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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