer and world-renowned author and spiritual teacher Dan Millman, best known for "Way of the Peaceful Warrior." In this episode of the Ageless Warrior Lab, discover how martial arts, mindfulness, and self-awareness can unlock your true potential—no matter your age or background.

Dan Millman shares his journey from world champion gymnast to bestselling author, revealing the winding path of turning passion into purpose. Learn why self-knowledge, service, and adaptability are the real keys to a meaningful career and life. The discussion dives deep into the power of being present, the role of ego, and how to manage stress through simple yet profound practices like mindful breathing.

Whether you’re an athlete, entrepreneur, or seeker of wisdom, this interview is packed with actionable insights on:

1. Finding your calling and making a living from what you love
2. The importance of staying physically and mentally agile as you age
3. How martial arts and sports teach us about life, fear, and resilience
4. The paradox of ego and the art of expanding your circle of compassion
5. Practical tips for mindfulness, stress management, and daily presence

Don’t miss Dan’s personal stories, practical advice, and the six words that can change your life: “Here and now, breathe and relax.”

This episode was directed and presented by Dave Meyer, produced by Robbie Lockie, with music kindly provided by Robel Borja.

👉 Like, comment, and subscribe for more interviews with legends in martial arts, personal growth, and wellness.

Links From The Show:

Dan Millman

https://www.peacefulwarrior.com/

Way of the Peaceful Warrior

https://a.co/d/36wx7ob

No Ordinary Moments

https://a.co/d/alZz8UO

Carlos Castaneda

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carlos_Castaneda

Jack Lalanne

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_LaLanne

The Need to Win

https://www.wisdom2be.com/gems-poetry-wisdomstories/the-need-to-win-by-chuang-tzu

Thomas Merton, the Way of Chuang Tzu

https://www.ndbooks.com/book/the-way-of-chuang-tzu/

Harbin Hot Springs Watsu

https://harbin.org/body-work/in-water/

Music “Disambiguation” by Robel Borja https://open.spotify.com/artist/7j0DUZ79z4edeLkU2H1UoJ?si=eISl0YfaQ-yLThljs48j5A

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What if the secret to winning—on the mat, in business, and in life—wasn’t about overpowering your opponent, but about understanding them better than they understand themselves?

In this episode, BJJ World Champion and entrepreneur David Meyer shares the life-changing lesson he learned from a crushing defeat at the World Championships in Rio. Discover how the principles of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu can help you close multimillion-dollar deals, build powerful partnerships, and even navigate tough conversations in today’s divided world.

You’ll learn:

1. The 3 rules for guiding anyone to a win-win outcome
2. How to leave your ego at the door and unlock new opportunities
3. Real stories from the world of martial arts and business
4. How to apply these lessons to product development, marketing, job interviews, and more

If you want to become a better negotiator, leader, or communicator, this episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiring stories.

This episode was directed and presented by Dave Meyer, produced by Robbie Lockie, with music kindly provided by Robel Borja.

👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more wisdom from the lab!

🔔 Don’t forget to hit the bell so you never miss an episode.

Episode Sections

00:00 - Introduction: Lessons from the Mat

00:41 - Learning Through Loss: The 1998 World Championships

02:13 - The Power of Understanding What Others Want

02:38 - The Three Rules for Winning Negotiations

04:23 - Balancing Intent and Adaptability

05:31 - Applying the Rules: From Judo to Business

09:15 - Creating Win-Win Solutions for Sponsors

12:24 - Changing Perspective to Find New Options

13:48 - Product Development: Waterfall vs. Lean Startup

14:16 - Applying the Skill to Relationships and Politics

15:49 - The Three Rules Recap & Outro

Links for Show notes:

Music “Disambiguation” by Robel Borja https://open.spotify.com/artist/7j0DUZ79z4edeLkU2H1UoJ?si=eISl0YfaQ-yLThljs48j5A

Nino Schembri vs Dave Meyer 1998 BJJ World Championship

https://youtu.be/zUysb6lDl7c?si=PU69e1E-ySJGKyqM

Gene LeBell

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gene_LeBell

Gokor Chivichyan

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gokor_Chivichyan

Adopt-a-Pet

https://www.adoptapet.com/

Cris Levy, Encore Media Partners

https://www.linkedin.com/in/cristopher-levy/

https://encoremediapartners.com/

“Why It Pays to Get Inside the Head of Your Opponent,” published in the Journal “Psychological Science”

https://willmaddux.web.unc.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/15846/2019/01/Psych-Science-PT-Negotiations.pdf

“Compliance Without Pressure: The Foot‑in‑the‑Door Technique,” published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology

https://psycnet.apa.org/record/1966-10825-001

Abbie Moore, head of product and ultimately the CEO of Adopt-a-Pet.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/abbie-moore/

Lean Startup

https://theleanstartup.com/

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In this episode, we dive deep into the art of transforming adversity into opportunity. Join us as we follow a journey from the mats of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Rio, through nonprofit challenges, to the heart of animal rescue during Hurricane Katrina. Discover how setbacks, injuries, and unexpected obstacles can become the very fuel for growth, resilience, and success.

You’ll hear personal stories of overcoming physical injury, navigating high-stakes nonprofit negotiations, and finding gratitude even in the toughest times. Whether you’re an athlete, entrepreneur, or anyone facing life’s curveballs, this episode is packed with wisdom, practical philosophy, and inspiration to help you write your own next chapter.

This episode was directed and presented by David Meyer, produced by Robbie Lockie, with music from Robel Borja

Timestamps / Chapters

00:00 – Introduction & Setting the Stage

00:23 – Training in Brazil: The Blue Belt Challenge

01:09 – Injury on the Mat: A Setback in Rio

02:23 – The Alchemy of Outcomes: Turning Bad into Good

03:26 – Inspiration from Jean Jacques Machado

05:08 – Training with One Arm: Lessons in Adaptation

06:48 – The Power of Resilience: From Loss to Growth

11:21 – Business Alchemy: Nonprofit Negotiations & Sponsorships

19:21 – Stoic Wisdom: Obstacles as Opportunities

24:01 – Martial Arts Mantras & Mental Toughness

29:30 – Owning Your Attitude: Pain vs. Suffering

34:55 – Raising Your Baseline: Practicing Gratitude

39:15 – Hurricane Katrina: Animal Rescue & New Beginnings

46:51 – Full Circle: Growth, Success, and Podcasting

47:10 – Final Thoughts: Write Your Next Chapter

If you enjoyed this episode, please like, comment, and subscribe! Share your thoughts below—what’s an obstacle you’ve turned into an opportunity?

Links from the show

Music “Disambiguation” by Robel Borja https://open.spotify.com/artist/7j0DUZ79z4edeLkU2H1UoJ?si=eISl0YfaQ-yLThljs48j5A

Rigan Machado https://www.theacademybeverlyhills.com/instructors/rigan-machado/

Renzo Gracie https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Renzo_Gracie

Jean Jaques Machado https://jjmachadoassociation.com/about-us/jean-jacques-machado/

Adopt-a-Pet.com https://www.adoptapet.com/

Petfinder.com https://www.petfinder.com/

Marcus Aurelius, Meditations https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meditations

The Daily Stoic https://dailystoic.com/podcast/

“The Obstacle is the Way” book https://a.co/d/7NXXkGr

Sensei Stephen Copping https://youtu.be/Gbq6Wpb1DVk?si=tO5DBLkHU7PEJXCX

Epictetus https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epictetus

Best Friends Animal Society https://bestfriends.org/

North Shore Animal League https://www.animalleague.org/

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Welcome to Episode 2 of our podcast, featuring an in-depth conversation between host David Meyer and his mentor, the legendary martial artist and instructor John Will. In this episode, John shares his extraordinary journey from being bullied as a child in Australia to becoming one of the most influential figures in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) and martial arts education worldwide.

John Will recounts his early days traveling through Southeast Asia, training in diverse martial arts styles, and founding Australia’s first martial arts magazine, Blitz. He discusses his pivotal encounters with the Gracie family, the Machado brothers, and his role in bringing BJJ to Australia. The conversation dives deep into the philosophy of martial arts, the importance of attention to detail, the distinction between discomfort and injury, and how martial arts principles apply to life beyond the mat.

Whether you’re a martial artist, a coach, or someone interested in personal growth, this episode is packed with wisdom, humor, and practical insights. Don’t miss John’s reflections on teaching, building a martial arts association, and the impact of technology on learning and society.

Connect with John Will:

1. Website: https://www.bjj.com.au/
2. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/john.b.will.7/
3. Academy: https://www.redcatacademy.com.au/

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, like, comment, and share! Your support helps us bring more inspiring conversations to the community.

This episode was presented and directed by David Meyer, Produced by Robbie Lockie, with music by Robel Borja.

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction: Meet John Will

02:23 - John’s Martial Arts Origin Story

03:49 - Early Adventures in Southeast Asia

07:11 - The Diversity of Indonesian Martial Arts

09:32 - Competition and the First World Silat Championships

12:09 - Founding Blitz Magazine & Spreading BJJ

16:40 - Meeting the Gracies and the Machado Brothers

22:09 - Bringing BJJ to Australia

25:40 - Building an Association and Teaching Philosophy

28:18 - The Power of Attention to Detail

31:05 - Life Lessons from Martial Arts

36:05 - The Role of Luck and Merit in Success

40:47 - Technology, the Internet, and the Future

46:18 - Final Reflections & How to Connect with John Will

48:30 - Outro: Subscribe and Stay Tuned

Links from the show

Don Draeger

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donn_F._Draeger

Pencak silat

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pencak_silat

Blitz Magazine

https://www.facebook.com/blitzmartialarts/

“Training for Competition: Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Submission” Grappling by Davd Meyer

https://a.co/d/531zuUz

Music “Disambiguation” by Robel Borja https://open.spotify.com/artist/7j0DUZ79z4edeLkU2H1UoJ?si=eISl0YfaQ-yLThljs48j5A

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Welcome to the Ageless Warrior Lab! In this episode, BJJ Black Belt and Dirty Dozen member Dave Meyer reveals the secrets to getting better, faster—on the mats, in business, and in life. Drawing on decades of martial arts experience, Dave shares three powerful rules that separate those who dabble from those who dominate.

Whether you're a Brazilian Jiujitsu practitioner, an entrepreneur, or anyone striving for self-improvement, you'll discover actionable strategies for deliberate practice, goal setting, and harnessing the power of feedback. Plus, hear personal stories, scientific studies, and practical tips you can apply today.

Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction: Why You’re Not Improving

01:10 - The Myth of Practice Makes Perfect

01:43 - Rule #1 Practice Makes Permanent, not Perfect.

03:00 - What Really Drives Improvement

05:20 - The Power of Deliberate Practice

08:00 - Amplifying Your Training for Maximum Results

11:00 - Rule #2: No One Accidentally Reaches the Top of Everest

13:30 - The Science of Goal Setting

16:00 - Measuring Progress: KPIs and Real-World Examples

19:00 - Rule #3: The Truth Will Set You Free (Feedback)

22:00 - Stories of Humility and Growth

25:00 - How to Use Feedback to Accelerate Success

28:00 - The 80/20 Rule and Focusing on What Works

30:00 - Recap: The 3 Rules for Getting Better, Faster

32:00 - Closing Thoughts & How You Can Help Improve the Podcast

This episode is presented and directed by David Meyer, produced by Robbie Lockie, music by Robel Borja

(https://open.spotify.com/artist/7j0DUZ79z4edeLkU2H1UoJ?si=eISl0YfaQ-yLThljs48j5A

If you enjoyed this episode, please like, comment, and subscribe! Your feedback helps us grow and bring you more wisdom from the lab.

Professor John Will

https://www.bjj.com.au/pages/john-will

1993 study in Psychological Review. “The role of deliberate practice in the acquisition of expert performance”

https://psycnet.apa.org/record/1993-40718-001

Adopt-a-Pet.com

https://www.adoptapet.com/

Regan Back, Louis Selincourt, Better Faster Further

https://www.betterfasterfurther.com/

About Frank White, Yoga instructor

https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2005-aug-21-me-white21-story.html

2007 paper in the Review of Educational Research called “The Power of Feedback.”

https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.3102/003465430298487

Rigan Machado

https://www.theacademybeverlyhills.com/instructors/rigan-machado/

Eric Ries, Lean Startup

https://theleanstartup.com/

Post about Dave

https://www.startuplessonslearned.com/2018/06/a-non-profit-lean-startup-story-of.html

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Welcome to the Ageless Warrior Lab podcast!

In this debut episode, I share my personal journey from a childhood in Los Angeles studying martial arts, to becoming a world champion in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and my unexpected path into animal welfare and tech entrepreneurship.

You'll hear stories about training with legends, building a global nonprofit, and the life lessons I've learned along the way.

Whether you're passionate about martial arts, personal growth, or making a difference in the world, this podcast is for you.

Join me as we explore how the principles of martial arts can help you achieve your goals and live a more fulfilling life.

Subscribe for inspiring stories, practical advice, and a behind-the-scenes look at the Ageless Warrior mindset.

Let me know in the comments what topics you'd like to hear about next!

This episode was presented & directed by David Meyer, produced by Robbie Lockie, music kindly provided by Robel Borja.

**Chapters:**

1. **Introduction & Podcast Purpose** (00:00)

2. **Martial Arts Beginnings** (01:00)

3. **Training, Teaching, and Meeting Legends** (02:00)

4. **Competing and Achievements in BJJ** (03:00)

5. **From Martial Arts to Animal Welfare** (04:00)

6. **Building Adopt-a-Pet.com & Tech Journey** (05:00)

7. **Hurricane Katrina Rescue & Celebrity Involvement** (06:00)

8. **Philanthropy, Books, and Global Impact** (07:00)

9. **Lessons Learned & What’s Next** (08:00)

**Links mentioned in this episode:**

* Music “Disambiguation” by Robel Borja https://open.spotify.com/artist/7j0DUZ79z4edeLkU2H1UoJ?si=eISl0YfaQ-yLThljs48j5A

* “Training for Competition: Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Submission” Grappling by Davd Meyer https://a.co/d/531zuUz

* Dan Millman, author of “Way of the Peaceful Warrior” and many other books. https://www.peacefulwarrior.com/ https://a.co/d/1ziTUZg

* Sound City recording studio https://soundcity.la/

* Hurricane Katrina pet rescue https://www.facebook.com/Adoptapetcom/posts/-can-you-feel-the-love-in-this-photo-heres-a-tbt-photo-of-adopt-a-petcom-founder/10151723850438239/

* Adopt-a-Pet.com https://www.adoptapet.com/

* Drew Barrymore “The Save-a-Pet Show” Adopt-a-Pet.com (then called 1-800-Save-a-Pet.com) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mj-xPkSmbgM

* The Total Dog Manual https://a.co/d/gqfyY1r