The Ageless Warrior Lab

In this deep dive on how to stay strong, flexible, and injury-free as you age, I discuss the four essential laws for longevity in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and combat sports. Drawing from decades of BJJ training experience at nearly 64 years old, I break down why protecting your joints is the single most important factor in athletic longevity, and reveal the critical difference between flexibility and m...

I've spent 36 years in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu — competing, winning world titles (and losing them), and learning from every moment on the mat. In this episode, I'm sharing 15 battle-tested strategies for achieving victory in grappling, business, and life.  Winning isn't about overpowering your opponent — it's about positioning, timing, adaptation, and psychology. Whether you'r...

In this in‑depth interview with Brazilian Jiu‑Jitsu grandmaster Professor Rorion Gracie, eldest son of Hélio Gracie and co‑creator of the UFC, we explore the origins of Gracie Jiu‑Jitsu, the creation of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, and why BJJ is such an effective self‑defense system. Rorion shares how he brought Jiu‑Jitsu to America, the philosophy behind the Gracie Academy and Gracie Univ...

Big John McCarthy is one of the most influential figures in MMA history — not as a fighter, but as the man who helped write the rules that shaped the sport. In this episode, we sit down with the legendary MMA referee, BJJ black belt, and founder of the COMMAND referee training program to talk about what it really takes to protect fighters inside the cage. Big John breaks down why fighters are wire...

GSP reveals he hated fighting — so why did he become the greatest MMA fighter of all time? In this raw, unfiltered conversation, Georges St-Pierre breaks down the mindset, preparation, and mental tools that built a legend. 🥊 What we cover: Why GSP hated fight night but kept competing anyway How bullying and a difficult childhood became his greatest fuel The truth about confidence: "It's...

IIn this episode, I sit down with Peter Maguire — historian, war crimes investigator, Rickson Gracie black belt, and the co-author of two books with Rickson Gracie : the New York Times bestselling Breathe: A Life in Flow * and the follow-up Comfort in Darkness: The Invisible Power of Jiu Jitsu *. Thank you for listening and I hope you enjoy my interview with Peter Maguire. Links to Find Peter Magu...

Host Dave Meyer sits down with Professor Robert Drysdale — IBJJF Black Belt Heavyweight World Champion (2005), ADCC Absolute Champion (2007), undefeated MMA fighter (7-0), and author of multiple books on the history of BJJ. They cover the decline of self-defense training, the warrior ethos of Carlson Gracie, competition vs. memorized moves, and how to keep training well into your 60s and beyond. F...

In this episode, I break down what strategy really is—and how it can help you go after goals that look like a long shot from where you are right now. Back in the year 2000, I decided I wanted to stop millions of dogs and cats from being killed in animal shelters. I had no job, no money, and no obvious way to do it… so if you were betting on me, it would have been reasonable to bet against me. The...

Adam Treanor is one of the most passionate and knowledgeable voices at the intersection of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and law enforcement. Adam is 25-year veteran of Southern California law enforcement, serving as both a police officer and deputy sheriff. In this conversation, Adam and I get into the training gap that has cost lives and dollars, why a BJJ blue belt may be the most important credential a...

Eric Ries created the Lean Startup Method — principles that mirror martial arts: don't overcommit, test first, adapt. We discuss why success breeds failure, how "financial gravity" corrupts organizations, why companies like Costco resist it, and how his new book Incorruptible offers a blueprint for institutions that last. Social Links https://www.linkedin.com/in/eries/ https://x.com...

Justin Flores is a coach's coach — a University of Nebraska wrestler, elite judoka, and lifelong grappler who has spent decades blending judo, wrestling, and Brazilian jiujitsu. He's coached UFC champions, judged at CJI, and built J Flow Academy to help instructors integrate takedowns into their jiujitsu curriculums. In this conversation, we cover what makes grappling disciplines differe...

In this episode, we sit down with Lachlan Giles — ADCC veteran, leg lock specialist, physiotherapist, and head coach at Absolute MMA St Kilda in Melbourne, Australia. With decades in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and a PhD in physiotherapy, Lachlan brings a uniquely thoughtful approach to both competition and coaching. Instagram lachlan_giles Absolute MMA St. Kilda https://absolutemma.com.au/locations/absol...

In this episode, I sit down with Erik Paulson, a true pioneer of mixed martial arts and one of the first Americans to compete professionally in Japan's Shooto organization. Erik is the first American Shooto World Champion, a BJJ lback belt under Rigan Machado, and currently coaches top-level grapplers and fighters including the Ruotolo brothers. Links for Show notes: https://erikpaulson.com/...

In this episode, I break down what toughness really means—the ability to not give up or give in to something difficult while continuing to function effectively. I explore the different types of toughness: physical, mental, and psychological, and why developing toughness expands what's possible in your life. I then provide practical methods to develop both physical and mental toughness: hard t...

I sit down with Rikki Rockett, founding drummer of Poison (50+ million albums sold) and fourth-degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt under Renato Magno at Street Sports BJJ. We explore parallels between drumming and BJJ—both demand mental strategy balanced with physical execution. Social Media Links: Instagram ► www.instagram.com/RikkiRockett Facebook ► www.facebook.com/TheRealRikkirockett Faceboo...

Burton Richardson is a Black Belt Hall of Fame martial artist with over four decades of training. He's an instructor under Dan Inosanto in Jeet Kune Do and Filipino Kali, trained in Zulu stick fighting in South Africa, an original Dog Brothers member, and has coached top MMA fighters. We discuss his evolution from teaching everything to focusing only on pressure-tested techniques. Burton shar...

In this episode, I sit down with Eugene "Rod" Roddenberry, son of Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry and CEO of Roddenberry Entertainment. Rod is an executive producer on many current Star Trek iterations and founder of the Roddenberry Foundation, which supports causes advancing humanity. We discuss Rod's formative years training Jiujitsu under my good friend Sensei Steve Copping in...

In this episode, I sit down with Cesar Gracie, one of the most influential figures in bringing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to the United States. Cesar is the grandson of Carlos Gracie, founder of the Gracie system, and built the legendary Gracie Fighter Team in Northern California, coaching UFC stars including Nick Diaz, Nate Diaz, Gilbert Melendez, Jake Shields, Dave Terrell, and BJ Penn. We discuss how...

What really works in what's called "the street"? After decades of martial arts training, I can tell you this: most people who think they're prepared for a real fight may be mistaken. In this episode, I break down the truth about street fighting versus sport training. This isn't about forms or point sparring—it's about the six critical variables that can shape a fight:...

In this episode, I sit down with Professor Caio Terra, a BJJ black belt and one of the most accomplished competitors and coaches in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu history. Caio is a multiple-time world champion who competed at rooster weight—the smallest division—yet regularly defeated opponents in the absolute (open weight) division, sometimes facing competitors literally twice his size. He received his bla...

After 30+ years as a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, I recently received my coral belt (7th degree). People keep asking me the same question: How have I stayed in the sport this long without getting sidelined? The answer isn't luck—it's strategy. In this episode, I break down the exact framework I've used to train for decades while minimizing injury. This isn't about avoidin...

In this episode, I sit down with David Mitchell, a BJJ black belt and one of the most dangerous submission artists in Masters competition today. David is ranked #1 in the world for Master 2 No-Gi by IBJJF, has won around 85% of his matches with a 90% submission rate, and recently released his instructional "Ankle Locks Don't Work, and Other Lies" with BJJ Fanatics. Beyond the mats,...

In this episode, I sit down with Professor John Will, one of Australia's most legendary martial artists and the person who brought Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to the continent. John is now a coral belt in BJJ, was the first Australian to earn a black belt in the art, and has over 45 years of teaching experience with everyone from beginners to elite military units, including the Australian Defense For...

Frank Shamrock joins Dave Meyer for a deep, honest conversation about martial arts, MMA, mindset, and the life experiences that shaped one of the most well-rounded fighters of his era. Frank shares his path from a difficult childhood and time in the system to discovering martial arts, training in Japan, and ultimately becoming a UFC champion. This episode goes beyond fight stories, Frank breaks do...

In this episode, I sit down with Coach Krissa Hjartar, a 5-time Icelandic National Judo Champion, IBJJF No-Gi World Champion, and American National Champion in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Krissa shares her incredible journey from training in a small Icelandic town to competing at the highest levels of grappling. We discuss her expertise in leg locks and takedowns, the unique challenges and advantages wom...